HOUSE EXTENSIONS THAT WON’T RUIN THE CHARACTER OF AN OLDER HOME !
The UK has a rich history and this is most evident in the abundance of the different styles of architecture visible throughout the land. Some of these houses are quite spacious, while others can be on the small size. When you purchase one of these old homes, such as Tudor, Victorian or Edwardian, to name a few, you may want to add an extension if the home is on the small side, but o detract from the character of the home would be committing architectural crime.
Before you grab a sledgehammer and start demolishing walls in your old character home, here are a few things you should consider so you can have the home of your dreams, without destroying a piece of history.
Combining The Old With The New
Whether you’ve purchases a detached, semi-detached or terraced home, there is always the option of a house extension if you don’t have adequate living space for your family. There are a number of options you can choose from to get the extra living space you need without ending up with a completely new looking home. To keep your home’s original and unique character, try combining some new elements to your house extensions with old ones.
You can extend the roof using materials such as zinc cladding that will work well with those old clay tiles. Adding large windows ino the roof will ensure your extensions give natural light to the rooms beneath them.
The same principle of combining the old with the new applies to the interior of your house extensions. Many of these older homes have beautiful mouldings that you definitely want to keep, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add modern artwork, furniture and rugs to give the room a cosy, contemporary ambient.
Keep The Old Charm
Your old Georgian or Elizabethan home no doubt has an overabundance of charm that was so prevalent when they were in their prime. While you can add any type of house extension you want, try to keep the old charm of your home as this may be the soul of your home. You can have your modern elements and keep some of the original aspects of your home.
The view from the street is what most people see and this is often how we identify the architectural style of an older home. Try to keep as much of this original architecture in place so your home doesn’t lose any of that old world charm. If you live in a terraced house, you want the front of your home to be unique, but not to stand out like a sore thumb in the middle of all the other homes.
In most cases, house extensions are added as an additional level or they’ll extend to the rear of the house. Either method is great as you’ll be able to keep the front of the house looking as stunning and charming as it has for generations.
Glass Is Timeless
One way to ensure house extensions to an older home won’t clash with the original feel of the home is to incorporate these extensions with glass. Generally speaking, glass is timeless and it comes with a multitude of benefits in the home. Firstly, even an ultra-modern house extension will fit in with almost any older style of architecture when the extension is encased in glass. You’ll also be able to flood your home with natural light and give the extension a truly open feeling and, if you really love your views, all that glass will give you expansive views.
Glass house extensions are ideal for family communal areas such as kitchens, dining and living rooms. When added to the back of the house they are even more practical as they turn a courtyard into a sun room that you can use all year round.
Incorporate Wood
Wood is one of the most versatile materials to use when building and when it comes to house extensions, wood add character and beauty to any home, regardless of whether you are aiming for a classic or contemporary design. Wood is not only a sturdy building material; it is also highly valued for its natural beauty.
Incorporate wood in the structure of your house extensions, around window and door frames and flooring. Wood brings warmth and depth to your home and it will look fabulous no matter how old your home is.
Consult A Professional
Many people don’t think twice about hiring professional contractors to undertake the enormous task of a house extension. They will also hire a professional architect to do the drawings. However, very few people will consult a professional to help them consider how the extensions will fit with the original character of the home. While some architects may be able to advise you on the aesthetic and structural aspects of your home, they will usually just draw in what the client wants.
At the end of the day, you want your house extensions to be beautiful and functional, but have you given much thought to whether or not those extensions will actually add value to your home? Space may be the ultimate factor behind your decision to add a house extension but this space needs to be in keeping with the rest of the house, have a definite purpose and add value to your home. This may not be important when you first start out, but if you ever decide to put your home on the market, you want to make sure the extensions will increase the value of your property and be appealing to potential buyers.
Consulting a professional designer, who may or may not also be an architect, may seem like an unnecessary expense, but in the grand scheme of house extensions, working with a designer will ensure the extensions will work well with the rest of the house.
To ensure your house extension meets all local government regulations, retains the original charm of the home and add value to your home, call Eternal Design and Build Ltd. Our team of North London Builders includes designers and consultants that ensure you get the space you need and a high-quality extension that will be every bit as beautiful as it is practical and functional.
