Builder in East Grinstead | Choosing the Best Design Style for a Property Extension
If you have design ideas to expand your living space, working with a reliable builder for the East Grinstead area is essential. Whether you want more room for a growing family, a larger kitchen or an extra bedroom, a well-designed extension can increase the functionality and value of your home. At Apex Design and Build, we help homeowners in the surrounding Surrey and Sussex areas to choose the most suitable extension styles for residential properties.
Before making a decision, it is important to understand the different types of extensions available and how a builder can guide you through the process.
Everything will be revealed here in our latest blog post.
What is a Property Extension?
A property extension is a construction project that adds internal space to an existing home. Unlike loft conversions, extensions typically involve expanding the building's footprint to add to the home in a style that works for the layout.
Common customer and builder goals will often include:
- Adding new bedrooms or bathrooms
- Enhancing property value
- Creating a larger kitchen-diner
- Improving on open-plan living spaces
The key to a successful extension lies in choosing the right design, one that will complement your property’s layout and meet your lifestyle needs. And, just as importantly, choosing the right builder will be instrumental to success too.
Extension Styles
When working with a builder in East Grinstead, you will have several extension styles to choose from. Each style will have different benefits and be suited to a particular type of property. By understanding these styles and talking about your design aspirations with builders, creating a design specification is simple.
Here, we discuss the different extension styles we have available:
Rear-Facing Extensions
This is the most common style for terraced or semi-detached homes. Having a rear extension built opens your interior out into your garden space to create more space for a larger kitchen, a dedicated dining area or a family room.
Benefits include:
- Minimal disruption to the other existing room layouts
- A popular choice for open-plan living
- Ideal for properties in East Grinstead with large gardens
Side-Return Extensions
This style fills the unused alleyway to the side of a house and is often found to be best suited to Edwardian and Victorian properties in East Grinstead.
Benefits include:
- Maximises space without losing garden areas
- Great for improving narrow kitchens
- Usually permitted under local planning rules
Wraparound Extensions
A combination of rear-facing and side-return extensions, this style allows the builder to construct around a property to create a large L-shaped space.
Benefits include:
- A significant increase in the available floor space
- Ideal for open-plan kitchen, diner or living areas
- Adds more value to period properties in East Grinstead
Over-Structure Extensions
This involves building over an existing garage or a single-storey extension.
Benefits include:
- Adds an extra bedroom or bathroom space
- Avoids using valuable garden or side space
- Suitable for growing families in East Grinstead
How to Choose the Right Extension Style
Choosing the right extension depends on your property type, local planning restrictions and how you want to use a space. A builder can assess a home and help you to determine the most practical and cost-effective option.
Key factors to consider:
- Property Layout: A side-return may suit narrow homes, while detached homes often benefit from rear-facing or wraparound styles.
- Available Land: Over-structure options are best when garden space is limited and there is an extension, or a garage, to build over.
- Budget: Side-return and over-structure home extensions are often more affordable than full wraparound styles for those on a budget.
- Local Planning Rules: Some East Grinstead properties sit in conservation areas or are subject to a design around Article 4 directions.
At Apex Design and Build, our builders can provide a detailed consultation to explore what is possible for your home. We oversee the design, all permissions and construction with all work tailored to East Grinstead’s unique landscape.
Why Choose Apex Design and Build in East Grinstead?
We have built a reputation across East Grinstead for an outstanding standard of workmanship, honest advice and the delivery of practical solutions. As an experienced builder, we guide you from the first idea to the final handover.
Our services include:
- Complete design and build packages available
- Planning applications and building control
- Fixed timelines and transparent pricing
- Knowledge of local regulations and housing styles
If you live in East Grinstead or in the surrounding Surrey and Sussex areas and are considering a home extension, our builders are here to help. Contact us today to book a free consultation and learn more about all extension styles.