Home Extensions in Glasgow: Unlock Your Property’s Potential
Designing a successful house extension is about enhancing the way you live. At Vellow Wood Architects Glasgow, we fully understand that as families and lifestyles change over time, sometimes your home needs to adapt and grow with you.
Adding an extension to your Glasgow property can have valuable benefits and there are a variety of options available, from kitchen extensions to loft conversions, outbuildings, bathroom renovations and garage conversions.
House prices in the Glasgow area have risen steadily in recent years and extending your home to create more space in any of these ways can present an easier and cost-effective alternative to moving home.
Although the process of extending can seem intimidating, it doesn’t need to be.
Below, we’ll share our extensive knowledge and expertise about:
The various types of house extensions, Glasgow, as well as their benefits.
What to expect from the design and planning process when extending.
Budgeting, calculating costs and planning timelines for your home improvement building project.
Recommendations for improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Reasons to consider building a house extension in Glasgow
As architects, we've had the pleasure of working on home improvement projects in some truly wonderful areas. From the tranquil spaces of Milngavie and Bearsden to the vibrant cultural hub of Glasgow’s West End, our work takes us to some of the best parts of the city and its suburbs. With excellent schooling options and plenty of green spaces, places like the Southside, Giffnock, Clarkston, Newton Mearns and Jordanhill all offer a great quality of life.
What are the benefits of extending your home?
When clients approach us looking to design a home extension, it’s normally due to changes in family circumstances. These could include needing more bedrooms to accommodate a growing family - perhaps a new baby or teenagers who require more personal space. Equally, there might be a need to accommodate new working-from-home arrangements, an elderly relative, or even oneself following retirement.
Building a home extension in Glasgow can ensure your property works for the next phase of your life, whatever that may be, and spares you the trouble and stress of moving.
What architectural styles are in Glasgow, Scotland?
Suburban housing around parts of the city largely consists of Victorian and 1930s homes. The former tend to be more expensive but have fantastic room sizes and character, often providing extra living space. The latter are more affordable and also offer ample proportions and a feeling of character and history.
Although these older homes were originally designed for individual rooms, rather than connected, sociable open-plan spaces, contemporary domestic architects will strive to strike a balance that suits modern life, creating both separate and larger, shared spaces that can cater to different lifestyles and work for every family.
For example, adapting a kitchen or living area to reflect a more open-plan design facilitates social interactions between family members as children grow, while the creation of separate spaces can facilitate a range of flexible and more private uses with a variety of benefits - a new bedroom might also be used as a home office, child's play area, study area or guest suite.
You can read more about our transformational design for an open-plan living space and kitchen extension to enhance a family home in Jordanhill on our projects page.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that architects can also help families embrace a more sustainable way of living, both through material choices and by improving connection to outdoor spaces and nature. In this way, harnessing an architect's expertise can make all the difference in creating a happy, healthy home capable of catering to a family's changing needs for years to come.
Choosing the best type of extension for your home
Kitchen extensions
Kitchen renovations are a popular choice for homeowners. They enable families to reap the benefits of larger, more sociable areas, while still maintaining separate spaces for individual activities elsewhere in the property.
Open-plan kitchen-dining areas, atmospheric lighting, and beautiful, bi-fold doors to the garden are just some of the features it’s possible to create. You might also like to consider elements like roof light installation, adding a sunroom, or replacing a conservatory to help add natural light and increased flexibility.
Whatever individual design elements you choose, creating a kitchen extension can provide a lively and dynamic family area for your loved ones to enjoy for years to come.
With sunlight streaming gently through the windows and views out to the garden, these bright and airy spaces envelop us in a feeling of warmth and provide the perfect background for creating lasting memories with friends and family.
Combining both comfort and functionality, kitchen extensions have the ability to transform small, utilitarian spaces into havens of light, space and comfort. A well-designed kitchen extension creates a feeling of calm and tranquillity, providing a place to relax and appreciate the joyful moments of everyday life.
Bedrooms, home offices and bathroom extensions
Our team also frequently works with existing spaces that aren’t currently being used to their full potential. Garage conversions, loft conversions and outbuildings provide good opportunities to enhance your home with extra bedrooms, master suites, bathrooms, home offices and living areas.
These types of renovations can help to accommodate a variety of circumstances faced by growing families and those with ageing relatives. For example, extending to include a bathroom on the main living level of the home is a good choice for accommodating future needs.
Recently, we successfully completed the transformation of a Bearsden bungalow with one bedroom in the attic. After radically removing the roof, we transformed the property into a spacious, five-bedroom house with three bathrooms and a larger living area. Although the property doesn’t look much bigger from the outside, which was important for planning approval, the extra space internally makes a big difference to the lives of the young family living there.
You can read more about our Bearsden bungalow side extension and attic conversion in our projects section which includes our Glasgow architects’ house extensions work.
Evaluating the suitability of your property for an extension
When extending your home, the design process involves multiple stages. An architect will visit your house to discuss your practical requirements, desired look, and feel. The indoor and outdoor areas will be analysed to determine where extending is possible and where additional structures can be built. Consideration will be given to the layout and functionality, with connections and separations created between different living areas.
Local planning policies, including the impact of any conservation areas or listed buildings, will be taken into account. Sometimes your architect will be able to discuss all of your options with you in your initial meeting, and other times additional research will be required. However, after discussing the various possibilities with you, you'll be presented with a tailored solution that suits your needs and circumstances as well as a quote for the work.
What are the best ways to make the most of your space?
Tip - Homeowners can change an existing house in three ways:
Making internal changes such as removing a wall to open a space up is a cost-effective approach that reduces the need for planning permission and helps to contain construction work in one area.
Extending the space outwards (as in the case of a rear extension or loft conversion), adds extra room without having to make many changes to the existing house. This allows homeowners to seal off space during the construction process, limiting disruption.
Adding new parts and reimagining the existing parts of a house will unlock major changes to the layout and function of your home, but it is the most expensive option.
Necessary steps to plan a house extension, Glasgow
The architectural design process typically begins with a survey of your property using a laser measure. Next, drawings of your home are created and overlaid with design possibilities as potential changes, such as extending or altering the layout of your home, are explored.
Depending on your specific constraints, such as planning permission or building regulations, the process can be tailored to match your needs. Multiple design options may be presented, ranging from one initial concept that evolves gradually, to several different layouts to spark creativity. These ideas will be discussed with you so that you can consider how they would work and feel in your home.
At this point, the chosen option is refined to meet your preferences and then for smaller details like windows and specific features to be added. Your architect can guide you in thinking about the practical aspects, such as where to place your television and how best to accommodate your hobbies and furniture.
Throughout the design process, open discussions within your family are encouraged to ensure everyone's needs are met. The design will gradually evolve into an option that you and your family will be absolutely delighted with, considering all the different factors that make a house a home.
Planning and building regulations for house extensions
What size extension can you build without planning permission in Scotland?
After finalising your preferred home extension design, the next step is to seek planning approval. While it is often required for house extensions in Scotland, there are cases where it might not be necessary.
Permitted development regulations allow for home extensions up to a certain size, generally around three or four metres from the back of your house. These regulations apply to rear extensions and can eliminate the need for a planning application. The planning permission step can be skipped or confirmed with the council.
For more prominent house extensions in the Glasgow area, such as those on the side or facing a road, going through the planning process will likely be necessary.
Sometimes uncertainties may arise, especially in the case of a prominent site or listed building. It's advisable to seek input and pre-application advice from planners early on. However, architects typically have a good understanding of planners' requirements, allowing them to proceed with the planning application for the home extension after refining the design.
Once submitted, the planning application will undergo a review, potentially resulting in minor alterations or adjustments requested by the planning officer. Engaging in direct communication with them can help in resolving these matters to reach an agreement.
Building warrant applications for home extensions, Glasgow
During the technical design phase of your project, your architect will guide you through the process of obtaining a building warrant. This involves submitting approved proposal plans and detailed construction specifications.
Key considerations during this stage include insulation, energy performance, and structural elements. Your architect will collaborate with a structural engineer to ensure that the foundations and roof structure meet the necessary standards. All the relevant information will be compiled and submitted as an application to the council.
The council will review the application and may seek clarification or have questions regarding specific aspects. The drawings will be revised accordingly to address any inquiries.
Once building control is satisfied, they will grant the building warrant and provide the architect with stamped and approved drawings.
Tips on selecting tradesmen for a project
The drawings are invaluable when obtaining quotations from specialist house extension builders, as they provide a comprehensive understanding of the project's scope and requirements.
With all the necessary details present in the drawings, homeowners can ensure that they will receive comparable quotes from local builders. This also sets the stage for working with the builder during the construction phase.
Whilst the building warrant drawings cover the essentials, you may wish to have your architect add further detailed drawings to complete the package of information for your chosen building contractors. Adding these will help ensure that the built work fulfils your vision in the style, feel, and aesthetics.
Our team can offer assistance in finding reliable, local builders in your area and can provide on-site input if necessary. A professional company of experienced build specialists may not require much guidance during the construction phase, but our architects offer a flexible extensions service and are available to help at any stage of the process.
Timeline considerations for your Glasgow house extension
When planning an extension in Glasgow, it's crucial to consider the cost, timeline, and process involved. Allow ample time for the extension design, obtaining planning approval and the building warrant, as well as finding a builder in the Glasgow area.
Keep in mind that builders are often busy. It’s best to allow several months at a minimum, but allowing a year from the start of the design process to being on-site is advisable. You can always delay or pause your extension project if needed.
How much does a house extension cost?
Using a build calculator from a reputable website like homebuilding.co.uk can give you an approximate budget estimate for your extension based on floor area. As the design progresses, consult a local builder for a more accurate cost estimate.
Engaging with a builder early on not only provides cost insights but also helps you secure a spot in their queue of work. This way, you can potentially initiate your extension project sooner, even before finalising all the necessary permissions and design details.
Heating and Energy Efficiency
How do you make a house extension energy efficient?
As you focus on addressing energy efficiency and the potential for cost savings, prioritise insulation upgrades to reduce heat loss and improve energy performance. ‘Cold bridges’ – spots that have little or no insulation, should be addressed.
Depending on your home's characteristics, different types of insulation may be suitable. Listed buildings require careful consideration as they often have unique requirements for breathability. For new build homes, focus on air tightness and limiting drafts to enhance energy efficiency.
How can I make my extension warmer?
Although gas central heating has been widely used in the UK, alternative heat sources such as heat pumps, solar panels, and biomass are gaining in popularity. However, it’s always best to start with a ‘fabric-first’ approach by adding insulation to minimise heat loss. Additionally, optimising glazing placement is essential for balancing natural light and heat retention.
Common mistakes to avoid when planning an extension
If you’re thinking about building a home extension in Glasgow, it's important to be aware of potential pitfalls and to have a clear idea of your needs.
Make sure you take time to thoroughly plan and consider how the changes will impact your family's lifestyle to ensure the completed home will work best for you all.
Avoid getting carried away with an idealised vision that may exceed your budget – for example, transforming an old Victorian house into a modernist style will require significant intervention.
Keep the value on what's most important, embrace flexibility and be open to compromise. Don't let perfection hinder progress.
By following these home design tips throughout the process, you'll be able to beautifully enhance your home in a way that benefits your family for years to come.
For more information about how our team can help you with house extensions in Glasgow, other parts of Scotland's Central Belt, or the Scottish Borders, please visit our architectural services for home extensions page.
From the initial consultation right through to the later stages of a project, our Glasgow architects take pride in working closely with our clients, sharing our expertise, and providing excellent service. Please feel absolutely no hesitation in reaching out with any further questions you may have. We'd love to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today.
Examples of past projects by our Glasgow architects (including our self-build homes) can be found on our domestic architecture projects page.