Rayleigh, Essex

A front porch extension is a perfect solution for those with smaller hallways. An enclosed porch acts almost like a small extension at the front of the house, where muddy boots and wet outerwear can be shed and stored. Including plenty of glazing in the design ensures the spaces beyond are not dark and gloomy. 

Hatfield Peverel, Essex

The homeowners have always been frustrated that their original property layout did not exploit the surrounding stunning views across the countryside. 

Adding a single storey extension branching out onto their patio area allowed for a number of large format window and doors.

These new openings not only created an instant connection to the outdoor space and views but also provided additional light deep into the main house.

A brick internal brick wall with 3 full height slot windows creates a feature wall within the large open plan space.

Warley, Essex

• A dormer can significantly increase usable floor space. A flat roof dormer may provide two additional bedrooms or a master bedroom suite.
• Dormer windows offer a different view to the outside compared to Velux or roof windows. In rear dormers.
• The addition of one or two dormer windows can improve the external appearance of a property that might otherwise look a bit bland. A well-designed roof dormer can boost the kerb appeal of a home.
• In addition to improving the external appearance of a home, a dormer enhances the inside space. A dormer window recess is the perfect spot for a window seat or desk where added light is required.
• Rooftop windows can provide more fresh air and improve airflow throughout a house.  Hot air rises, so upper floors can become stuffy.
• A dormer window can provide an emergency fire escape to an attic roof.  
• Dormers come in a variety of styles.

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Hook End, Essex

Extending the rear of the property with a full width rear extension created a large open plan kitchen, dining and living space. This suited the new homeowners perfectly as they wanted a family space for week days and an entertainment space for the weekends.

The original property was brick with areas of hung tiles which was very dated and dark. The new look now includes render and cladding which makes the property stand out improving its kerb appeal. 

Rawreth, Essex

If you’re considering building an extension , a glazed addition will not only add value to a home, but will help in creating a connection between the the interior living space and the garden. 

Long gone are the days when a standard PVCu conservatory was the only way to achieve a room with a view outside, thanks to the developments in structural glazing, entire glass rooms can be created as solutions to dark and cramped layouts.

Wickham Bishops, Essex

Single storey pitched roof side extension with additional cladding to the rear elevation.

By pushing out the side wall, the living room and dining area have almost doubled in size.

The enlarged rooms benefit from a number of window and doors allowing the natural light to flow throughout making it feel more lighter and spacious.

The new layout allows the homeowners to comfortably entertain and cater for any special occasion……..mostly importantly for when their grandchildren arrive!

Wickford, Essex

The original semi-detached bungalow was run down and desperate need of modernising and repair. 

The property has a large area of land to the side which was used for a side extension.

The loft space has been converted in habitable accommodation. A rear box dormer and two pitch roof dormers provide a master suite and plenty of storage.

Wickham Bishops, Essex

The rear of the property has been push out via a mixture of two and single storey rear extensions.

The ground floor now accommodates a large open plan living, kitchen and dining space.

An additional bedroom, dressing and en-suite has been added to the first floor.

Relocating the stair to the centre of the house has allowed the box room to double in size.

Render and dark grey window and doors has provided a much needed face lift improving kerb appeal.

Wickford, Essex

Annexes are now a popular addition to many family homes to provide additional accommodation – often to house an elderly relative, hence the name ‘granny annexe’.

Before any building work can start you will need to obtain planning permission for a granny annexe – In most cases, you will need to apply via the Householder Application route or using the Caravan Act. Permitted development isn’t suitable for annexes as there are limitations on what you would be able to use the building for.

Chelmsford, Essex

A multifunctional kitchen extension – i.e. one that will house cooking, dining, socialising, and living spaces – will benefit from a varied roofing structure over one bland, flat ceiling. Different ceiling levels will help define and separate the different functions of the new kitchen area.

Vaulted ceiling extensions don’t just add value and space to a home, but also an architectural drama to any style of interior. 

Chelmsford, Essex

The loft space of this property was very limited with large sloping ceilings which made the bedrooms very cramped and tricky to furnish.

Adding a first floor gable to the brick section has not only increased room but also greatly improved the front elevation.

Cladding has been included to emphasise the new addition and break up the elevation visually.

Beaconsfield, Bucks

The original 1930s property had not been updated for 30 years and was in desperate need of repair and modernising.

The property benefited from a large plot with a plenty of space to the side. This allowed the side of the house to be extended to provide additional bedrooms and a garage.

The loft has also been converted creating a master suite.

The rear extension opens up the back of the property creating a large open plan family space.

Goldhanger, Essex

The rear extension replaced an old conservatory which was barely used because of the uncomfortable temperature changes throughout the year.

A large roof lantern allows natural light deep into the space creating a light and airy room.

The bi-folding doors exploit the view over the farmers fields and during the warmer months can be opened up blending the indoor and outdoor space together.

Brentwood, Essex

Loft conversion achieved via hip to gable roof extension and a rear box dormer.

The extra room created allowed the homeowner to have an extra bedroom with en-suite.

The ground floor has been modernised by removing a diving wall creating a large open plan kitchen/diner. 

Bi-folding doors allow the space to be light and airy.

Shenfield, Essex

Single-storey extensions are usually the cheapest to build, which means you can make a big difference to your home for a smaller investment. Getting planning permission for this type of extension also tends to be easier.

Rear extensions are popular because they usually face onto the garden and are a good way to bring your indoor and outdoor spaces together.

Large windows, garden views and lots of natural light create a sense of bringing the outside in. Connecting with nature in this way makes your living space feel peaceful, bright and welcoming.

Ware, Herts

This proposal consisted of a number of extensions mostly to the rear of the property.

The external materials are a mixture of brick, zinc and render creating a modern look the new homeowners desired.

The master bedroom has a small terrace area with glass guarding adding the contemporary style. 

The front of the property is finished in a more traditional style allowing the property to marry in with the surrounding dwellings.

Brentwood, Essex

A single storey extension is a popular home improvement. It can not only create valuable extra space that, combined with an internal remodel, can drastically improve the layout of your home and the flow of natural light, but it can also (in many cases) be undertaken within the parameters of Permitted Development.

This large open plan space with bi-folding doors and rooflights has dramatically improved this house.  

Brentwood, Essex

The most popular type of loft conversion is the L-Shape conversion with owners of Victorian terraced houses and properties of a similar style. It involves constructing two dormers – one over the roof of the main house and a second above the rear extension. In the majority of cases, the second dormer will be constructed above what is usually the existing kitchen or bathroom. The two dormers meet to form a right angled ‘L’ shape (how this type of conversion came to be named).

The advantage of an L-Shape conversion is that it allows you to almost replicate your first floor in terms of space and design. It gives you the possibility for even two or three new rooms and no other type of loft conversion will give you as much additional space.

Shenfield, Essex

A gabled two storey rear extension with cat slide dormer created a master suite on the first floor. 

The ground floor now benefits from an open plan kitchen/dining/living space.

To improve the external aesthetics the property has been rendered with grey roof tiles and windows/doors.

A front and rear pitched roof dormer has been added to the side roof to provide additional head height to the new guest bedroom.

Wickford, Essex

In most cases, knocking down an internal wall will require Building Regulations consent, although there are times when it may not be required. 

When removing internal walls, Building Regulations will usually apply if they’re providing any protection in the case of a fire. Building Regulations will likely apply to load bearing walls, chimneys, fireplaces or walls around staircases, especially in the instance of a loft conversion, for example, where the walls around the staircase offer protection, allowing you to escape in the event of a house fire. 

Removing these walls would require Building Regulations consent, even if they’re not load bearing.

Maldon, Essex

A small side extension to house a toilet.

Brick detailing to match host dwelling.

Nice and simple.

Hitchin, Herts

The loft conversion has provided an additional bedroom and en-suite.

The ground floor extension now creates a large kitchin/diner.

A pitched roof dormer above the garage adds extra detail to the front elevation and provides a front aspect window the existing bedroom.

Hitchin, Herts

The owners decided to explore the option of a replacement 3 storey dwelling.

The style is of a traditional design to tie in with the existing street scene.

Their fall back option was to simply convert the existing property (Change of Use).