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 […]
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 […]
The 7 Biggest Home Improvement Trends Right Now
The requirements of homes have changed considerably in recent years. With more time being spent at home as well as the working from home revolution fully kicking into gear, this has had lasting knock on effects regarding home improvement trends. With many business opting for a switch to hybrid working for their employees, the home […]
Single Storey Extension – Roof Pitch Guide
When planning a single storey extension, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is what type of roof to choose. Your extension roof protects your property, defines the look of your extension, affects how much natural light enters the space, and can impact planning permission and costs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the […]
Single Storey Bungalow Extension – Design, Cost & Planning
Bungalows offer a unique opportunity for transformation. With their accessible ground floor living and straightforward layout, they’re perfect candidates for extension projects that can breathe new life into dated properties and create much-needed extra floor space. If you’ve been living in your bungalow for years but now find it no longer meets your needs, or […]
