Side Extensions
A side extension is a great way to unlock the full potential of your home. For many properties, especially those with unused space down the side, it’s a simple, effective route to creating additional space without eating into your garden. Whether you want a bigger kitchen, a new dining room, or simply an extra room to make life easier, a side extension can be the answer.
At West Midlands Home Improvements, we manage everything from design and planning to the final build. We’ll help you make better use of your layout, add lasting value, and create a space that fits your day-to-day needs.
Make Use of Unused Space
For many homes, the side of the house is wasted space. It’s often where bins go, or a narrow walkway that’s never really used. A side extension turns that dead zone into something genuinely useful. It can be used to expand your kitchen, extend a hallway, or create a completely new room.
Unlike rear extensions, a side extension usually doesn’t impact your garden, meaning you can gain square footage while keeping your green space untouched. It’s one of the most efficient types of home extensions available.
Improve Everyday Living
A well-designed side extension isn’t just about extra space; it’s about function. It can dramatically improve the layout of your home, remove bottlenecks, and open up living areas. Whether you’re creating a larger kitchen-diner, knocking through to make a bigger dining room, or simply giving yourself extra space for storage, play, or work, a side extension brings flexibility to how you live.
Many side extensions incorporate natural light features such as rooflights or large glazed windows to brighten up darker areas of the original house. When done right, the new extension feels like a natural continuation of the existing home, not an add-on.
Planning Guidance & Permissions
As with any house extension, it’s important to check whether your proposed side extension falls within permitted development rules, or if you’ll need planning permission from your local planning authority. This depends on the size of your build, the height of the extension, and how close it sits to other properties.
At West Midlands Home Improvements, we handle all of this for you. From drawings to submission, we manage the full process and ensure your project complies with planning rules and building regulations.
Start Planning Your Side Extension
Whether you’re upgrading an older home or working on a new build, a side extension can make a big impact. We’re here to guide you through every stage, from your first idea to the final handover.
We’d love to discuss your side extension ideas and how we can turn them into a smart, tailored design that improves your living space.
If you’re interested in extending your home, please contact us. We offer a full service, from design and planning all the way to the final touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can I build a side extension to the boundary of my property?
If your side extension is within 2 metres of the boundary, it must meet certain height restrictions and may have glazing limitations. Under permitted development rules, eaves can’t exceed 3 metres in height and windows near the boundary must be obscure-glazed. We’ll handle all of this and ensure the design is fully compliant with local and national guidance.
Do I need planning permission for a side extension?
In many cases, no, especially if the extension is single-storey and modest in size. However, if you’re in a conservation area or planning a two-storey build, you may need full planning permission. We’ll check with the local planning authority and advise you before any work begins.
Why choose West Midlands Home Improvements?
We’re a full-service team that handles every part of your house extension – from design and compliance to building and finish. We’ve got the experience, the local knowledge, and the right people to deliver quality builds with no stress.
Finance options* available!
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