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Types of Home Extensions: Design, Cost, & Planning

February 6, 2025|News

North East homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to expand their properties as their needs evolve. Whether accommodating growing families, creating dedicated home office spaces, or simply desiring more room to live and entertain, many are discovering that well-designed home extensions offer the perfect solution. The ability to expand while maintaining harmony with their existing property’s character makes extensions an attractive option for those wanting to avoid the costs and disruption of moving house.

When it comes to expanding your living space, understanding the different types of home extensions available is crucial for making an informed decision. Whether you’re dreaming of a light-filled conservatory, an elegant orangery, or a practical garage conversion, Tyneside Home Improvements offers a range of options to transform your North East property.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various options available through Tyneside Home Improvements and help you determine which extension type might best suit your needs, whether you’re seeking a new living room, dining area, or home office space.

internal view of house extension with white upvc doors

Why consider a home extension?

Home extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years as property owners seek to maximise their available space without the expense and disruption of moving house. A thoughtfully designed extension can create valuable extra room while significantly increasing your property’s market value. From creating a new home office to expanding your kitchen area or adding an extra bedroom, the possibilities are extensive. The key is choosing the right type of extension to complement your existing property while meeting your specific needs.

How much does a house extension cost?

The price of a home extension will vary depending on the size, style, and material choices of your extension, so its’ difficult to give an accurate estimation. However, at Tyneside, we offer free, no-obligation quotes to help you find a more accurate idea of pricing for your particular extension ideas.

Types of home extension: understanding your options

Conservatories: a classic choice

Conservatories remain one of the most sought-after types of house extensions, providing a versatile connection between home and garden. Tyneside Home Improvements specialises in both traditional and contemporary designs, offering Victorian, Edwardian, gable and lean-to styles. Each conservatory is crafted using premium Rehau systems, ensuring superior performance and longevity.

The roofing system you choose plays a crucial role in your conservatory’s functionality. We also offer a range of roof options for conservatories at Tyneside. The Ultraframe glass roof system delivers abundant natural light and can be specified in various frame colours, including contemporary options like Anthracite Grey and Satin Black. For superior thermal efficiency, the Supalite tiled roof system offers excellent insulation and can be designed with Sky Vista Glass Panels to maintain natural light levels.

The Supalite system also comes with a choice of Extralight Tiles or Tapco Slates in various colours to match your existing property!

White_conservatory

Orangeries: heritage style fit for modern living

An orangery represents an ideal middle ground between a traditional extension and a conservatory.

These elegant structures feature solid walls combined with large glass areas, creating a room that feels like a natural part of your home while maintaining a strong connection to the outdoor space. Tyneside’s orangeries are designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind, featuring high-performing windows and doors, your choice of roof system or roof lantern with flat roof, and a luxurious plastered interior finish.

The perimeter ceiling in an orangery can accommodate downlights or integrated speakers, creating a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for dining rooms, kitchen extensions, or living areas. The solid construction ensures excellent thermal efficiency while providing more privacy than a traditional conservatory.

Orangery_external

Garage conversions: maximising existing space

Converting an underutilised garage into living space is one of the most cost-effective types of home extensions. At Tyneside Home Improvements, we offer garage conversions, a type of house extension that involves utilising existing space. One of the benefits of this type of extension is that it doesn’t take up any extra space – it’s an excellent option if you don’t want to lose any garden space.

With the average garage offering approximately 150 square feet of space, this conversion type can add up to 20% more living area to your property. Tyneside Home Improvements provides comprehensive garage conversion services, handling everything from structural modifications to electrical installations and interior finishing.

A garage conversion can serve numerous purposes, from creating a new utility room or home office to designing an additional bedroom or entertainment space. The process involves careful consideration of insulation, ventilation, and natural light to ensure the new room meets current building regulations and provides comfortable year-round use.

Thermal efficiency and comfort

Modern building standards demand excellent thermal performance from all types of extensions.

At Tyneside, all of our installations (including home extensions) incorporate the latest energy-efficient materials and techniques.

Our conservatories and orangeries feature high-performance glazing and innovative roofing systems designed to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. For garage conversions, we implement comprehensive insulation solutions in walls, floors, and ceilings to create a space that’s cosy in winter and cool in summer.

Planning considerations and building regulations

While many house extensions fall under permitted development rights, some projects require full planning permission, particularly in conservation areas or for listed buildings.

At Tyneside Home Improvements, we can provide expert guidance through the entire planning process, ensuring compliance with local authority requirements and building regulations. Our team handles all necessary documentation and liaisons with planning departments, making the process as straightforward as possible for our customers.

aerial view of glass roof edwardian conservatory

Adding value to your property

A carefully planned home extension delivers more than just additional square footage – it represents a sound financial investment in your property’s future. In today’s property market, where flexible living space is highly prized, improvements such as thermally efficient conservatories, orangeries and garage conversions often prove particularly attractive to prospective buyers who value adaptable rooms that can serve multiple purposes.

Types of home extension: contact THI today

Ready to explore how different types of home extensions could transform your property? Tyneside Home Improvements brings over 16 years of expertise to every project, ensuring exceptional results that exceed expectations.

Our family-run business understands the importance of creating perfect living spaces that enhance both your lifestyle and property value.

Contact our expert team today to discuss your extension plans and receive professional advice on the best solution for your home. You can reach us through our online contact form, call us on 0191 489 5063, or email sales@thi.uk.com to arrange your free consultation and begin your journey towards creating your ideal home extension.

 

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