Do you really need an extension?
An architect’s guide to reconfiguring your home with interior alterations and improvements

If your goal for 2025 is to extend or renovate your home, but you’re worried about the rising costs of building work and materials, you might be surprised to discover what you can do within the existing floorplan of your home.

At the time of writing (January 2025), the cost of extending is approximately £4000 per square metre. In comparison, the cost of reconfiguring is approximately £2000 per square metre.

But what do we mean by reconfiguring?

When we talk about reconfiguring or replanning your home, we are talking about working with the existing space rather than creating more space through an extension.

Most homeowners are looking for more space, and believe an extension is the way to make this happen. But as architects, we are trained to look at the existing space first to see if it is being used to its full potential – and in most cases, more could be done to utilise the space!

Removing walls, blocking up existing doorways, repositioning windows, moving rooms around and generally rearranging the floor space can have a big impact on your home and might be the most cost effective way to achieve your home goals.

For example, by taking down a wall, or turning two smaller rooms into one larger room, we can achieve an open plan space that not only improves the flow of the home, but enables more connection for those living in the home. This could include a family kitchen where people can be cooking, dining, entertaining or relaxing in the same space.

In contrast, sometimes it’s about creating smaller, quieter spaces alongside these larger open plan rooms to create a sanctuary for relaxing and winding down. A cosy snug is the perfect addition to a home with an open plan kitchen diner, or a private office space to accommodate home working.

Why focus on your existing floorplan?

Building extensions can be costly, time-consuming, and subject to planning permissions. Renovating within your current layout allows you to:

  • Save money: Yes you’ll still need an experienced builder, but you’ll avoid major construction expenses like foundation work, roofing and planning permission fees.
  • Work faster: Less construction work means you’ll be able to complete the project in less time. In most cases you’ll also avoid the planning permission process, which adds a number of weeks to the project.
  • Unlock hidden potential: Many homes have underutilised spaces. With a bit of creativity, these spaces can transform your home.
  • Maintain your outdoor space: Extensions tend to utilise garden or parking space, which is fine if you have plenty of space available. But if outdoor space is limited, it could make it tricky when you come to sell the property.
Structural alterations bifocal doors
Spacious contemporary kitchen planning

Next steps

Like most renovation projects, reconfiguring your property requires careful planning. Here at Taylor and Co Architects we’d encourage you to consider the following factors when planning your project:

Define your goals: Do you need more storage, an extra bedroom, or better flow for entertaining?
Get professional input: As architects, our job is to maximise the space available. We’ll provide creative solutions that you might not have considered.
Set a realistic budget: As with any project, it’s important to set a budget and discuss this with your architect. We can help you to prioritise the changes that will make the biggest impact.

For more information and professional advice, please get in touch.