How to Get a Cheap House Extension

What if you could extend your home without breaking the bank? The good news is that a bespoke conservatory or orangery from New Windows is an affordable option that adds value both to your home and lifestyle.

Reasons to get a house extension

According to the National Association of Estate Agents, the single best way to add value to your property is to add more space. And a Nationwide survey discovered the average extension could add as much as 20% to the value of your home. 

But extra square footage doesn’t just help you recoup on your investment. If you’re a growing family but you can’t afford to move or you like your neighbourhood, an extension lets you stay put. And as the work-life balance continues to shift, adding a home office or utility room are improvements we just can’t live without.

Why are extensions so expensive?

When it comes to the cost, several factors can have an impact. Where you live, the quality of the finish you want, professional fees and planning permission can quickly see the cost of your extension go beyond your budget. Add in labour, building materials and the final fit-out and the costs can go through the roof.

Converting an existing garage is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to add extra living space but not every home has one. A side return extension won’t need planning permission but it’s not cheap either.

Essentially, an extension requires more varied labour and more varied materials. For example, even a simple extension will need builders, plasterers, electricians, plumbers… The build will also have to comply with more regulations. Insulation rules will mean the walls of your extension will have to be insulated properly, which requires time, money and extra space between internal and external walls. 

A fantastic alternative that can add significant additional space plus plenty of natural light and ventilation for your home is to add a conservatory or orangery. This is a great choice when you want to add an affordable extension that connects your home with your garden and creates plenty of usable space.

They’re cheaper because they use fewer materials, and require less labour to put up. That’s not to say they won’t be sturdy. At New Windows, we always send a surveyor to check the area and work out how deep the foundations will have to be. With our quality products and expert fitters, your conservatory will last for decades.

How much can you extend your house without planning permission?

You might be surprised just how far you can extend without requiring planning permission, as long as your planned structure is within the following guidelines:

• Your extension can cover up to 50% of your garden space
• Your extension can’t be taller than your existing house
• The height of the eaves can’t be taller than three metres if the extension is within two metres of the property boundary

If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, however, you may still need planning permission for an extension even if your plans are within permitted development rights.

Space-saving tips for your new extension

The bigger your new extension the more expensive it will be, so it pays to think small and really get the most out of your budget. 

• Keep it simple: curves are more costly to build and your extension will be easier to furnish if you stick to clean straight lines
• Make a connection with the outdoors: it’s worth budgeting for bifold doors or patio doors to connect the outside and inside and boost the feeling of space
• Retain outdoor space for entertaining to create a cosy yet connected feel in your extension

Planning to extend? Talk to us

If you’re planning to extend by adding a conservatory or orangery, talk to us. At New Windows we’re your trusted local experts in Warminster and we can help you transform your home.

You can visualise your new extension by downloading our brochure for inspiration.