Transforming a bungalow into your dream home: A guide to bungalow extensions.

Purchasing a bungalow for renovation, extension or even the intention of turning it into a house is an exciting and rewarding venture. With their single-story charm and potential for renovation, bungalows provide a unique opportunity for homeowners to create a space tailored to their lifestyle and needs.

Depending on the size of the bungalow, the plot it sits upon, as well as its proximity to any neighbours, you might be surprised by what can be achieved. Here at Taylor and Co Architects we’ve transformed a number of bungalows, helping our clients to create their dream home with carefully planned extensions and renovations. In some cases we’ve managed to gain approval for a replacement dwelling too, like this new modern house that was built on the existing footprint of the 1980s bungalow.

Read on to discover some of the most common types of extensions that work with a bungalow. If you have a project in mind, get in touch to find out more. to see how we can help.

1. Rear Extensions

With a rear extension you are expanding the bungalow towards the garden. It is ideal for creating additional living space without altering the street-facing facade.

Benefits:

Increased living area: Perfect for expanding the kitchen, adding a dining room, or creating a larger living space.
Privacy: Since it extends into the back of the plot, it often provides a more private and tranquil area.
Garden access: There’s huge potential to enable indoor-outdoor living by providing direct access to the garden.

Considerations:

You may lose garden space, which won’t be a problem if the property sits on a large plot. However, it is important to understand how the extension will affect your outdoor space and garden.

2. Side Extensions

A side extension utilises the space alongside the bungalow, making it ideal for properties with wide plots. This type of extension can be single-storey or multi-storey, depending on the bungalow’s structure and gaining any necessary planning permission approvals.

Benefits:

Versatile usage: Can be used for additional bedrooms, home offices, or utility rooms.
Maintains garden space: You can add square footage without eating into the garden area.
Improved layout: Can help create a more cohesive and functional floor plan.

Considerations:

Boundaries: Check property boundaries and any restrictions on how close you can build to the edge of your property.

3. Wrap-Around Extensions

A wrap-around extension combines both rear and side extensions, wrapping around the existing structure. This type offers substantial additional space and can dramatically change the layout and functionality of the bungalow.

Benefits:

Maximised space: Provides significant extra space for various uses, such as open-plan living areas or multiple new rooms.
Modernisation: Offers an opportunity to modernise and update the overall look and feel of the bungalow.
Flexibility: Allows for a versatile layout that can accommodate various needs and preferences.

Considerations:

Complexity: More complex and potentially more expensive than single rear or side extensions.
Planning permission: Requires careful planning and potentially planning permission approval.

4. Loft Conversions

While not a traditional extension, converting the loft of a bungalow can add valuable living space and an additional floor. This type of extension is especially popular in areas where outward expansion is limited.

Benefits:

Utilises existing space: Makes use of the existing structure, often with less disruption than external extensions.
Additional rooms: Ideal for creating extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a home office.
Increased property value: Can significantly increase the home’s value and appeal.

Considerations:

Head height: Ensure there is adequate headroom for a functional living space.
Structural integrity: Check that the existing structure can support the additional weight.

5. Double-Storey Extensions

For those looking to significantly increase their living space, a double-storey extension is more complex, but can drastically transform the property.

Benefits:

Substantial space: Adds a considerable living area, allowing for new rooms on both floors.
Flexible design: Can be designed to suit various needs, such as additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or living areas.
Enhanced property value: Greatly increases the overall value and appeal of the home.

Considerations:

Structural requirements: Requires a strong foundation and structural support.
Planning permission: Extensive planning and approval process, often with more stringent building regulations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of extension for your bungalow depends on your specific needs, budget, and the property’s characteristics. With building costs now coming in at over £4k per square metre, every inch of space has to be carefully considered to avoid over spending.

Here at Taylor and Co Architects we can help you to design your dream home and maximise your budget. Get in touch to find out more.