Expanding a bungalow? Avoid these 6 common extension pitfalls, as shared by an experienced renovation specialist.
When it comes to extending a bungalow, careful planning and consideration are key to achieving a harmonious and functional space. Andy Kille, the owner of Andy Kille Building and Property Maintenance, shares some common mistakes to avoid for a successful project.
Planning the Extension in Isolation
Failing to consider the extension as part of the whole property can lead to a disjointed design. Instead, ensure the extension complements the existing structure and overall flow of the home.
Not Maximizing Natural Light and Garden Connection
Bungalows are typically single-storey, so making the most of natural light and garden access is key. Incorporate features like bifold or sliding doors, large windows, or picture windows to create a strong indoor-outdoor connection and enhance living spaces.
Failing to Complement the Existing Roofline
The roofline defines a bungalow’s visual balance. An extension with a mismatched or awkward roof pitch can disrupt aesthetics and cause drainage problems leading to leaks or water pooling. Working with a skilled architect to match proportions, pitch, and materials ensures harmony and prevents structural issues.
Ignoring Structural Implications, Especially for Second Storey Additions
Adding a second storey requires assessing if the current foundations and walls can support the extra weight. A structural engineer’s input is essential to avoid future safety risks and costly problems.
Budget-related Oversights
Choosing builders solely based on low quotes without research can cost more in the long run. Check references and reviews, and ideally use trusted builders recommended by your architect to keep within budget and maintain quality.
Neglecting Home Insurance Updates
Notifying your insurance provider before beginning extensions is crucial. Failure to do so risks inadequate protection during and after construction.
Maximizing natural light is crucial when extending a bungalow to avoid making dark spaces even darker. Privacy concerns should be addressed in the design of a bungalow extension.
The addition of a bungalow extension should consider its interaction with the existing property. Working with an architect can help achieve the best and most transformative result for a bungalow extension.
Connection with the garden is important in a bungalow extension, and glazing (such as bifold or sliding doors, or large picture windows) can help create an indoor-outdoor space. Ignoring privacy concerns when extending a bungalow is another error that should be avoided.
If extending a bungalow by adding a second storey, the existing structure’s foundations and walls must be checked by a structural engineer to ensure they can support the additional load. Failing to consider the roofline when extending a bungalow can lead to an unbalanced appearance and potential long-term drainage issues.
In summary, successful bungalow extensions rely on holistic planning that respects existing design features, structural safety, budget control, and insurance requirements combined with maximizing natural light and garden connectivity. Consulting experienced architects, structural engineers, and reliable builders helps avoid these common pitfalls and ensures a well-balanced, harmonious extension.
Sarah Handley, Section Editor for Renovation at our platform since September 2024, has been a journalist since 2007 and has worked for a range of titles including Homebuilding & Renovating, Real Homes, GoodtoKnow, The Money Edit and more.
In the process of extending a bungalow, it's essential to consider the extension as part of the whole property to achieve a harmonious design (lifestyle). Furthermore, maximizing natural light and garden access through features like bifold or sliding doors can greatly enhance living spaces (home-improvement and home-and-garden).