Home Extensions

Windows and doors can form a major part of a modern extension.

Large areas of glass bring daylight into the new room and provide views across the garden. They can be particularly effective on rear extensions, where homeowners often want to improve the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. South Lakes Windows can incorporate UPVC, aluminium or timber windows depending on the required design.

Aluminium is particularly suited to projects where larger glass areas and slimmer frame sections are wanted. Fixed windows can provide broad uninterrupted views, while opening windows introduce ventilation where required. The position of the glazing should be planned carefully. Simply adding as much glass as possible is not always the best approach. Orientation, privacy, solar gain and furniture positions all need consideration.

A well-planned combination of solid walls and glazing can provide useful wall space while still allowing plenty of daylight into the extension.

The roof has a major influence on how an extension looks and feels.

A solid insulated roof can create an interior similar to other rooms within the house. This provides ceiling space for lighting while helping to control heat transfer through the roof. South Lakes Windows can also provide modern lightweight roofing systems including Ultraframe UltraRoof for suitable extension projects. The system provides an insulated roof structure with a tiled external finish and internal ceiling. Homeowners who want more overhead daylight can consider a combination of solid roofing and glass.

The Ultraframe LivinROOF system allows selected glazed sections to be incorporated within an insulated roof. This can be useful where additional light is needed in a particular part of the room. A flat roof extension can incorporate an UltraSKY Lantern, creating a raised glazed section that brings daylight into the centre of the room.

For homeowners who prefer a lower roof profile, the UltraSKY Flat Skylight can provide overhead glazing within a suitable flat roof.

Natural light deserves particular attention when designing a rear extension.

Building beyond the existing external wall moves the new windows and doors further away from the original interior. Without careful planning, the extension can leave the room behind it darker than before. Roof glazing can help address this.

A lantern, skylight or glazed roof section can introduce daylight from above, particularly when positioned close to the point where the extension joins the original house. Large glazed doors can also increase the amount of light entering through the rear elevation.

The direction the property faces makes a difference. A south-facing extension may receive significant direct sunlight, while a north-facing extension experiences different light levels. Nearby trees, neighbouring houses and other structures can create additional shade.

We consider these factors when planning the roof and glazing rather than treating windows as a final addition to the design.

Large glazed doors can completely change how an extension connects with the garden.

Bi-folding doors are a popular option where homeowners want to open a substantial section of the rear elevation. Multiple panels fold together, creating a wide opening onto a patio or garden. Sliding doors provide another option for larger openings. Their large glass panels can create broad garden views when the doors are closed, while the sliding operation means the panels do not need space to swing.

For larger projects, lift and slide or triple track doors may be considered where suitable.

French doors remain an effective choice where a smaller opening or more traditional appearance is preferred. The best door system depends on the width available, garden layout and how the room will be furnished. South Lakes Windows can plan the doors alongside the windows and roof so that each part of the extension works with the overall layout.

Kitchen and dining areas are among the most common reasons homeowners consider an extension.

Older properties often have smaller separate rooms that no longer suit the way the household uses the home. Extending at the rear can provide the additional floor space needed to create a larger kitchen and dining area.

The extra width or depth can provide room for a kitchen island, dining table, additional storage or seating. Glazed doors can then connect the kitchen with the garden, while roof glazing can bring light into areas further from the rear elevation.

Planning the extension around the kitchen layout is important. Window and door positions need to leave sufficient wall space for units, appliances and storage. Making these decisions during the design stage avoids compromising the kitchen layout later.

Home extensions do not need to follow a single architectural style.

For traditional properties, roof shapes, window proportions, frame colours and external finishes can be selected with the original building in mind. Timber windows and French doors may suit some period homes, while carefully chosen UPVC products can provide another option. Contemporary extensions can use larger areas of glass, aluminium windows, sliding doors and simpler roof forms.

Properties throughout Cumbria and the South Lakes vary considerably, from traditional stone cottages and farmhouses to Victorian homes, bungalows and newer developments. The extension should respond to these differences.

Listed buildings and properties within conservation areas require further consideration. Planning controls can affect the position, size, materials and appearance of an extension, so the requirements for the individual property need to be established before construction begins.

Modern extensions need to meet appropriate standards for thermal performance.

Insulation within the walls, floor and roof helps reduce heat transfer through the building structure. Energy efficient windows and doors are also important because glazed areas can form a significant proportion of a modern extension. Double or triple glazing can be considered according to the selected window and door systems. Low-E coatings and other glazing specifications can help reduce heat transfer through the glass.

Where large areas of south-facing glazing are proposed, solar gain also needs consideration. Appropriate glass specifications, ventilation and the balance between glazed and solid areas can help manage internal temperatures.

The complete extension needs to be considered together. Roof insulation, walls, floors, windows, doors and ventilation all contribute to its overall performance.

Home extensions are subject to planning and Building Regulations requirements.

Some extensions can be constructed under permitted development rights if the property and proposed work meet the relevant conditions. Other projects require a planning application. Different restrictions can apply to listed buildings, conservation areas and properties where permitted development rights have been removed or restricted.

Building Regulations are another consideration. The extension will need to meet applicable requirements covering areas such as structure, insulation, glazing, ventilation, drainage and electrical work.

The individual site and design therefore need to be assessed before construction starts rather than assuming that the same rules apply to every extension.