The need for more space is one of the most common challenges UK homeowners face. Whether the driving force is a growing family, accumulating possessions, the desire for a home office, or simply the preference for a more spacious living area, extending your home can offer the perfect solution — without the upheaval of moving.

A well-designed home extension is about more than just adding space, though. Done right, it will feel like a natural part of your home, designed around your needs and the way you live, and will also significantly increase your property’s value.

At Level Construction, we specialise in delivering high-quality home extensions across Surrey and Hampshire. In this article, we’ll explore how working with professionals to a thoughtful addition to your property can create the home you’ve always wanted.

Why Home Extensions Are the Smart Way to Add Space and Value

Moving house to gain more space can be an expensive and stressful process. Between stamp duty, legal fees, and other associated costs, the average cost of moving house in the UK is over £14,000 — and this rises to more than £19,000 in the South East, or £29,000 in London. 

While moving fees are usually sunk costs, meaning they don’t add value, investing in a home extension provides a significant return on investment. According to Nationwide, home improvements that add floor area, such as extensions, can add up to 25% to a property’s value.

Beyond financial gain, building an extension allows you to create a space that’s truly tailored to your current lifestyle, with the flexibility to adapt as your needs change — making it a smart long-term decision.

When you also consider the time, effort, and stress involved in finding the perfect property, packing up your life, and relocating, it’s no surprise that an estimated third of homeowners are choosing to “improve not move”. 

Particularly in high-demand areas like Surrey, Hampshire, and London, where space comes at a premium, adding a bespoke extension often makes more sense than moving to a larger home. 

The Most Popular Types of Bespoke Home Extensions — And How to Choose What Works for You

The beauty of a home extension is that it can be tailored entirely to your needs and preferences. From sleek kitchen extensions that open onto a garden to double-storey additions that create extra bedrooms and bathrooms, there are countless ways to extend your home — and each has its own benefits and considerations.

Rear Extensions for Open-Plan Living

Perhaps the most popular type of home extension in the UK, single-storey rear extensions are perfect for creating generous, open-plan living spaces. They are especially effective in Victorian and Edwardian homes, where traditional layouts typically feature a cramped kitchen and compartmentalised living spaces. 

By knocking these through and extending out into the garden, you can create the kind of airy, multifunctional space that suits contemporary living. Design details like bi-fold or sliding doors, roof lanterns, and skylights ensure the new space is flooded with natural light, while large-format tiles or timber flooring help to blend inside and outside. 

This option is perfect for families, entertainers, or simply those who value a bit more breathing room.

Double-Storey Extensions for Maximum Impact

When you need serious extra space, a double-storey extension offers incredible potential. By building upwards as well as outwards, you can add bedrooms, bathrooms, and larger living areas without sacrificing too much of your garden footprint.

For homeowners in areas like Surrey and Hampshire, where planning permission can often be favourable, a double-storey extension can completely change a home’s footprint, turning a three-bedroom house into a spacious five-bedroom property, for example.

Naturally, these extensions require more structural work and thoughtful design, but the result is a home that feels balanced and cohesive, rather than piecemeal. With the right approach, this type of home extension can look as though it’s always been part of the original home — and add substantial long-term value.

Contemporary Extensions on Period Properties: Merging Old and New

One of the most exciting areas of modern architecture is the way contemporary home extensions can breathe new life into period properties. Whether you own a Victorian terrace, a Georgian townhouse, or a characterful cottage, a well-designed extension can add space while complementing the architecture of your home.

At Level Construction, we love the challenge of enhancing period properties with sensitive designs that thoughtfully connect the old and new. Rather than trying to mimic historic details, we help homeowners embrace contrast.

Through sensitive design and the use of timeless materials like glass, steel, and timber, we create bold, light-filled additions that unlock the full potential of period homes while preserving their original charm.

Planning Permission and Permitted Development: What You Need to Know

One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering a home extension is whether they will need planning permission. The answer depends on the type and size of the proposed extension. 

Many single-storey extensions fall under permitted development, meaning formal permission isn’t required. However, size limits, height restrictions, and distances from boundaries all need to be checked. Larger or double-storey extensions will usually need planning permission, as will listed buildings, homes in conservation areas, and those with previous extensions. 

Navigating planning rules and applications can be complicated, but working with professionals like Level Construction ensures a smooth, stress-free experience. Our experienced team manages the entire process for you, from initial assessments and designs to submitting plans and liaising with local authorities.

Key Design Considerations for a Stylish and Functional Extension

A successful home extension doesn’t just add square metres — it improves how you live. That’s why our team always considers:

• Layout and flow – Extensions should enhance, not disrupt, your home’s overall flow.
• Natural light – Rooflights, large windows, and open-plan designs keep spaces bright and inviting.
• Connection to the outdoors – Especially in garden-facing extensions, bi-fold or sliding doors not only improve natural light but also blur the boundary between inside and out, extending your living space further.
• Coherence – One of the most common mistakes is focusing on adding rooms without thinking about how they connect to the rest of the house. From materials to proportions, the extension should feel seamless, like it’s always been part of your house.

Whether we’re adding a single room or reworking an entire floorplan, the end goal is always a space that feels cohesive and purposeful.

Why Bespoke Design Makes All the Difference in Home Extensions

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home extensions — and nor should there be. A bespoke approach allows us to design a space that works perfectly for your life and your home.

We consider every detail, from site constraints to how natural light moves through your home. For instance, a sloping garden might lead to an inspiring split-level extension that creates drama and interest — rather than a problematic build. Or, in a compact urban garden, clever vertical design might allow for high ceilings, tall windows, and even roof terraces that add unexpected light and spaciousness.

Bespoke design also gives you creative freedom to explore architectural features that elevate the final result — from vaulted ceilings and exposed beams to dramatic double-height spaces and fully glazed walls. These elements don’t just add style; they create a sense of luxury, openness, and flow that can completely redefine how a home feels and functions.

Most importantly, bespoke design ensures that the home extension reflects your personal style and needs. It’s a chance to create a home that’s truly yours — not just more space tacked on to what you already have.

The Cost of a Home Extension: What to Expect and How to Budget

Budget is always a key concern — and rightly so. The cost of a home extension in the UK varies widely depending on the size, complexity, materials, and location. 

As a rough guide, Checkatrade estimates that small and basic extensions typically start from £40,000. Larger or premium single-storey options cost between £75,000 and £140,000, while double-storey extensions can cost up to £180,000.

Factors such as structural work, bespoke materials, high-end finishes, and premium glazing choices can all further increase costs. This is why honest, upfront discussions with your construction team are essential. 

At Level Construction, we work closely with clients to set clear budgets and manage costs throughout the build, ensuring transparency and confidence.

How Level Construction Delivers Exceptional Home Extensions

At Level Construction, we believe that the best home extensions are those that combine vision, quality, and functionality — and we are passionate about helping our clients achieve exactly that. 

With extensive experience delivering high-end bespoke home extensions across Surrey, Hampshire, and London, we understand both the design ambitions and practical challenges that come with extending homes in the UK.

Our approach is collaborative from the very beginning. We take time to understand how you want to live in your extended home — your style, your priorities, and your future needs. From there, we manage each stage of the extension process with care and precision, working with trusted partners when needed.

Because we offer a full design-and-build service, you don’t need to worry about coordinating between different suppliers or chasing updates — we handle all the details, from ensuring structural integrity to perfecting the last coat of paint, so you can focus on the exciting parts of creating your dream home.

Our clients choose us not only for the quality of our craftsmanship, but because we are known for being transparent, reliable, and responsive. We pride ourselves on clear communication, accurate budgeting, and delivering stunning results on time.

Ready to Expand Your Home — and Your Life?

A bespoke home extension is about more than adding space — it’s about enhancing the way you live. It’s about creating rooms where you can gather with family, entertain friends, work productively, or relax in peace. It’s about transforming your home into a space that fits you perfectly — and that reflects your taste, values, and aspirations.

When thoughtfully designed and expertly built, an extension can completely reshape a property — adding value, beauty, and functionality in equal measure. And with the right team on your side, the process doesn’t have to be stressful.

If you’re considering a home extension to realise the full potential of your home, Level Construction is here to offer honest advice, creative ideas, and the craftsmanship that brings those ideas to life.

Contact us today to arrange a free consultation — and let’s explore how to make your home work beautifully for you.