When you start thinking about your extension, it's very easy to focus in on the finer details like colour schemes, decor, kitchen, furniture types or a type of sliding door that you particularly like. You may have been looking for inspiration in the latest home magazines or online and have seen some idealistic images that you want to replicate parts of in some way. This is all great, especially taking inspiration from what you have seen, but when I comes to thinking about extensions, its best to start with a broad focus. 

Types of extensions

Deciding on the type of extension would ultimately be the first step. Here are a few tips on helping you decided what part of your property what to develop. The following information is here to inflame your imagination and perhaps suggest something you may not have thought of before, it's not definative as everyone vision is unique.

KItchen extension

If you just need a larger kitchen, perhaps with enough space for a dining table, there are various types of ground floor extensions to consider.

SIDE RETURN

If you have a side ally to extend into, a side-return extension is ideal for creating a larger open plan room with new glazed roof along the side return allowing a more natural light in. This option can often double the size of your pokey galley kitchen.

WRAP AROUND

If you feel that the space from the addition of a side return extension will not be adequate enough, perhaps consider a wrap around extension, that is a side return as well as an extension to the rear.

REAR EXTENSION

If the rear elevation of your home is flat, you can extend outwards into the garden. A rear extension is good for creating a larger kitchen with a combined living space, perhaps a family room that is great for entertaining too. 
its a good idea to think about the roof type of a rear extension, as it can alter the feel of a room. The design of the roof may be dictated by the planning authority, but when you have a choice, flat or pitched roofs have pros and cons to consider;
The main benefit of a flat roof is that it is cheaper to build than a pitched roof because of the additional structural work and material required for a pitched roof. Flat roofs can be great for created a sleeker contemporary look, however they generally have lower ceiling heights.
Pitched roofs can provide the benefit of higher ceilings. They are also more weather resistant due to durable materials, so less maintenance is required. Pitched roof can also use more insulation that flat roofs without lowering the ceiling as significatly ans thus saving you on energy costs. A pitched roof will integrate with a traditional building style and may been seen more favourable by some planning authorities.

Versatile space

Garage conversions are great versatile spaces as they are directly connected to the building and will ofter integrate seamlessly. They are inexpensive to convert and can be used for any funcion of room.

OFFICE, gym OR games room

If you are after a space away from the main building like an office, gym or even a games room where you can make noise and not disturb anyone you may consider a garden annex. Garden annexes are not as expensive as you may think to build and can be uniquely designed. They can have full plumbing and heating inside and will definitely add value to a property. In some cases the annex can be moved with you if you decied to move home.

EXTRA BEDROOM

Gaining extra bedrooms to your property might be the answer rather than moving home. Extra bedrooms also greatly increase property value.

LOFT CONVERSION

For an extra bedroom, a loft conversion might be the perfect solution. Loft conversions are generally the cheapest way to gain extra floor space within your property. If your existing layout permits, the staircase to the new loft room can lead from the the existing corridor and integrate seamlessly into your existing home. Ofter loft spaces have enough room to fit a bedroom with ensuite and also space for storage.

OUTRIGGER POD

In L shape buildings, an outrigger pod can also be added to further increase the size of the loft conversion.

FIRST FLOOR EXTENSION

Where feasible in planning a first floor extension might be a good solution for gaining an extra bedroom or increasing the size of an existing bedroom.

BASEMENT EXTENSION

If you cant extend anywhere else, you might consider digging down and creating a new habitable basement below the existing foot print of your home. Basements are the most expensive type of extension but will often gain a very large area that might include multiple rooms. If the cost per square metre in your area is higher than the construction cost (e.g Fulham, Wandsworth, Chelsea etc, a new basement will increase the value of your property.