Category: Extensions

If you happen to be in the market for a house extension right now and are looking for something a bit more innovative and creative than those brick and glass single storey extensions that most of your friends seem to have signed up to, then take a look at some of the following house extension design ideas. We can’t take credit for these particular examples – which were all designed by other architects – but it does illustrate the possibilities for an extension when you work with an architectural designer like BDS.

Continue reading “9 Stunning Contemporary House Extension Design Ideas”

Moving into a new home can give you a fresh start, but what if you’ve always loved the home you’ve lived in? There are two main ways that you can get more space in your home and start anew; either decide to move house or extend your existing home. Each option comes with advantages and disadvantages, ranging from relative costs to property space. Below are some of the most important things to consider to help you choose whether you should move house or extend your property. Continue reading “Move House Or Extend – What’s Involved?”

Getting an extension built onto your existing home is all about creating more space. But if you’re a family who likes to spend time together then it’s all about giving you a certain type of space. And that means looking at your lifestyles both individually and together as a family. Continue reading “Achieve A Spacious Family Home With A House Extension Architectural Designer”

Once you’ve made the decision that it makes more sense to build an extension onto your existing property than move home altogether, the next step is to find out exactly how much this is going to cost.

And that’s why, in this article, we have researched the various types of extension you can consider for your home, and how much you can expect to pay for each. Continue reading “Architectural Design Fees For Small Home Extensions – What Should You Pay?”

Happily, for most of us looking to expand our current living space it’s possible to consider various types of home extensions without planning permission. In other words, we don’t require our local authority’s approval – provided we stay within their stipulated guidelines.

There are exceptions, of course, such as extensions to listed buildings and properties sitting within a conservation area. But, for the vast majority of home owners it’s possible to just go right ahead and contact your preferred architectural designer. He or she will then be able to advise on whether or not your proposed home extension falls within your council’s own building regulations (guidelines may differ slightly between different local authorities).

Continue reading “Is It Possible To Build House Extensions Without Planning Permission?”

The foundations for your much-anticipated brand new kitchen, dining or bedroom extension may not be visible to the naked eye, but their importance cannot be over-stated. And yet, when it comes to working out how deep foundations for a single storey extension need to be, there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Continue reading “Calculating The Depth Of Foundations For Single Storey Extensions”

So you are seriously considering the possibility of adding an extension to your humble abode?  Great idea. It will certainly cost you far less money – not to mention hassle – than moving home altogether if the reason you are tentatively planning that new extension is to achieve more space for you and your family. Continue reading “7 Incredible Two Storey Extension Designs To Take Your Home To Another Level”

Extending your home can transform your lifestyle and add value to your property. With some careful planning and expert design, extending is a positive investment; increasing the value of your home by more than the costs involved. So how much does it cost to build an extension?  Continue reading “Planning The Cost Of Building Your Ideal Home Extension”

A cardinal rule of architects and architectural designers is never to advertise specific prices online, not that we have anything to hide, but because no two extensions are the same. So many variables come into play – such as materials, location, access, soil type and timeframe – that two superficially similar extensions could end up varying quite widely in cost. Continue reading “How Much Do Two Storey Extensions Typically Cost Per Square Metre?”

This is often the first question we get asked! We understand every client wants to receive quality and value so we’ve put together this guide to help you plan for costs, and gain familiarity with the variables which affect price.

We recommend budgeting between £1,000 – £2,000 per square metre. Obviously, there is quite a difference here, however this covers both single and double height structures, options for building materials and the amount of glazing incorporated etc.

Continue reading “How Much Does It Cost To Build An Extension?”

Mid terraced houses pose a challenge for would-be house extenders. With detached and semi-detached properties, spatially planning a house extension is fairly straightforward. Many properties can be extended to the side, rear or even the front. Plus, many properties have the option of loft conversions/extensions to further expand the available living space. Terraced properties are a different proposition. Continue reading “Two Storey Extensions For Mid Terraced Houses – 3 Mistakes You’ll Want To Avoid!”

If you’re having trouble visualising your dream house extension, home extension drawings from an architectural designer can help bridge the gap between dreams and reality. In this article we explain what home extension drawings are and the role they play at each stage of your house extension project.

Continue reading “How To Plan Your Dream House Extensions With Home Extension Drawings”

Bi-folding doors are a popular and practical design feature for house extensions. They have the potential to open up your living space, making your garden more accessible and giving you more options on how to use your extension.

Here are some of our favourite modern house extension ideas from this year that incorporate bi-folding doors. Please note that these examples are not taken from our own portfolio, but are given as indicators of what an architectural designer can achieve for your house extension. To discuss your own ideas, please get in touch with one of our designers today. Continue reading “4 Design Ideas For A Modern House Extension With Bi-Folding Doors”

More homeowners in Derby are finding it makes more sense to extend their property than move up to a bigger home. Certainly it’s less expensive and far easier (considering how difficult it is to obtain a mortgage these days). In addition, the number of new build homes coming available in and around Derby is still insufficient to fulfil local demand for adequate housing. Continue reading “Extending Your Home In Derby: Understanding The Basics”

If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect home extension to transform your house, then with record low interest rates and stunning special offers from BDS Architecture Ltd, there’s never been a better time. Continue reading “Now Is The Perfect Time To Extend Your Home”

Like thousands of other people around the UK each year, you may have reached the stage where your current home no longer has enough living space for your needs, but are reluctant to move house. In this case a house extension is probably your best option. The good news is that a high-quality house extension will almost certainly cost you less than moving to a bigger home, while also increasing the value of your property when you do come to sell. You must now decide what sort of extension you need for your family. In this article we will briefly introduce the main types of house extension, to give you an idea of the possibilities for your property.

Continue reading “I Want To Extend My House – What Are My Options?”

All home extensions must fall within the approved principles of the government’s Building Regulations 2010 Act of Parliament. This involves a strict approval process where the work is overseen by a local government officer and certified as passed if indeed it does comply. Continue reading “What Are The Architectural Regulations For Extensions?”

Having an extension built onto your home can prove quite an upheaval for you and your whole family. It’s important that when you do finally go ahead and commission your dream extension, that it’s done professionally and exactly to your specifications.

Hiring a credible architectural design company is paramount. Like most people, you’re probably not in the habit of regularly commissioning specialist architectural services. So how do you go about it? Here are some good tips to follow that certainly wouldn’t do your project any harm.

Continue reading “8 Things To Look Out For When Choosing Architectural Design Services For An Extension”

Every new build, including new houses, conservatory, loft or barn conversions, must begin life with good design. The design architect needs to formulate ideas for the new space, together with the homeowner. It is only through collaboration that these ideas can take shape and create a practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Below we share five core principles of good architectural design.

Continue reading “Every New Build, Conversion Or Extension Starts With Good Design”

When it comes to envisioning how to design your new extension, the range of choices for the entire project can be downright overwhelming. There is a notion that architects and architectural designers are only hired for grand estates or public buildings, but this is a misconception. An architect can assist you to make the most out of your personalised house extension or renovation project, no matter the size. They can assist from the design stage through to construction, often advising and helping you save money in the process.

Continue reading “So, Who Is Going To Design Your Brand New Extension?”