If you are the head of a growing family, there will come a time when you will need extra living space and while some people decide to relocate to a larger property, many would prefer to extend their existing home. This article looks at various methods you can use to extend your property, with the aim of helping the homeowner make the right decisions.

• Traditional Bricks & Mortar Extension – Probably the most expensive way to add space to your home, you could construct a single or double storey extension, which would provide you with all the space you could possibly need. Find a local builder who specialises in renovations and granny flat construction and ask them to quote for the project.
• Stand-Alone Modular Building – If you have the space on your property, why not have a modular building sited on a concrete base? This could be used as a home office, a kid’s study room or even an extra bedroom. If you wish to have your parents come and live with you during their retirement years, this would be the ideal solution.
• Loft Conversion – A very popular way to add a room to the house is to make good use of the empty space inside the roof and a loft conversion is cheaper than a tradition extension, as you already have the exterior walls and roof, all you need to do is put cladding on the interior and create a new floor. This is something you could do if you have the basic DIY skills and that would save you a lot of money. It is worth noting that you do not need to obtain planning permission is the conversion is within the existing building boundaries.
• Garage Conversion – Another cost-effective way to add living space is to turn that double garage into a stand-alone room and by adding a car-port, your vehicle can still be protected from the harsh elements. If the garage is built onto the side of the house, all well and good, but if it is some distance away, you could make the unit an independent space that can be used in a number of ways.

If you approach a local custom builder, they would be equipped to design and build the additional space, which will solve the space problem once and for all. Make good use of composite materials and create something that does not require maintenance, then you are not making work for yourself.