If you need more space, but you are reluctant to sell up and move to somewhere bigger, then extending your current home is the other option that you have to gain more space. There are lots of ways to extend your home and it comes down to the space that you have available to you, what planning permission you can get, where you need the space to be and, of course, your budget.

Here are some of the ways that you can extend your home.

Loft Conversion

If it is upstairs space that you need, such as extra bedrooms or an additional bathroom, then a loft conversion could be a great way for you to do this. Get a professional like this loft conversions Bristol based company caineslofts.co.uk who will be able to take a look at your loft and help you to convert it into what you need.

Single Storey Extension

If you want to add some more living space downstairs in your home, then this is the way to do it. You can extend to the side or the rear, as long as you have planning permission (or the work falls within permitted development), and you have lots of options when it comes to how you use the space. An architect will help you with this.

Garage Conversion

If you have a garage that you don’t really make the most of, then you can turn it into an extension of your home. Depending on the layout, you can use it to create a separate living area, enlarge a kitchen and create a utility room, or even turn it into a granny annexe.

Related: Finding the right architect to create your new home

Finding space without building outwards

Not every property can take an extension, and some simply lack the outdoor space. There are still ways to gain room. If you are thinking about the loft, start by checking the head height. Limited height does not always rule out a conversion, because the roof can sometimes be raised, but that is expensive and usually needs planning permission.

For more usable outdoor space, a veranda looks stylish and lets you enjoy the garden whatever the weather. When converting a garage, one that is integral and can be reached from inside the house is usually the easiest, and if the structure is sound and watertight the work can be cost-effective with little disruption.

It is also worth looking for smaller pockets of unused space. A large cupboard or the area under the stairs can often be refitted as a compact cloakroom or downstairs toilet, which adds real convenience without any building work outside.

Planning rules, listed buildings and blending in

Whichever kind of extension you choose, check early whether it needs planning permission. Some extensions can be built under permitted development rights, but listed buildings also need listed building consent for most alterations. Building without the permission you need can mean being ordered to take the structure down, and it can cause problems when you come to sell.

Living in a listed building does not rule out extending, but there are more rules to follow. An oak framed extension is one way to add space while keeping the building’s style and character.

For any home, an extension that works with the existing house helps with planning and feels like a natural part of the home rather than something stuck on. Choose materials that blend in, and if you introduce new ones, tie them in with the original structure so everything flows. Builders and architects can spot potential problems and suggest ideas you might not have considered, and time spent planning makes you more likely to be happy with the result.

Adding an orangery for light and space

An orangery is another way to gain room, and it can add value too. Usually built with brick piers and a solid roof section, it creates extra space for family and friends, brings in plenty of natural light and works well alongside a kitchen. A well designed orangery can be modern while still suiting the original style of the house. Building one can be costly, but a high quality orangery can add significant value.

Many orangeries can be built under permitted development, but some need planning permission, and building regulations may apply depending on the design, so speak to your local authority early on. Above all, plan it as a functional space that serves its purpose.

Think about flooring and choose a frame colour that matches the rest of the home. Step back and consider how it fits the existing layout, especially next to a large open plan kitchen and living area. A timber framed orangery can feel particularly warm and welcoming as a shared family space.