Funding an extension: What options are there?

Attractive brick home extension in West Midlands with large sliding patio doors and bi-fold doors, opening to a green garden. Perfect for local home improvements.

If your growing family is starting to feel the squeeze at home – with a constant contest to use the dining table for working from home, hobbies, homework and, of course, dining – you’ll know you need more usable space. The obvious solution is a house move, but moving is notoriously stressful and expensive. Plus, […]

How far can you extend under permitted development?

Stunning brick home extension with grey bi-fold doors and a newly laid large format patio, perfect for enhancing outdoor living in West Midlands/Birmingham.

If you’re planning a home extension in Birmingham or the West Midlands, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “How far can I actually build without needing full planning permission?” It’s a fair question, and the answer depends on your house type, where the extension sits and which permitted development route you’re taking. Understanding […]

Open-plan living extension layouts that work

Open plan kitchens

Creating an open-plan extension is one of the most popular ways to add extra space and transform how your family lives. But getting the layout right makes all the difference between a space that truly works and one that feels disconnected or difficult to use. At West Midlands Home Improvements, we’ve helped countless homeowners across […]

Does a Garage Conversion Add Value to Your Property?

Garage conversions are becoming a popular way to gain more room at home without needing to move or build an extension. But many homeowners still ask one key question before starting the work: Does a garage conversion add value to your property? In this blog, we’ll look at what garage conversions offer, how they can […]

Extension Ideas That Don’t Need Planning Permission

Rear Kitchen Extensions - West Midlands Home Improvements Blog

Thinking of adding more space to your home, but worried about the red tape? You’re not alone. For many homeowners, the idea of dealing with planning permission can seem daunting. But the truth is, not every extension needs planning permission. Thanks to permitted development rights and other rules and schemes, there are plenty of ways […]

Loft Conversion Designing and Planning: What to Expect

a double bed in a loft conversion bedroom with roof windows

Planning a loft conversion can feel a bit overwhelming at first. There’s the design to think about, regulations to follow, and structural work to figure out. But it doesn’t need to be complicated. When you understand what’s involved from the start, the whole process becomes much more straightforward. At West Midlands Home Improvements, we’ve guided […]

Dormer vs Velux Loft Conversions: A Comparison Guide

Do You Need Planning Permission For A Loft Conversion in Birmingham?

If you’re thinking about converting your loft, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go for a dormer or a Velux conversion. It’s a question we get asked almost daily here at West Midlands Home Improvements, and it’s not always straightforward to answer. Both options will transform your unused roof space into […]

Garage Conversion vs Extension: Which is Better Value?

Garage Conversions

When you need more space at home, you’re often faced with a dilemma. Do you convert and try to improve your existing space, or do you build an extension? Both options will give you the extra space you’re after, but they work differently, cost differently, and suit different situations. The truth is, what works best […]

Loft Conversion Staircase Ideas: What’s Right for Your Home?

A loft conversion with roof windows and a sloped roof.

When you’re planning a loft conversion, most of the excitement centres around the new room itself. Will it be a bedroom? A home office? Maybe a playroom for the kids? But there’s one element that often gets overlooked until later in the planning process – the staircase. Getting your loft staircase design right affects everything. […]

How Much Do Double Storey Extensions Cost?

Contemporary home with large floor-to-ceiling glazing, stone exterior walls, and a landscaped rear garden, blending modern design with traditional materials.

Many homeowners across the UK dream of adding more space to their homes but worry about the costs involved. Double storey extensions often seem like a luxury that’s out of reach, something only those with unlimited budgets can afford. But the reality might surprise you. The truth is, extension costs vary enormously, and they’re often […]

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