Modern rear extension in Braintree, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring an open-plan layout with large windows and a seamless connection to the garden.

Types of Home Extensions

Expanding your home adds space without moving. A single story extension, loft conversion, or double story extensioncan transform your home—this guide explores the options, benefits, and key considerations.

Modern rear extension in Braintree, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring an open-plan layout with large windows and a seamless connection to the garden.

Types of Home Extensions

Expanding your home is a great way to create more space without moving. Adding a single story extension, loft conversion, or double story extension can transform your home, but choosing the right design is key. This guide covers the different types of home extensions, their benefits, and what to consider before starting your project.

Spacious home extension project on Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, by Kirkwood Architects

Single-story extensions

An economical option to grow your first floor area is by constructing a single-story extension. With this extra space, you can easily plan for a home office, an extra bedroom, a bigger kitchen, a spacious open-plan kitchen diner, or even a bootility room. These types of extensions facilitate better indoor-outdoor flow because of the bi-fold doors, and significantly increase the value of a home. Although building permission is not always required, meeting building regulations is essential. A thoughtfully designed extension improves the overall appeal of the house while meeting modern requirements.

Single-story extensions

An economical option to grow your first floor area is by constructing a single-story extension. With this extra space, you can easily plan for a home office, an extra bedroom, a bigger kitchen, a spacious open-plan kitchen diner, or even a bootility room. These types of extensions facilitate better indoor-outdoor flow because of the bi-fold doors, and significantly increase the value of a home. Although building permission is not always required, meeting building regulations is essential. A thoughtfully designed extension improves the overall appeal of the house while meeting modern requirements.

Spacious home extension project on Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, by Kirkwood Architects
Double storey extension in Essex featuring a modern rear extension with large windows and a pitched roof, designed by expert architects.

Double-story extensions

A double-storey extension is an effective way of adding space to your home without the hassle of relocation. Be it bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen or an office; any aspect of your home can be altered to be more satisfying with the help of two-storey extensions. The extensions can either be to the side or rear, utilizing the garden area in the former and creating a wider layout with the latter. Though there are certain restrictions and conditions around planning permission, the investment pays off with the increase in value and functionality of a house. A thoughtfully crafted two-storey extension not only makes your home more spacious, but also captures it design-wise.

Double-story extensions

A double-storey extension is an effective way of adding space to your home without the hassle of relocation. Be it bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen or an office; any aspect of your home can be altered to be more satisfying with the help of two-storey extensions. The extensions can either be to the side or rear, utilizing the garden area in the former and creating a wider layout with the latter. Though there are certain restrictions and conditions around planning permission, the investment pays off with the increase in value and functionality of a house. A thoughtfully crafted two-storey extension not only makes your home more spacious, but also captures it design-wise.

Double storey extension in Essex featuring a modern rear extension with large windows and a pitched roof, designed by expert architects.
Wraparound extension in Grays, Essex, featuring a modern L-shaped design, extending the kitchen and living space with bi-fold doors and natural light.

Wrap-around extensions

Combine a side extension with a rear extension to create an L-shaped design that is perfect for maximizing area with wrap-around extensions. These extensions are great for office rooms and dining rooms, and are a perfect fit for local kitchens that need more space. These extensions are best suited for ground level alterations because of their unique design. A wrap extension is just as easy to add compared to a single-storey extension; planning permission, roof options, and overall construction are smooth to carry out regardless.

Wrap-around extensions

Combine a side extension with a rear extension to create an L-shaped design that is perfect for maximizing area with wrap-around extensions. These extensions are great for office rooms and dining rooms, and are a perfect fit for local kitchens that need more space. These extensions are best suited for ground level alterations because of their unique design. A wrap extension is just as easy to add compared to a single-storey extension; planning permission, roof options, and overall construction are smooth to carry out regardless.

Wraparound extension in Grays, Essex, featuring a modern L-shaped design, extending the kitchen and living space with bi-fold doors and natural light.
Porch extension in Rayleigh, Essex, featuring a modern brick design with a pitched roof and stylish front door, adding space and kerb appeal.

Porch Extensions

Porch extensions make the entrance your home more functional and appealing without changing much. Even if it is not required, you can use it for additional porch storage of coat and shoes. It can be designed to be open or enclosed, meaning an extension does not always require planning permission. To add on, a porch is sure to create a warmer welcome. When done correctly, a porch extension enhances the design of the property, as well as, insulation and security.

Porch Extensions

Porch extensions make the entrance your home more functional and appealing without changing much. Even if it is not required, you can use it for additional porch storage of coat and shoes. It can be designed to be open or enclosed, meaning an extension does not always require planning permission. To add on, a porch is sure to create a warmer welcome. When done correctly, a porch extension enhances the design of the property, as well as, insulation and security.

Porch extension in Rayleigh, Essex, featuring a modern brick design with a pitched roof and stylish front door, adding space and kerb appeal.
Bespoke outbuilding annex in Brentwood, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring a modern self-contained living space with large windows.

Outbuilding & Annex Extensions

An annex or outbuildings is a perfect home addition that can match whatever purpose you would like to use it as, such as a guest bedroom, home office, gym, or even as a self- contained living unit. Unlike an extension, these can be attached or separate from the house. Even if you might need permission depending on the size and intended use of the annex, many still consider these permitted development. An annex, when designed well, will give your home additional beauty and innovative usage of space.

Outbuilding & Annex Extensions

An annex or outbuildings is a perfect home addition that can match whatever purpose you would like to use it as, such as a guest bedroom, home office, gym, or even as a self- contained living unit. Unlike an extension, these can be attached or separate from the house. Even if you might need permission depending on the size and intended use of the annex, many still consider these permitted development. An annex, when designed well, will give your home additional beauty and innovative usage of space.

Bespoke outbuilding annex in Brentwood, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring a modern self-contained living space with large windows.
Bespoke loft conversion in Chelmsford, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring a spacious bedroom with skylights and modern finishes.

Loft Conversions

Converting a loft is a great way to adjust an underused area and increase the overall value of your property. By doing this, the potential of your property is strained without having to extend outwards. Different kinds of transformations such as dormer, hip-to-gable, or mansard conversions can be done to fit your needs. While many loft conversions fall under permitted development, building regulations should always be followed in order to ensure safety and structural integrity. This also allows for an increase in both the space design and functionality. A well-designed loft conversion is a perfect balance to your home.

Loft Conversions

Converting a loft is a great way to adjust an underused area and increase the overall value of your property. By doing this, the potential of your property is strained without having to extend outwards. Different kinds of transformations such as dormer, hip-to-gable, or mansard conversions can be done to fit your needs. While many loft conversions fall under permitted development, building regulations should always be followed in order to ensure safety and structural integrity. This also allows for an increase in both the space design and functionality. A well-designed loft conversion is a perfect balance to your home.

Bespoke loft conversion in Chelmsford, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring a spacious bedroom with skylights and modern finishes.
Bespoke garage conversion in Billericay, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, transformed into a modern home office with high-quality finishes.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage is another from a cost point of view. It increases the property’s value and practically, all while improving the aesthetics of the home. Sometimes it can be as simple as adding an office, play room, or gym to make the house more livable. Alongside that, it is done without having to extend the property or gain permission. Similar to lofts, there are regulations that alter proper insulation, ventilation, and structural integrity. Regardless of the reason for wanting to convert a garage, the design has to be appropriate to the house for it to blend suitably.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage is another from a cost point of view. It increases the property’s value and practically, all while improving the aesthetics of the home. Sometimes it can be as simple as adding an office, play room, or gym to make the house more livable. Alongside that, it is done without having to extend the property or gain permission. Similar to lofts, there are regulations that alter proper insulation, ventilation, and structural integrity. Regardless of the reason for wanting to convert a garage, the design has to be appropriate to the house for it to blend suitably.

Bespoke garage conversion in Billericay, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, transformed into a modern home office with high-quality finishes.

Our architectural design work and finished projects in Essex

Our architectural design work and finished projects in Essex

We've left some good impressions

See what our customers in Essex are saying on

Boris
19:35 12 Nov 23
Kirkwood Design and Build Builders, Wickford did a fantastic job on our extension in Billericay. They helped with planning permission, design, and build. Professional company through and through. Given that we haven't done such a large project before, we were a bit nervous and had a lot of questions. Jamie and his team from Kirkwood Design and Build Builders was good putting us at ease and now that we are fully complete with all our work, we further appreciate how professional this company is. Would highly recommend.
Holly Luckin
09:29 11 Nov 23
Nothing was to much hassle and Jamie is lovely!
john rocke
11:33 09 Nov 23
Great company and very professional. Nothing was a problem, very helpful and will definitely use them again. Have already given their details to a friend of mine.
Dave Lynch
19:32 08 Nov 23
Work carried out to a very high standard, very pleased with the results.
Sharon Gormer
13:06 07 Nov 23
Very professional company, helpful and friendly staff.
Aaron Tutton
11:15 07 Nov 23
Great builders, very professional and perfectionists! Thank you for such an amazing job
Olly Tait
13:28 21 Apr 23
Jamie and his team were so profesional from start to finish and made the job a joy to watch our dream come together.Very knowledgeable and contactable throughout the process.Couldn't ask for a better outcome and value for money.Will definitely be recommending and 100% will use again!5 star!!!
Sandie
20:03 20 Jan 23
I highly recommend the Kirkwood team! Exceptional workmanship, clear communication, Jamie & his team have provided the utmost as a polite & professional team! Very satisfied customer, looking forward to planning our loft conversion this year with you guys! Many thanks!
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The leading choice for architectural design services in Essex.

We appreciate every customer who takes the time to leave us an honest review. Not everyone gets around to it, but for those who do, thank you. It’s not about getting all 5-star ratings—it’s about helping future customers make informed decisions in this sometimes tricky industry. Life is busy, but if you have a moment, we’d be grateful for your honest feedback.

Modern kitchen extension in Colchester, Essex, designed by Kirkwood Architects, featuring an open-plan layout with skylights and bi-fold doors.

frequently asked question

Please complete an enquiry form and submit your details. We will call you within 1 working day. If we can get through we will email you instead.

We are based in Wickford but we cover the whole of Essex and some part of London. 

Prices start at £1,195.00 and go up to £2,995.00

Permitted development for house extensions allows homeowners to build specific types of extensions without needing planning permission, provided they meet government-defined size and location criteria. As part of our architectural design service in Essex, we ensure your extension complies with these regulations. Additionally, we assist in obtaining a certificate of lawfulness, giving you legal confirmation that your project falls within permitted development rights

Get in contact with usb either calling, emailing, requesting a callback or completing an enquiry form. We are very quick at responding to enquiries.

Use ours is the short answer. We don’t have many as they are hard to come by, but the ones we do, won’t let you down.

Always the architect first if you want sound advice on what steps to take first. Kirkwood will advise on build costs in Essex as part of our service.

A certificate of lawfulness (COL) for a house extension is an official document that verifies the legality of a proposed or existing extension. It is also referred to as a lawful development certificate (LDC).

Here are some of the areas we cover for our architectural design service

Braintree

Colchester

Danbury

Epping

Frinton-on-Sea

Grays

Harlow

Ingatestone

Kelvedon

Laindon

Loughton

Latchingdon

Maldon

Mountnessing

Ongar

Pitsea

Rochford

Safron Walden

South Woodham Ferrers

Stansted

Shoeburyness

Southminster

Shenfield

Tilbury

Tiptree

Thundersley

Waltham Abbey

Westcliff-=n-Sea

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