10 Small Extension Ideas

In the UK, many homes weren’t built for modern living. No parking, small bedrooms and only one bathroom are just some of the problems homeowners face. The most common problem for families though, is a lack of space. 

The home becomes a jumble of multi-functional rooms, with stuff crammed in wherever it can fit. The living room becomes a home office from 9 till 5 or the bedroom doubles as a home gym. It’s time to reclaim your space! Here are 10 small extension ideas which make a big difference.

1. Add a Porch

One of the most affordable small extension ideas is to add a porch. Some houses don’t have a hallway, so the door opens straight into the home. A porch offers a buffer between the home and the outside world. It also gives you more storage options, as you can keep coats and shoes in there instead of taking up room in the home. That helps your home feel more spacious and open.

2. Bay Window

A bay window is another small extension which makes a big difference. A bay window protrudes slightly out from the rest of the house, offering extra space in the living room. If you install a fitted seat in the window, you can include extra storage under the seat as well. It also has the benefit of extra natural light, which helps to make the room feel bigger.

3. Conservatory Roof Conversion

Why not make more use of the space you already have? A conservatory roof conversion is one of the smartest small extension ideas, which means you don’t actually have to build anything new.

Traditional conservatories with a glass or polycarbonate roof are normally too hot in summer and too cold in winter. A tiled conservatory roof conversion means you can use your conservatory all year round. With over 160mm of insulation, it keeps your conservatory at a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather.

It generally doesn’t need planning permission, which is an added bonus for lots of homeowners. That saves lots of paperwork and a tedious legal process. It’s also a lot quicker than building a new extension, as you’re only adding a roof. Here at Lightweight Roofing Solutions, we can typically complete your conservatory roof conversion in a couple of days.

A tiled conservatory roof transforms your conservatory into a usable living space. We’ve seen customers use it as a second living room, home office and even a bedroom. If you would like a new tiled conservatory roof, request a quote or see more of our work.

4. Build a Conservatory

If you don’t already have one, a new conservatory can be a great way to add space to your home. A conservatory connects your home to the outdoors, with large windows and lots of natural light to create a sense of space.

It doesn’t have to be a large conservatory. A small lean-to conservatory will do, with room for a couch, a coffee table and a TV. Then, you can use it as a living room, leaving another room free for other use.

Don’t forget to install a tiled conservatory roof on your new conservatory. This will keep it at a comfortable temperature and allow you to use it all year round.

5. Build an Orangery

If you don’t like a traditional conservatory, you could always install an orangery instead. This has a more contemporary look, with a glass lantern in the centre of a solid roof. This maximises light without compromising on warmth.

6. Extend to the Side

Most people think of extensions at the front or back of your house, not to the side. The land to the side of your house is often wasted, used to store your bins or overgrown with weeds. Side extensions can be a great way to add extra space, without encroaching on your garden or driveway. 

Side extensions also allow you to extend right the way through the house. So instead of just making your living room bigger, you can make your living room, dining room and kitchen bigger.

7. Convert Your Loft

Another small extension idea that uses the space you already have. Convert your loft into an extra room, instead of using it to store your old stuff. You could use it as a bedroom, kid’s toy room or gaming room. Make sure you choose a reputable company for your loft conversion, as it requires proper installation to avoid damaging your home.

8. Box Loft Conversion

If your loft is a little too small to convert into a room? Install a box loft conversion. This is basically an extension that brings your roof straight forward, so instead of a slope it’s like a box. That means there’s more space and headroom, so you can actually use it as a room. Box loft conversions have a modern aesthetic appeal and look great on any home.

9. Build a Garden Room

A garden room is a separate building in the garden, away from the house. This is a great solution for people who want to use their extension as a home office or small business. Modern garden rooms can be fitted with electricity too, so you get peace and quiet whilst still having all your amenities.

10. Add a Veranda

A veranda isn’t strictly an extension, but it still helps you get more use out of your space. It provides a connection between inside and out. Use it for socialising or dining in nice weather. You can even use it in the rain with a proper covering.

Small Extension Decor Ideas

Once you’ve chosen one of our small extension ideas, there are lots of ways to decorate to enhance the sense of space. Here some of our tips

• Light colours – everyone knows that light colours like white or cream reflect light, making rooms seem bigger. Stick to one colour to avoid creating boundaries in the room.
• Natural light – natural light is one of the best ways to create a sense of space, whether it’s through windows or skylights.
• Multiple sources of lighting – when things get darker, it’s best to have multiple sources of light instead of one large overhead light. Otherwise the eye is drawn to one spot, making the room feel small.
• Built-in storage – opt for built-in storage to keep your room clear and maximise space. Think built-in units or seats with storage underneath.
• Sliding doors – connect your room to the outdoors with sliding doors. Open them up in summer to really feel that space.

We hope this has given you some small extension ideas to get the most out of your home. If you would like a conservatory roof conversion, request a quote today. We’re a small family business, with decades of experience and hundreds of happy customers. Just check out our reviews!