When your home starts to close in around you, what should you do: convert or extend? Both house conversions and extensions can create additional space, but each has distinct advantages and considerations. On this page, our building contractors at Gatehouse Construction provide guidance about which of these house renovations will best suit your Chelmsford home.
We also invite you to read our new blog posts about renovations, refurbishments, new build projects, and more.
Conversions involve transforming underused areas within an existing property. Common examples include loft conversions, where the roof space is adapted into a habitable room, and garage conversions, where an underutilised garage is converted into living space, whether integrated into the property or attached to the side.
Homeowners may also consider basement conversions, which are more expensive because they require additional construction work and longer timescales.
Conversions work best for smaller additions where you don’t need multiple rooms. Attics can also pose issues for taller family members due to the sloping ceilings. Another point to consider is what you’ll do with all the storage already in situ. While loft conversions still provide some storage, it’ll be greatly reduced in favour of new living space.
Extensions involve physically adding a new room or rooms to your Chelmsford property. A multi-story extension can be done at the back, side, or upwards. Examples of the styles our building contractors design and build for clients include side-return, rear-facing, wraparound, L-shaped, over-structure, single-storey, and double-storey.
Due to the additional construction required, these property renovations are usually more expensive than conversions and building repairs and take longer, which could affect your living arrangements for a while. Depending on the option you choose, they may also require planning permission because of significant structural alterations, which can be a longer, more involved process.
It’s also important to remember that you may be limited in what you can do with your property if you’re located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or your home is listed.
If you’re unsure whether to convert or extend, our building contractors at Gatehouse Construction are on hand, with extensive experience in house renovations, building repairs, structural alterations, home customisation projects and other home improvements.
Call us for services in Chelmsford and beyond.
