The best side extension ideas add more space to your home without eating too much into your garden space, which makes them a popular choice with homeowners.
Whether you want a single or two-storey addition extending out to the side, the available options are incredibly varied. Plus a side extension can be contrasting and bold or sympathetic and subtle - creating great kerb appeal either way.
Below are eight stunning examples of building an extension to the side.
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1. Contemporary Timber Frame Side Extension Idea
A larch and stainless steel addition gives a spacious new wing to a traditional granite farmhouse.
(MORE: Timber Frame Extension)
- Build cost: £466,500
- Location: Aberdeenshire
2. Charming Oak Frame Addition
An oak-framed wing by Border Oak has been added to this 1940s bungalow to create annexe accommodation and add traditional charm.
(MORE: How to Extend a Bungalow)
- Build cost: £200,000
- Location: Kent
3. Glazed Side Extension Idea for an Old Cottage
An old cottage and two derelict barns have been linked by a glazed structure, unifying the structures to create a family home.
(MORE: Barn Conversion Ideas)
- Build cost: undisclosed
- Location: Powys
4. Oak Addition Revamps Tired Bungalow
A small bungalow has been transformed by a dramatic oak frame side extension, with floor-to-ceiling glazing to maximise woodland views.
(MORE: Bungalow Renovations)
- Build cost: undisclosed
- Location: Cornwall
5. Semi-Derelict Barn Transformed
A converted lochside barn has been extended to house utilities. It was clad in larch to compliment the original stonework.
- Build cost: £200,000
- Location: Highlands
6. Contemporary Side Extension Idea for a Thatched Cottage
A contemporary extension with a partially glazed roof doubles the size of the original 17th-century cottage.
(MORE: Radical Extensions)
- Build cost: £210,000
- Location: Oxfordshire
7. Adding Space to Art Deco Home with a Curved Side Extension Idea
This single-storey curved addition has been roofed in stainless steel to provide a writing room, utility room and kitchen/dining room.
- Build cost: £392,000
- Location: Bath
8. Sympathetic Side Extension Idea for a Georgian Farmhouse
The homeowners of this period farmhouse have added space with a sympathetic side extension. It was a challenge to source reclaimed bricks to match the original house, but was an essential step in ensuring that the extension looked the part when complete.
(MORE: Types of Bricks)
- Build cost: £60,000
- Location: North Yorkshire
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Side Extension?
Many side extension ideas and designs will need carefully looking at with your architect in regards to planning permission.
In many cases, you will be able to add a side extension under Permitted Development Rights, as long as the proposed project meets certain criteria, although this may not be the case in conservation areas or areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Here's what you need to consider:
- The extension cannot sit forward of the principal elevation
- It should be built using similar materials
- If it is within 2m of a boundary, the eaves cannot be higher than 3m and not taller than 4m otherwise
- The width of the side extension must not be greater than half the width of the original dwelling
If you are looking to extend outside of this criteria, then you will need approval from the local planning department.
If in doubt, always check with your local authority before starting any building work, You can also see the planningportal.gov.uk for a full list of caveats.
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