Extension Conversion
Your Extension Conversion Journey
When you're outgrowing your home but don’t want the hassle and cost of moving, a house extension is a smart, cost-effective solution. Instead of enduring the time-consuming and stressful process of buying and selling properties, why not consider expanding your current home to meet your needs? At Attico Construction, we specialize in designing and building extensions that seamlessly blend with your existing property, creating beautiful, functional spaces tailored to your lifestyle—all without the upheaval of relocation.
A home extension is an excellent way to maximize your property's potential, providing additional space that can be customized to suit your requirements. Whether you're looking to add a spacious kitchen, an extra bedroom, a larger living area, or even a home office, a well-designed extension can transform your living experience. It's also a great way to increase your home's value, making it a smart investment for the future.
Whether you're accommodating a growing family or simply enhancing your home's functionality, a house extension is a practical and affordable solution that allows you to stay in the neighborhood you love
Why should I get a Extension Conversion
Cost and space efficiency
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High Return on Investment (ROI): Home extensions are one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your property. A well-executed extension can typically add 15-20% to your home’s value, depending on the size, location, and quality of the work.
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Appeals to Buyers: If you plan to sell your home in the future, potential buyers will be attracted to the additional space, especially if it enhances key areas like the kitchen, living room, or adds an extra bedroom or bathroom.
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Maximizes Space: Extensions transform unused or underutilized outdoor areas into valuable indoor living space. Whether it's a larger kitchen, open-plan living area, extra bedroom, or home office, they make your home more functional and comfortable.
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Lower Costs than Moving: Relocating comes with significant costs, including stamp duty, estate agent fees, and legal expenses. A home extension is often a more affordable solution for homeowners who want additional space without the expense of buying a larger property.
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Avoids the Hassle of Moving: Moving is a stressful process that disrupts your lifestyle and requires significant adjustments. An extension allows you to stay in your current home while enjoying the benefits of more space, with minimal upheaval.
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Permitted Development Friendly: Many extensions fall within "permitted development" rights, meaning they do not require full planning permission. This simplifies the process and makes it quicker and less bureaucratic. Always check with your local authority to ensure compliance.
Comfort and usability
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Enhanced Natural Light: Features like bi-fold doors, skylights, or large windows can flood your extension with natural light, creating bright and airy spaces that feel open and welcoming.
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Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern extensions often include opportunities to upgrade insulation and integrate energy-efficient features, such as double glazing, solar panels, or underfloor heating. These improvements can reduce your energy costs and make your home more sustainable.
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Noise Reduction: Extensions can create quieter, separate spaces for activities like working, relaxing, or entertaining, providing a haven from the busier areas of your home.
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Less Disruptive to Outdoor Spaces: Extensions are built to utilize the existing layout of your property, minimizing disruption to your garden or outdoor areas compared to relocating or larger projects like basements.
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Fewer External Changes: Extensions often maintain the existing architectural style of your home, reducing concerns about external changes that might affect neighbors or require planning permissions.
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More Privacy: Extensions, particularly those that add separate rooms, can create private retreats, such as a home office or guest suite, away from the main living areas of the house.
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Future Adaptability: As your family grows or your lifestyle changes, extensions offer flexible spaces that can be repurposed over time, from playrooms to bedrooms or workspaces.
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Shorter Construction Time: Extensions typically take around 8-12 weeks to complete, which is relatively quick compared to more complex projects like multi-storey builds or basements.
Types of Extension
A home extension is an increasingly popular home improvement project that allows homeowners to maximize available space by expanding their property to create functional, livable areas. Whether you're looking to add a spacious kitchen, an extra bedroom, or a dedicated home office, a home extension offers an excellent solution for enhancing your living environment without the need for moving. By building outward or upward, extensions not only provide additional space tailored to your needs but can also significantly boost your property's value.
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There are several types of home extensions, each offering unique benefits and flexibility depending on the structure of your house, your budget, and your specific requirements. Below are the most common types of home extensions, designed to help you choose the right option for your home:
Single storey
Double Storey
Wrap around
Side return
Single storey Extension
What is a Single storey Loft?
A single-storey extension is a home improvement project that involves expanding your property by adding an additional structure on one level, typically at the rear, side, or both (wrap-around) of your home. This type of extension is ideal for homeowners looking to increase their living space without altering the overall height or adding extra floors to their property.
Single-storey extensions are highly versatile and can be customized to meet a variety of needs. They are often used to create:
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Larger kitchens or open-plan kitchen-diner spaces.
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Living rooms or family areas.
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Home offices or creative workspaces.
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Guest bedrooms or playrooms.
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Utility rooms or storage areas.
With endless design options, single-storey extensions can seamlessly integrate with your existing home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
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Why Choose a Single storey Conversion?
A single-storey extension is a practical and cost-effective way to enhance your living space, offering homeowners flexibility and convenience. It provides a simple solution to accommodate a growing family or create a more functional layout while remaining budget-friendly compared to multi-storey projects. With customizable designs ranging from modern minimalist styles with bi-fold doors to traditional builds that seamlessly match your existing architecture, a single-storey extension can be tailored to suit your personal style. Additionally, it can significantly increase your property's market value, making it a smart long-term investment. Many single-storey extensions fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning planning permission may not be required, which simplifies the process and saves time. Moreover, they allow you to stay in the neighborhood you love with minimal disruption, offering a less intrusive alternative to moving house or embarking on larger construction projects.
South London
Single Storey Extension
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Example of Single storey extension in Croydon | this project took approximatively 12 weeks to complete
Double storey Extension
What is a double storey extension?
A double-storey extension is a home improvement project that involves adding an additional structure to your property across two floors, providing both upstairs and downstairs space. This type of extension is ideal for homeowners looking to maximize their property’s potential without expanding their footprint significantly. A double-storey extension can be built at the rear, side, or as part of a wrap-around design, depending on your home’s layout and requirements. Common uses include adding extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or creating larger living spaces, offering a flexible solution to suit your family’s needs.
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Why Choose a double storey extension?
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A double-storey extension is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking to maximize their living space and investment in one project. By adding rooms across two levels, it provides significant additional space, perfect for expanding families or creating a more functional home layout. It is a cost-effective solution since the same foundation and roof structure are used for both floors, offering exceptional value for the space gained. A double-storey extension can be fully customized to include additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or open-plan living areas, blending seamlessly with your existing home while enhancing both functionality and style. This type of extension also increases your property’s market value, making it a smart long-term investment. Additionally, it allows you to efficiently use your land by building upwards rather than outwards, preserving outdoor space like gardens. Choosing a double-storey extension lets you create the home you need without the stress of moving, enabling you to stay in the neighborhood you love while transforming your property.
North West London
Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion
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Example of Double storey Extension in Richmond | this project took approximatively 14 weeks to complete
Wrap around Extension
What is a wrap around extension?
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A wrap-around extension is a home improvement project that combines a rear and side extension to form an L-shaped structure, wrapping around the property. This design maximizes the available space by extending in two directions, creating a large, versatile area that can be customized to suit your needs. Wrap-around extensions are ideal for open-plan kitchen-diners, spacious living areas, or multi-functional rooms, and they provide an excellent way to transform the layout and functionality of your home while enhancing its overall aesthetic.
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Why Wrap around extension Conversion?
​A wrap-around extension is an exceptional choice for homeowners looking to make a bold and transformative change to their property. By extending in two directions, it offers unparalleled flexibility to reconfigure your home’s layout and create a cohesive, open-plan space that is perfect for modern living. This type of extension not only maximizes your interior space but also brings in an abundance of natural light, often through the use of large bi-fold doors, skylights, or floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. A wrap-around extension is highly customizable, allowing you to design a space that perfectly fits your lifestyle, whether that includes a larger kitchen-diner, additional living space, or a dedicated area for work or relaxation. It is also a fantastic way to increase your property’s value, making it a smart investment for the future. With its ability to blend functionality, style, and space optimization, a wrap-around extension is the ultimate solution for homeowners seeking to elevate their home’s design and usability without the need to relocate.
West London
Wrap around Extension
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Example of wrap around Extension in Twickenham | this project took approximatively 13 weeks to complete
Side Return extension
What is a side return extension?
A side return extension is a home improvement project that utilizes the often-unused space along the side of a property, typically in terraced or semi-detached houses. This type of extension is designed to widen the existing footprint of your home, creating additional internal space by building out into the narrow strip of land alongside the property. Side return extensions are commonly used to enlarge kitchens, dining areas, or living spaces, offering a practical and stylish way to enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your home.
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Why Choose an side return extension Conversion?
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A side return extension is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to make the most of underutilized space and improve their home’s layout. By extending into the side alley, this project effectively transforms what is often a neglected outdoor area into valuable interior living space, seamlessly connecting rooms and enhancing the flow of the home. Side return extensions are highly customizable, allowing for the inclusion of modern design features such as skylights or glass walls that bring in natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. This type of extension is a cost-effective solution for expanding your home without taking up significant garden or outdoor space, making it particularly appealing for properties with limited room. Additionally, it can significantly increase the value of your property while providing a stylish and functional upgrade. Choosing a side return extension lets you maximize your home’s potential, improve its usability, and achieve a more spacious and cohesive living environment without the need for a larger footprint or relocating.
West London
Side Return Extension
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Example of side return Extension in Hammersmith | this project took approximatively 8 weeks to complete
The Process
When it comes to a home extension, the process can be divided into two key phases: Design and Build.
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In the Design phase, we start with a comprehensive site survey and consultation to understand your needs and vision. Based on this, we create detailed architectural plans tailored to your property. Our team handles all aspects of planning permissions or permitted development applications, ensuring your project complies with local building regulations. Once structural engineer approval is secured and all practical details are finalized, we’re ready to move into the Build phase.
During the Build phase, our skilled builders bring your extension plans to life with precision and attention to detail. From laying foundations to the final finishing touches, we manage the entire construction process, ensuring your extension is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Our team is committed to making the process seamless, leaving you with a beautifully finished space that transforms your home.
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If you already have architectural plans, we can seamlessly take over the build stage with our trusted team of contractors.
The Design Phase
1. Site Visit and Assessment
A thorough site visit is an essential first step in the design phase of any construction project. Our team will visit your property to assess the site conditions, including the terrain, access points, and any challenges that may arise during the build. This site survey helps our architects and engineers create tailored designs that suit your specific requirements and the site’s unique characteristics.
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2. Architectural & Interior Design Drawings
Our expert architectural design and interior design services ensure that your vision is brought to life. From conceptual designs to detailed technical drawings, we create comprehensive plans that detail the layout, materials, and finishes. We work closely with you to ensure that both the architectural design (external structure, floor plans, elevations) and interior design (furniture, lighting, space planning) reflect your needs and aesthetic preferences.
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3. Structural Engineering Services
Ensuring the safety and integrity of your building is crucial. Our experienced structural engineers collaborate with our architects to design a safe, robust structure that meets all UK building regulations. From calculating load-bearing capacities to designing foundations and steel reinforcements, we ensure that your building stands the test of time. Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, our structural engineering expertise guarantees peace of mind.
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4. Planning Permission
Before construction can begin, obtaining planning permission from your local council is essential. We assist you in navigating the planning process by submitting all required documentation, including detailed drawings and proposals. Our team is well-versed in local regulations and will work with you to ensure your project complies with zoning laws, building codes, and environmental guidelines. We'll handle the paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to worry about any legal hurdles.
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5. Party Wall Agreement
If your project involves shared walls or structures with neighbouring properties, a Party Wall Agreement may be required. Our team can help you navigate the Party Wall Act (1996) to ensure that your building project is carried out smoothly and legally. We will liaise with your neighbours and ensure that all necessary agreements are in place, protecting both your interests and those of the surrounding properties.
The Build Phase
Here’s a easy-to-follow guide to the build process divided by weeks, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage. From site preparation to the final handover, we’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring your project is completed to the highest standards, on time, and on budget.
Week 1: Site Setup, Demolition, and Excavation
We begin by preparing the site, securing the area, and protecting your existing property and landscaping. Once the workspace is safe, demolition of any existing structures and excavation for the foundations will commence.
Week 1
Week 3: Superstructure and External Walls
In week 3, we start constructing the structural framework, installing steel beams, and building the external walls to form the shape of your extension.
Week 3
Week 6: Plumbing and Electrical (First Fix)
Plumbers and electricians begin the first fix, running cables, pipes, and wiring throughout the extension. This stage lays the groundwork for essential utilities and services.
Week 6
Week 8: Plumbing and Electrical (Second Fix)
The second fix begins with plumbers and electricians installing fixtures such as light switches, sockets, radiators, and bathroom fittings. If underfloor heating has been chosen, it is tested at this stage.
Week 8
Week 10-12: Finishing Touches and Handover
In the final stage, finishing touches such as skirting boards, doors, and final painting or wallpapering are completed. The building inspector conducts a final inspection to ensure all work complies with building regulations. Any minor defects (snagging) are addressed, and the workspace is thoroughly cleaned. Once everyone is satisfied, a completion certificate is issued, along with a ten-year satisfaction warranty. The project is now ready for you to enjoy your new space!
Week 11-12
Week 2
Week 2: Foundations and Inspection
This week focuses on reinforcing the foundations using steel bars or mesh (if needed) and pouring concrete. A building inspector will visit the site to ensure all foundation work meets local building regulations before moving forward.
Week 4-5
Weeks 4-5: Roofing and Insulation
During these weeks, the roof is constructed, insulated, and made weatherproof. Windows and doors are also installed, ensuring the structure is secure and watertight.
Week 7
Week 7: Plastering and Decorating (Initial Stage)
The interior walls and ceilings are plasterboarded, plastered, and prepped for decorating. This step ensures the extension is ready for the next stages of finishing and installations.
Week 9-10
Week 9-10: Flooring, Kitchen, and Bathroom Installation
During these weeks, flooring is installed, whether tiles, laminate, wood, or carpet. Kitchens and bathrooms (if included in the extension) are fitted, including appliances, cabinets, sinks, and showers. Final touches such as tiling and grouting are also completed.
Together we are restoring the Madagascar forest
We have planted hundreds of trees so far.
What you need to know
FAQs
1. How long does a ground floor extension take?
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A ground floor extension typically takes 10-12 weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Factors such as weather, materials, and unforeseen structural challenges can sometimes impact the timeline.
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2. How much does an extension cost?
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The cost of an extension varies widely based on its size, design, and location. On average, you can expect to pay between £1,200 to £2,500 per square meter. This range depends on factors such as finishes, materials, and labor costs. It’s best to get a detailed quote from a reputable builder.
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3. Do I need planning permission?
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In many cases, extensions fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning planning permission is not required. However, this depends on factors like size, height, and location. Always consult your local authority to confirm whether your project requires planning approval.
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4. Will I need a structural engineer?
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Yes, a structural engineer is typically required to ensure the extension is safe and complies with building regulations. They will assess the structural integrity of your home and provide calculations for beams, foundations, and other critical components.
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5. Do I need a party wall agreement?
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If your property shares walls with a neighbor, you may need a party wall agreement under the Party Wall Act 1996. This agreement ensures that any work near shared boundaries does not cause disputes or damage.
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6. What if my property is damaged during construction?
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Reputable builders will have insurance to cover any accidental damage caused during the construction process. It's also a good idea to inform your home insurance provider before starting the project to ensure adequate coverage.
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7. How can I finance an extension?
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There are several options to finance an extension, including savings, remortgaging, home improvement loans, or equity release schemes. It’s essential to review your budget and consult a financial advisor to choose the best option for your circumstances.
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8. Do I need to move out during construction?
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In most cases, you can stay in your home while the extension is being built. However, there may be temporary disruptions, such as noise, dust, or limited access to certain areas. For more extensive projects, moving out temporarily might be more convenient.
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9. Is it going to be a cold space?
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Not at all. Modern extensions include proper insulation, double-glazed windows, and energy-efficient heating solutions to ensure the space is warm and comfortable all year round. Upgrading your home’s insulation during the project can also improve energy efficiency overall.