Category: extension
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‘Triangle house’ wins spot in Grand Designs 2025 final
A striking Caribbean-influenced home in Surrey has become the latest finalist in Grand Designs House of the Year 2025. Triangle House – celebrated for its playful geometry, immersive colour palette and inventive layout – was revealed as the newest contender in this week’s episode. Its selection places it firmly among Grand Design’s best houses of…
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Is it cheaper to extend up or out? I’m about to do both
Is it cheaper to extend up or out? This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot just lately as I plan, early next year, to submit plans to do both as a way of adding some much needed space to the home we have decided to stay in rather than sell and move. I…
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The biggest mistake I made when extending my home
When we renovated and extended our house, around 10 years ago now, we were on a tight budget and, given that we had no option but to stay living in the property with two children under four, wanted to get it done and dusted as quickly as possible. Having said that, building an extension while…
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How far can I extend without planning permission?
One of the most commonly questions from homeowners looking to build an extension, is ‘how far can I extend without planning permission?’ – particularly if the thought of the red-tape involved in gaining approval seems too onerous. With the help of planning consultant, Simon Rix, we’re exploring why every centimetre matters when it comes to…
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5 things that make an extension look cheap
When you’ve gone to all the trouble of planning and costing a house extension, achieved all the correct permissions to go ahead and start the project, found the ideal builders and lived with upheaval for months, the last thing you want is for the finished result to look cheap. From your choice of materials and…
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What glass do I need for a glass extension?
What glass do I need for a glass extension is a question that should be top of your list when designing an extension. Safety, strength and solar gain are all important factors that need consideration when opting for a structure made heavily, or entirely from glass. Picking the wrong glass is certainly not a mistake…
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Extending a listed building? Tips for a smooth project
It might be controversial to say extending a listed building isn’t for the faint-hearted, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider taking on the challenge. Handled well by using the right experts and professionals, the correct materials and with planning on your side, the results can be breathtaking and definitely worth it. But, what does…
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Five things I wish I hadn’t compromised on when extending
Juggling time, budgets and priorities when you’re building an extension can be all consuming. Particularly when everything seems to cost more, take longer or take precedence when you least expect it to. And, while I’ve always taken a fabric first approach to home expansion plans, believing that if you get the main structure and components…
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‘I finally sleep through the night’: Paralysed man wins back dignity thanks to volunteer builders
A paralysed man from Surrey who spent three years sleeping in his dining room has described how a team of volunteer builders gave him his best night’s sleep in years – by building a home extension for free. Paul Kitterman, from Addlestone, was left paralysed from the waist down in 2021 following a sudden spinal…
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Living room extension ideas that improve your outdoor connection
If you’re considering building an extension, the reason why is generally defined by the need for more space. And while it’s common to see extensions created to house kitchens, if you’re opting for an extension to increase your communal spaces, you may be on the hunt for living room extension ideas. Although open plan extensions…