The best small house extension ideas don't just add new space, they transform existing rooms and layouts.
Savvy designs for porches, side-return additions and rear extensions can all lighten undue stress put on awkward floorplans while reimagining existing spaces, such as lofts and garages, can add value to any size of home.
Here's 20 ideas for building an extension that's small, but mighty.
1. Know What You Want When Looking at Small House Extension Ideas
If you're only looking to add a little, try not to get carried away by sprawling, bank-breaking images for inspiration. Narrowing down where you would like to add a small bit of extra space can make initial searches into designs, styles and ideas far more productive.
This typical terrace house in London was carefully extended to the side in order to create picture windows for a greater connection to the long garden.
Also, the same types of bricks were replicated in the new space, tying it in seamlessly with the original house in an utterly contemporary way.
2. Remember That The Simplest Ideas Can be the Most Effective
When building an extension to a house, especially one you have inhabited for some time, it can be tempting to want to make huge changes. However, often small strategic extensions can unlock the property's potential more effectively (and for a smaller cost).
When extending this semi-detached house, a small sympathetic lean-to side addition was added, creating much-needed extra room for storage, a new cloakroom and utility which seamlessly alleviated other high-traffic and cluttered areas.
(MORE: Extensions for Every Budget)
3. Consider A Small Kitchen Extension for a New Social Space
Check out our photo gallery for Small Kitchen Extension Ideas — it's packed with great designs, advice and top tips.
In love with their Victorian terrace but desperate for a change from the dark, dingy and cold kitchen it came with, the homeowners of this extension delicately added a side return extension to provide the extra space they were looking for.
Rooflights and a stylish kitchen have created a new heart of the home and thanks to the homeowner's DIY efforts, the whole project came in at £45,000.
4. Get Creative with a Small House Extension Ideas
Inspired by a curved brick wall in the garden that was used to store bikes, The D-Haus Company (opens in new tab) knocked through and extended into the small garden space, adding a bright and innovative kitchen space.
Enlarging the back door opening to make way for a striking pivot door and installing a large skylight above the dining table has further transformed the space.
5. Try Extending Living Spaces into the Garden
Rethinking the layout of the original kitchen of this terrace has created a more useful kitchen/living area without needing to sacrifice garden space.
During the building works, the homeowner carefully planned a new garden design and landscaped the outdoor space himself so when the large bifolding doors are stacked back they open onto a tranquil Japanese-inspired space that provides further living opportunities.
6. Keep an Eye on the Budget with a Small House Extension
Keeping an eye on finances during any sized extension is the key to a successful project, especially with materials shortages inflating expenses at every turn.
(MORE: How Much Does an Extension Cost?)
7. Let a Small House Extension Enhance Existing Spaces
The downfall of many larger extensions is that the shiny new space because the central hub for all goings-on in the house, leaving other areas underused and neglected.
This creative micro-extension (just 7m2) achieved everything a bigger extension would – a modern open plan living, kitchen and dining space with views out to the garden– but without the cost of major structural works.
The money was smartly reallocated by MW Architects (opens in new tab) for bespoke joinery and high quality, frameless glazing which creates transformative throughviews throughout the ground floor, not just in the new space.
8. A Basement Might be the Solution to a Small House Extension
Take a look at our guide on How to Create a New Basement
Turning your eye downwards to create new space can be a great idea where plot size is limited or where a loft conversion or rear extension is not possible due to height and size restrictions.
This rather clever scheme by design practice Paper House Project (opens in new tab) excavated the ground around an uninhabitable cellar to create a new kitchen. The stepped courtyard and expanded lightwell brings light in, while a small porch extension replaced a dated lean-to.
9. Add a Small Lean-to Side Return Extension
Building into the slender strip of space alongside terraced or semi-detached houses is tricky to get right but can make a massive improvement.
While only taking up a small amount of usually wasted space to the rear, a side return extension offers potential to reorganise warren-like layouts.
A key consideration to make is natural light. This small extension by Archer and Braun Architects (opens in new tab) utilises a fixed picture window, a large rooflight and contrasting pivot door to connect the kitchen to the outdoors.
(MORE: How to Transform a Semi-detached Home)
10. Look to the Front for Small Extension Ideas for Semi-detached Houses
This previously converted garage was largely demolished to make way for a new space designed by Shomera Architecture (opens in new tab). The extension added around 8m2 to the front of the house, with a newly constructed bay window and zinc roof that ties into the existing house.
To achieve a similar look, be sure to consider thermal efficiency standards for garage conversions and, if you want to build over a garage, check to make sure the foundations are suitable to carry extra load.
11. Give the Exterior a Make-over When Adding a Small House Extension
While respecting the original materials of this terrace house, The Gentleman Architect designed a small side-return extension and dormer loft conversion which truly makes an impact.
The Corten cladding to both additions elevates the existing house and makes the house feel as one. Large format sliding doors further help to modernise the previously dated property.
12. Consider a Small Garden Room Extension
Whether the purpose is as a new sitting room or home office, creating a garden room or outbuilding is without a doubt a great, and sometimes cost-effective, way to increase space.
While similar projects as this gorgeous addition by Vale Garden Houses (opens in new tab) start at £35,000, alternatives can start at £10k — more than a shade cheaper than paying to demolish and rebuild walls!
13. Increase Space with a Small Link House Extension
When renovating this cottage, the homeowners chose to simultaneously convert the derelict granary barn which sat adjacent. By linking with a small glazed extension, their design married old and new effortlessly.
14. Replace Solid Roofing with Glass to Make Small Spaces Feel Bigger
By pairing flat rooflights with clerestory windows, what could have been a dark and pokey transition from some space to the next feels light and spacious in this semi-detached extension.
(MORE: Window Styles)
15. Add a Porch for a Charming Small House Extension
Porches are an incredibly practical way to extend a home, without the cost or labour associated with bigger projects. Adding a small addition like this can often be completed under Permitted Development (within limitations) but can add some handy square footage to the floorplan and improves kerb appeal.
This gable end porch by Anglian Home Improvements (opens in new tab) creates the perfect spot not just to rummage around for keys, but also to house pesky boots and coats.
16. Think About the Costs of a Small House Extension
Eager to add space but also keep to their budget, the owners of this terrace chose to retain their kitchen's position and add a small dining area adjacent.
Internal windows and existing door frames were also updated so their costs for demolishing the existing structure were reduced.
Also, by opting for a smaller extension, the garden remains a decent size while pergola make great use of the courtyard area.
17. Going up with a Small Roof Terrace Extension
For city-dwellers tired of having postage stamp sized gardens – or worse, no outdoor area at all – a roof terrace extension could be just the ticket.
18. Build a Living Room Extension
Create a separate sanctuary space with a new extension, like this addition to a medieval cottage.
Acting as a cosy retreat from the main house, the new room has been sensitively incorporated into the original build with timber cladding.
19. Creating a Porch with a Difference
This glass box extension was designed as a twist on a conventional porch. Built on a brick platform to create a view of the garden, the structural glass box costs £16,000 from Cantifix (opens in new tab).
20. Extending into the Loft
Going up, rather than out, can be a cost-effective way to adding space, but not all loft spaces are suitable and require a dormer or mansard extension to add some needed head height.
This unassuming bungalow was transformed into a four-bed family home by Sketch Architects (opens in new tab).
Assistant Editor Amy began working for Homebuilding & Renovating in 2018. She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. She is currently renovating a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, and has recently fitted her own kitchen.
