Single-Storey Extension Designs: Pros and Cons

A single-storey extension can be an excellent way to enhance your home, providing extra living space without the complexity of a full-scale renovation. Whether you're adding a larger kitchen, a home office, or a new family room, single-storey extensions offer flexibility and potential value to your property. However, as with any major home improvement, there are both advantages and drawbacks to consider before embarking on your project. Careful consideration of your family's needs and lifestyle, as well as consultation with design professionals, can ensure the final result maximises your home’s potential. 

Before deciding on a single-storey extension, it’s important to assess how it will integrate with your current home’s layout and aesthetic. A well-designed extension should blend seamlessly with the existing structure, enhancing the overall flow of the space without overwhelming it. It’s also crucial to consider the long-term benefits—such as increased functionality, potential for future upgrades, and overall impact on the property’s value. By balancing immediate needs with future possibilities, you can ensure that your extension serves both as a practical solution and a worthwhile investment. Working closely with an architect can help you achieve this delicate balance, ensuring a result that enhances both your home and lifestyle.

Pros of Single-Storey Extensions

Increased Living Space

One of the most significant benefits of a single-storey extension is the additional space it provides. Whether you need an open-plan kitchen, a larger lounge, or a dedicated workspace, an extension can make your home more functional and enjoyable. The added space can also improve your home's flow, creating a more open and airy atmosphere that enhances daily living. In many cases, this expansion allows homeowners to accommodate growing families or create dedicated spaces for hobbies and work, increasing overall quality of life.

Enhanced Property Value

A well-designed extension can add significant value to your property, making it a worthwhile investment if you plan to sell in the future. Prospective buyers often seek homes with ample living space, particularly those with modern, open-plan layouts. Additionally, a thoughtfully executed extension can make your home stand out in the real estate market, providing a competitive edge in areas with high demand for spacious properties. Whether you’re planning to sell in the near future or simply want to increase your property’s long-term value, an extension is a smart financial decision.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection

With thoughtful design, a single-storey extension can create a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Features such as bi-fold doors, skylights, and large windows help bring in natural light and improve access to gardens and patios. This creates a sense of openness, allowing for better flow between your indoor living areas and your outdoor spaces. Especially in warmer climates, the extension can become an extension of your lifestyle, offering the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comfort of your home.

More Affordable Than a Two-Storey Extension

Compared to a multi-storey extension, a single-storey addition is generally more cost-effective, as it involves fewer structural complexities and planning requirements. It also typically requires less foundation work, reducing costs further. This makes a single-storey extension a more accessible option for homeowners who want to add space but are mindful of their budget. While costs can still vary depending on the design and materials chosen, a single-storey extension offers a more affordable alternative to larger, more complicated projects.

Easier Planning Permission

In many cases, single-storey extensions fall under permitted development rights, meaning they may not require full planning permission. However, it's always advisable to check local regulations before proceeding. The simplicity of the design often makes the approval process quicker and less complicated, saving you time and effort. Additionally, this makes it easier to avoid lengthy delays and ensure the extension is up and running as quickly as possible.

Cons of Single-Storey Extensions

Potential Garden Space Reduction

Expanding your home outwards may mean sacrificing part of your garden, which could impact outdoor living areas and reduce greenery. Balancing internal space with external aesthetics is essential. It’s important to consider how much of your garden space you’re willing to give up for additional living space and whether that will affect your enjoyment of your outdoor areas. While an extension can improve the indoor environment, it’s crucial to preserve enough garden space for outdoor activities, relaxation, and maintaining the property’s overall visual appeal.

Construction Disruption

While less intrusive than a full-scale renovation, building an extension can still cause noise, dust, and disruption to daily life. Working with an experienced architect can help mitigate these inconveniences by ensuring a well-planned timeline. Careful scheduling of construction phases can help minimise disruption, allowing you to continue living comfortably during the project. Additionally, hiring professional contractors who are experienced in managing home extensions can help maintain a smooth process and avoid unexpected delays.

Costs Can Add Up

Although single-storey extensions are generally more affordable than two-storey projects, costs can still escalate depending on materials, design complexity, and required approvals. Having a clear budget and working with a fixed-fee architect can help keep expenses under control. It’s important to factor in hidden costs like landscaping, finishing touches, and any unforeseen structural challenges. A comprehensive financial plan, coupled with a clear understanding of the project scope, will help you stay on track without overspending.‍

Structural and Planning Limitations

Some properties may have structural constraints or planning restrictions that limit the feasibility of an extension. Consulting an architect early in the process can help identify any potential obstacles. These limitations could include restrictions on the size of the extension, the style of the design, or the materials used. Early discussions with an architect can help ensure that your vision aligns with both local regulations and the physical constraints of your property, avoiding any costly setbacks down the line.

How Loomin Can Help

Designing a single-storey extension requires careful planning and expert guidance. Loomin is a marketplace that connects homeowners with fixed-fee, ARB-registered architects, streamlining the process and ensuring high-quality results. The platform offers a simple way to compare architects and review their past projects, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs. With Loomin, you can manage the entire process online, keeping everything organised and on track from design to build. Whether you're looking for a functional family room or a space to work from home, Loomin helps you bring your vision to life while ensuring the project runs smoothly.

With Loomin’s SaaS-enabled platform, homeowners can:

• Compare fixed-fee quotes from experienced architects. With no hidden fees, you can confidently assess costs and choose an architect that fits your budget, ensuring full transparency throughout the process. By reviewing multiple fixed-fee quotes, you can make an informed decision, knowing there will be no unexpected charges or surprise costs down the line. This clarity helps homeowners focus on their design goals without worrying about fluctuating fees.
• Manage their extension project online, from initial design to completion. Whether it’s submitting plans, approving designs, or sharing feedback, everything can be done through the platform for streamlined communication, saving you time and reducing the need for in-person meetings. You can easily stay on top of progress, keeping track of any changes and ensuring that your extension stays true to your original vision. Loomin's platform simplifies project management, giving you peace of mind that nothing will be overlooked.
• Schedule virtual meetings to discuss design options and planning considerations. Loomin makes it easy to connect with architects from anywhere, ensuring that location is never a barrier to finding the right professional and allowing for more flexible scheduling. Whether you’re in a different city or abroad, virtual meetings ensure timely discussions, so your project keeps moving forward without delays. This flexibility allows you to consult with architects at your convenience, making the design process more accessible.
• Access key project documents and track progress seamlessly. Stay organised and updated with a centralised hub for all your project details, contracts, and timelines, making it simple to manage multiple aspects of the project in real-time. The platform allows you to track the status of your extension at every stage, from initial sketches to final construction, ensuring you’re always in the loop and able to provide timely feedback. With everything in one place, managing your project becomes simpler and more efficient.
• Find and onboard trusted contractors for a smooth construction process. Loomin connects you with reliable contractors who are familiar with passive house principles and sustainable building practices, ensuring that your project stays true to its eco-friendly goals. The platform allows you to access a network of experienced professionals who have a proven track record of delivering quality work on time and within budget. By collaborating with trusted contractors through Loomin, you can reduce the risk of costly mistakes or delays during construction.

By using Loomin, you can ensure that your single-storey extension is designed efficiently, adheres to planning regulations, and maximises both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The platform offers a seamless experience, giving you the confidence to design your dream extension while keeping the process organised and under control. With expert support every step of the way, Loomin helps you navigate the complexities of home extensions, turning your ideas into reality without the stress.

Conclusion

A single-storey extension can transform your home, offering valuable additional space and increasing property value. However, careful planning is crucial to ensure that your design suits your needs, budget, and site constraints. By working with a professional architect through Loomin, you can simplify the process and achieve a high-quality extension tailored to your home’s potential. Start your project with Loomin today and bring your vision to life with expert support, ensuring your extension is both functional and stylish.

Loomin’s platform offers an efficient, transparent process for managing your extension project from beginning to end. With access to expert architects and trusted contractors, you can ensure your home extension is not only beautiful but also built to last. Whether you’re expanding your living space, enhancing your property’s value, or creating the perfect indoor-outdoor connection, Loomin helps you achieve your goals seamlessly.