A guide to the best rear and front house extension ideas in Australia
Types of home extensions
Rear extensions
Positioned at the back of your house, this extension type is often created by breaking down the rear wall and building out into the patio or garden area. A rear extension is one of the best options to expand your living space, whether you own a heritage home or a semi-detached house.
Second-storey extensions
An extra floor on your existing structure gives extra living space where you can add bedrooms, a parent’s retreat, extra bathrooms, a gym, a children’s playroom or a study and office space–the options are endless! Second storey extensions are ideal for creating more space without expanding the ground floor size or using outdoor space.
Side turn extensions
Wrap-around extensions
Merging features from the rear and side extensions, a wrap-around expansion forms an ‘L’ shape that uses the area around two sides of a home to increase the existing space. The additional capacity can be used to create a bigger dining, kitchen or lounge area, amongst other options.
Attic conversions
If you have an attic that is standing empty or idle, you can successfully turn it into a usable and practical living space for the whole family to benefit from and enjoy. Consider transforming it into an entertainment room, playroom or extra bedroom.
An experienced home builder will help you select the best type of extension for your property by taking into consideration your specific goals and preferences. They’ll also be able to advise you about any planning permissions and council approvals needed for your project.
The potential value of home expansions
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14 inspiring home extension design ideas and tips
Enhance the comfort and features of your home and align your property with your lifestyle needs–whether you want to increase natural light, include more functional spaces or a sanctuary you can retreat to at the end of a busy day. From a bright, projecting bay window and nifty study nook to stylish finishing touches for your home renovation, here are the latest home extensions ideas to consider for Australian homes this year:
#1. Construct a studio sanctuary
#2. Extend the rear of your property
#3. Improve light flow with glazed extensions
#4. Harmonise the indoors and outdoors
#5. Expand the living room:
#6. Cover the walkway connecting your home and garage
#7. Add a sunroom
Increase the size of your living space with a lean-to conservatory or sunroom. Mixing solid walls with a glazed roof will provide you with a better level of insulation than what you can typically expect from a traditional conservatory while still allowing sunlight to enter.
#8. Inject touches of oak
Incorporate oak into your home’s interior for a warm blend of the outdoors and indoors. Oak beams are traditional yet practical while oak floors are another great option, with a variety of home flooring ideas to choose from.
#9. Create a lightwell
#10. Add a bay window
#11. Install a ceiling glass
#12. Add a mudroom
#13. Set up a study nook
#14. Create a porch
Adding a porch is a fantastic space-making idea, especially if your front door opens directly into your living room. A porch will make your home feel bigger, especially if your hallway is small or narrow.
These extension ideas are a simple overview of how you can expand the space on your property. By working closely alongside a reputable builder with years of experience in home extensions and renovations, you can explore the options best suited to your property and unique lifestyle needs. Do some research online and speak to friends and family to find a custom builder that will help you achieve your vision for building, extending and renovating the home of your dreams.
House extension ideas gallery
Spacemaker Home Extensions has had the privilege of working on numerous residential extensions and custom builds across Melbourne. Many of our clients’ homes have won national awards including Master Builders Victoria Awards (MBAV) and Housing Industry Association (HIA) Awards.
Browse our gallery of completed projects to discover more ideas and inspiration for your property.
Expand your space with Spacemaker, Melbourne’s custom home builders
Deciding which elements your home expansion project will require to help you achieve your family needs, lifestyle and property goals is exciting. To work alongside you to help make it happen, choose Spacemaker–our award-winning team with over 50 years of experience building, renovating and extending custom homes in Melbourne. Our service includes handling all the paperwork for approvals, permits and town planning processes. We take pride in seeing your dream home materialise while making the entire experience flow as smoothly as possible. Talk to a consultant today by contacting us on 03 8873 7800, or request a call back by completing our online enquiry form.
