How to adapt, update and upgrade an extension
If you’ve got an extension that feels tired, underused or even just a bit too cold during the winter months, there are a range of exciting ideas you can use to freshen up your space. There are a whole host of articles and how-to guides on building a new extension or conservatory, but less is said about transforming one that is already built.
There are unglamorous works that should be considered first, at least as far the foundations for a proper renovation job are concerned, but once you have the perfect groundwork in place, you can experiment and completely change the feel of your home by adapting just one room.
How warm is your extension?
Now that we are well within the bounds of winter, you might start to notice that your extension is draughtier or cooler than the rest of your house. Many extensions are not as well insulated as the rest of the house and, as such, they can be prone to being a bit of a no-go area when December and January roll around.
You have multiple options for better keeping the heat in, and they aren’t as costly as you might think. Something as simple as getting replacement windows can completely change the dynamic of an extension. Even if you’re replacing your windows in the same style, the better technology available today will mean your extension is warmer, and will look more sleek and modern.
Tip: Replace the windows in your conservatory, as well as the roof…
Conservatories and energy efficiency
Conservatories are notorious for their high levels of heat loss in the winter and for heating up too much in the summer. Consider a conservatory roof replacement, whereby the windows in the roof are taken down and replaced by a tiled roof that contains standard insulation. The difference in the ambient temperature of the room is astounding once this work is carried out. Your extension will feel like a different room, and will cost significantly less to heat.
If you replace a glazed conservatory roof, you do not necessarily sacrifice the benefits of a large amount of natural light streaming in from above. It’s very easy to learn how to fit Velux windows yourself, or it may be something that you opt for when getting a contractor in to fit your new insulated conservatory roof.
Tip: Fitting roof windows to a newly tiled conservatory roof is an option that benefits your heating bills without looking like a downgrade.
Use contrasting styles
The bolder your stylistic choices, the more of a statement you will make. It may not seem like the most logical strategy at first, but making the new additions to your extension stand out, rather than blend in, can be a fantastic way of livening up your living space.
Make it obvious that the new parts are new and the existing parts are old. You don’t have to build in an older style just because you have an older house. You can replace an entire interior wall or clad the exterior with modern materials to really bolden the alterations you’ve made.
Tip: Even without the large, contemporary windows, a bold cladding material will transform your extension and your home.
Open up your indoor space to the outside
Bifold doors can utterly reshape your extension and your whole home. Their ability to open up a large entrance and create an exit to the garden, yard or terrace is unrivalled, and there are good reasons for their monumental rise in popularity. In London, bifold doors have been an enduring home improvement trend for several years now for those looking to add contemporary class and practicality to period homes.
Installing bifold doors may be a costly way of reconfiguring your extension, but if you are able to afford such work, it’s sure to turn heads and grant you a better mode of living, particularly in the summer.
Tip: Combine spotlighting, roof windows and bifold doors for the ultimate in airy living spaces.
