Side return extension guide: Cost, layout ideas, and common constraints
A side return extension fills the narrow strip of unused land running along the side of a terraced or semi-detached house. For most Victorian and Edwardian homes across Birmingham and the West Midlands, that forgotten alleyway is the single biggest untapped space on the plot. Build into it and you can widen a cramped kitchen […]
Rear extension roof options: Flat, pitched, lanterns, and rooflights
Choosing the right roof for your rear extension isn’t just a structural decision — it completely transforms how your new space feels, functions, and fills with light. From sleek flat rooflights to dramatic lanterns and timeless pitched designs, each option creates a very different living experience. In this guide, we break down the pros, costs, […]
Converting a garage into a utility room and WC
A garage utility conversion turns an underused concrete shell into a hardworking laundry room and downstairs WC. Most attached garages qualify under permitted development, so no planning application is needed, but building regulations approval is always required. A single garage (typically 5.5m x 2.7m) gives you enough floor area to fit washing appliances, a generous […]
Funding an extension: What options are there?
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?
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
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
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
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
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 […]
