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 you’ve recently purchased a bungalow that needs renovating, extending might be your answer. A thoughtfully designed single storey bungalow extension can transform your home without compromising the accessibility that makes bungalow living so appealing.
What is a Single Storey Bungalow Extension?
A single storey bungalow extension adds new living space to your existing bungalow on the ground floor level. This type of extension can range from small additions at the rear of the property to substantial extensions that dramatically increase your usable floor space. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to modernise a dated bungalow without the complexity and costs of adding an extra storey.
Design Considerations
Existing Architecture
One of the first things to consider is how your extension will work with your existing building. A well-designed bungalow extension should complement the original structure. This might mean matching brickwork and rooflines or deliberately contrasting old and new for a striking effect.
The flow of your bungalow is essential. Since everything is on one level, the transition between existing and new spaces needs careful thought. Avoid creating awkward corridors or rooms that can only be accessed by walking through other spaces. Bifold and sliding doors are handy at sectioning off new rooms while also making them accessible when needed.
Roof Options
The roof of your extension will significantly impact the look of your home and the feel of the interior space. There are two general roof options for an extension: a pitched roof and a flat roof.
Pitched Roof extensions typically match the existing roofline of your bungalow, creating a seamless look. They can provide extra height inside and the potential for roof windows. While generally more expensive than flat roofs, they often blend better with traditional bungalow designs.
Flat Roof extensions offer a more contemporary look and can be more cost-effective. Modern flat roofs are far more reliable than older designs and offer the opportunity to include a roof lantern, a popular choice that brings natural light into the centre of your home.
Natural Light
Bungalows can sometimes feel dark, particularly in central areas of the home that are far from exterior walls and windows. When planning your extension, you should consider bringing natural light into the new space and deeper into your existing home.
Large glazed elements, such as floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding or bifold doors, can dramatically increase the amount of natural light entering your home. These features brighten up the space and create a stronger visual connection between your interior and garden. You can also consider roof lanterns and thoughtful window placement to let light flow deeper into the home and between rooms.
Open Plan Living
Many bungalow extension projects involve creating open plan living areas. Opening up separate rooms to form larger, multi-functional spaces can make your bungalow feel more spacious and modern.
Open plan kitchen-dining-living areas are particularly popular in bungalow renovations, creating social spaces that work well for everyday family life and entertaining.
Planning Permission
Before starting any bungalow extension project, it’s important to understand planning permission. Most single storey extensions fall under permitted development rights, meaning you won’t need formal planning permission, but this depends on several factors:
- The size of the proposed extension
- How much of your plot has already been developed
- Whether your property is in a conservation area
- The proximity to your boundaries
- The overall height of the extension
Permitted development rules allow for extensions up to a certain size, but if your plans exceed these limits or your home is in a designated area, you’ll need full planning permission from your local planning authority.
At West Midlands Home Improvements, we handle all planning applications and building regulations for our clients. Our experience with local authorities across the West Midlands means we understand what’s likely to be approved and can guide your project through the planning permission process with speed and minimal stress.
Bungalow Extension Ideas
Kitchen Extension
A kitchen extension is one of the most popular types of bungalow extension. Many older bungalows have small, separate kitchens that don’t suit modern living. Extending the rear of the property to create a spacious kitchen-diner can transform how you use your home.
Modern kitchen extensions often feature large glass doors that open onto the garden, creating indoor-outdoor living spaces perfect for entertaining. This connection to the outdoors can make even a modest extension feel large and bright.
Extra Bedroom
Adding another bedroom can be a great way to accommodate growing families, host visitors, or to rent for extra income. It also dramatically increases the value of your home, offsetting at least some of your initial investment.
For those who need more accessible living arrangements, a bedroom extension can include an en-suite bathroom designed with mobility issues in mind, ensuring your bungalow continues to meet your needs.
Home Office
With more people working from home, a dedicated office space is increasingly important. A small extension can create the perfect home office, offering a professional space separate from your living areas but still conveniently within your home.
A well-designed home office extension should consider natural light, privacy, and space for a desk and storage. Even a modest extension of a few square metres can create a functional workspace that improves your work-life balance.
The Cost of a Bungalow Extension
The cost of extending your bungalow will depend on various factors:
- Size and complexity of the extension
- Type of roof and foundations required
- The type of windows and doors selected
- Whether you need planning permission
- Any design features or specific requirements
While a straightforward extension is affordable, costs will increase for complex designs and extensions requiring substantial groundwork. It’s also important to factor in that a bungalow extension adds to the value of your property, it’s also less disruptive and more cost-effective than moving.
Extend Your Space with Us
A well-designed bungalow extension can completely transform your home. Whether you’re looking to create a modern kitchen, add an extra bedroom, or create a bright, garden-facing living room, expanding your bungalow offers endless possibilities without sacrificing the accessibility of single-level living.
If you’ve imagined what your bungalow could become, we’d love to discuss your ideas. We’ve helped numerous homeowners across the West Midlands turn their extension dreams into reality, and we’re always happy to share our experience and practical advice.
Our team can help with everything from initial designs through planning permission to the completed build. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that bungalows present and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional extensions.
To discuss your bungalow extension project and arrange a free, no-obligation consultation and quote, call us on 0121 368 6648 or fill out our contact form.
We cover Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Solihull and the wider West Midlands area and would be delighted to help you improve your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my bungalow without planning permission?
Many single storey bungalow extensions fall under permitted development rights, meaning you don’t need formal planning permission. However, this depends on factors like the size of the extension, your property’s location, and whether you’re in a conservation area. We can quickly assess your situation and handle all necessary application for you.
Do you offer finance options for bungalow extensions?
Yes, we understand that extending your home is a significant investment. We offer several flexible payment options including interest-free credit and pay-later plans that let you spread the cost over a timeframe that works for your budget.
Will I need to move out while you extend my bungalow?
In most cases, no. We design our workflow to minimise disruption, and since bungalow extensions typically happen at the rear of the property, we can usually seal off the construction area so you can continue living in your home throughout the project.
