The best heating for house extensions: Underfloor vs radiators vs heat pumps
Picking the right heating for a house extension early in the build saves money, avoids rework and keeps your energy bills under control long term. The three most common options are underfloor heating, traditional radiators and heat pumps. Each suits different layouts, budgets and insulation standards. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you choose […]
Garage conversion: Transforming your space into a stylish annexe or guest suite
A garage conversion annexe gives you a self-contained living space without touching your garden or extending your footprint. Whether you need somewhere for ageing parents, adult children returning home, or a high-spec guest suite, your existing garage is often the most practical and cost-effective starting point. The short answer: most single garages can be converted […]
Bifold vs sliding vs French doors for extensions: Cost, space, and thermal performance
If you want the short answer: bifold doors suit wide openings where you want the entire wall to open up; sliding doors are better for slim sightlines and minimal frame intrusion; French doors work well for smaller openings or period properties on a tighter budget. Read on for the detail behind that decision. Which door […]
Extension build sequence: What happens on site from week 1 to completion
The extension build process timeline runs roughly 12 to 20 weeks for a typical single storey extension, depending on size, type of extension, and how smoothly the paperwork stage goes. Here is a plain-English breakdown of every stage, what you will see on site, and when the key decisions need to be made. Before anyone […]
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 […]
