Terraced houses are very adaptable so they are often very easy to extend and change as time goes on. The key is to use the existing features well – think about adding an extra bedroom or bathroom on the first floor rather than ripping out walls to create one big space. This will save you money and make it easier to fit in with the existing layout. You could even build a wall to divide the kitchen from the lounge area if both feature lots of windows.

Terrace homes are often overlooked when looking at renovation projects – however, if you take advantage of what it has to offer, there’s no reason why they should not be as popular as any other style of property. 

Here we have listed fifteen easy ways to extend your home so that it can remain comfortable when your family grows. We’ll show you how to turn an old building into a stylish new home.

What is a terraced house extension?

Row homes have been around since early times but recently there has been an emergence of new styles such as open plan living, bi-fold doors etc… As these homes become increasingly common they are now being built with many innovative features that make them stand out from the crowd.

A terraced house extension offers homeowners an opportunity for change and flexibility. This particular type of new housing development allows you to extend outwards and upwards to provide additional family-sized accommodation. However, before embarking on this project, you must research what other options are available so that you can make sure that you’re not creating a home that is inappropriate for your lifestyle or budget.

What are the benefits of a terraced house extension?

The advantages provided by terrace house extensions will help you decide whether an extension is right for you.

There are many ways you could go about creating an extension that would benefit your family, such as adding bedrooms or bathrooms or perhaps increasing storage space. This will make your house better for everyone who lives there. It may also help sell your property at a higher price when it comes time to move on from this place.

An extension to your existing house can also benefit from being built so that it is fitted with energy-efficient windows as well as having low carbon steel cladding. 

Do I need to consider planning permission when extending a terraced house?

A major criterion to consider is whether your house is located in a conservation area, which is usually because of its historic significance. You must obtain planning consent if you want to extend your house in a conservation area.

But, for terraced houses outside a conservation area, loft conversions or rear extensions are often permitted development, so planning permission is not required.

And, if it’s not close to the road then you don’t have to apply for planning permission because it won’t affect traffic flow or safety. This means that your plans are likely to be accepted by local planners without requiring an official planning application.

An extension of a terraced house that occupies no more than 50% of its surrounding land does not need a full planning application.

In addition, the extension cannot be higher than 4m within 2 metres of the boundary of the property, and if it is a single or double-storey extension, it cannot exceed 6 or 3 metres in depth.

11 Ideas of terraced house extensions

1. A light-filled garden extension

A rear extension terraced house can make a big difference in a tiny area. This design is simple, yet sophisticated.

Skylights will be positioned high above the roof line to illuminate the room below, providing ample lighting. An effective way to bring natural light into smaller spaces.

As the sun goes down, the skylights will glow warmly, making a dramatic statement in any interior. They are an excellent feature in a kitchen, where natural lighting is required during cooking hours, but the skylight is needed all day long. The light is perfect for reading and relaxing.

2. Basement conversion

Many old homes were built with cellars that can be converted. However, converting your basement depends on various factors, such as the existing condition of the area and whether or not you want to retrofit extra space on top of your conversion. Before converting your basement, you should weigh the terraced house extension cost against the value it will add to your home to confirm it’s a profitable venture.

3. Single-storey extensions

Single-storey extensions are one of three major styles of home additions. Typically, these buildings include a new front porch or entryway (side returns) and an additional living space (rear extensions). Each style has unique benefits and drawbacks. Side returns can be added directly onto your house without any modifications to the foundation, while rear extensions require a significant amount of work to the existing structure. Wraparounds are also becoming increasingly popular because they allow homeowners to add a room to both sides of their homes.

4. Two-storey extension

Add on an extra floor to your home is a great idea if you love having your private study room or bedroom. With an extension, you can also make the most out of your outside space, creating a larger green area for you and your family to enjoy. You’re likely to save money too – you could get your dream extension for half the price of building a whole new home!

5. Loft extensions

If you have some extra space in your loft, why not consider a loft conversion? A loft conversion adds a storey to your house, transforming your living space into a larger room. You could use the extra area for a second living room, perhaps, or create a spacious new bedroom. 

People who have lofts often find them useful for storage – either for items they no longer use, or things they’re planning to buy later. Lofts aren’t just for bedrooms; people often convert unused spaces into studios, hobby rooms, offices or libraries.

Based on your budget, the size of the project and what you have in hand, you might choose between a dormer loft extension (which may also be called a half dormer), a hip to gable extension, a mansard extension (a very special type of attic extension), or a roof light loft (also known as an eave). 

6. A striking timber side return extension

This is a fresh take on an old favourite.

A small terraced property design is a great option if you’re after something very modern but also really simple and easy to care for. You can keep the traditional exterior wall and add a stylish timber-clad side return to keep it feeling fresh and contemporary.

In terms of visual appeal, this does exactly what we want; it gives us a stunning house that works perfectly as a family retreat.

7. An L-shape side and rear extension 

In a classic L shape, you might also be able to extend a small amount into the back as well. you could also take advantage of extra space behind an existing structure. When working with the architects, they should be able to help you determine if there is any additional room for expansion within the building’s current design.

This entirely depends on the boundaries of your planning license. Depending on how close the back wall is to the rear boundary of your house, extending past that may not be allowed.

8. Separate side and rear extensions in identical brickwork

Sometimes, simple is the best! This home concept has used identical brickwork to the existing structure and ensured that it is open to the backyard with expansive doors, windows, and roof windows.

Adding a rear terraced extension can be combined with a side return but you should leave a space in front of the side return so that the garden space remains generous.

9. Kitchen with more space

To create a terrace or mid-terrace home extensions, most homeowners opt for narrow kitchen spaces hidden in the back of their homes. Typically, they offer a direct connection to the backyard, and there might also be a standalone utility room.

To go off the beaten track, consider a kitchen made bigger than usual so that it can accommodate an island unit fitted with two sinks, one being taller than the other. In a side-return extension, a portion of the dining space is incorporated into the kitchen, doubling its width by around 1-2m.

Make sure that the walls between the kitchen and dining room remain undivided; if possible create a passageway that runs through the middle. A walled-off area behind the range may act as a place to store utensils and equipment that would otherwise clutter the worktop. Finally, if space allows, install flooring that extends across the entire width of the room, giving your new kitchen a continuous feel.

You can also reverse the typical layout of the house (especially in larger homes), moving the kitchen into the front room to combine it with the middle room for a spacious and airy kitchen and dining area.

10. Building a WC downstairs

There is a growing expectation among homebuyers that there will be a WC downstairs. For your search for the most suitable space, keep in mind that 200mm on each side of a standard sanitary fixture and 600mm in front are the practical minimum sizes.

It is no longer prohibited by Building Regulations to have a WC adjacent to a dining room, living room, or kitchen, however, consider this carefully. Think about installing it off of a hallway or utility room.

A small toilet can also be built in that space beneath the stairs.

11. A small garden room extension

Building an outbuilding or garden room is an excellent way to increase space, whether it’s as a second living room or a workspace.

There is no reason to tear down walls and rebuild them when this project starts at just £10k!