Why a House Extension Could Transform Your Summer

With holidays, entertaining and outdoor living on the horizon, spring and early summer are prime seasons to extend your home. Starting your custom home extension now ensures your family can enjoy a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, increased natural light, and refreshed interiors before the height of the summer season.

An extension doesn't just add space—it transforms how you use your home. With biophilic design, open-plan layouts and garden-facing rooms trending in 2025, there’s never been a better moment to reimagine your home for both comfort and value.

Click here to read about one of our recent house extension projects in Kingston.

Design-Led Extension Ideas for Summer Living

Here are a few standout ideas we recommend for South-West London homeowners seeking stylish, summer-friendly upgrades:

1. Kitchen-Diners That Open to the Garden

Maximise entertaining space with large bifold doors, sociable kitchen islands, and sunlit dining areas that invite the outdoors in. Perfect for weekend BBQs and midweek family dinners alike.

2. Sunrooms or Garden Rooms

A glazed rear extension can serve as a home office, reading nook, or tranquil retreat. Designed with energy-efficient materials, these rooms offer comfort year-round while embracing nature.

3. Side Return Extensions

Ideal for terraced homes in Kingston or Wimbledon, side return extensions unlock previously unused alleyway space and allow natural light to flood darker interiors.

4. Wraparound Extensions

For larger homes in Cobham, Esher or Woking, a wraparound extension maximises square footage and flow. It’s a popular choice among growing families.

5. Modular and Eco-Friendly Additions

Sustainable extensions using modern materials and energy-saving systems can deliver speed, savings and strong eco-credentials—perfect for homeowners looking to future-proof their property.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

One of the first questions clients ask is whether they need planning permission. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development rights, but there are exceptions. If your property is in a conservation area, a flat, or already extended, formal approval may be required.

At HICL, we manage all aspects of the planning process, including:

• Site assessments
• Architectural drawings
• Applications to local planning departments
• Liaison with building control
• 
  

We are experienced in navigating local policies across:

• KT5, KT6 (Surbiton, Tolworth, New Malden)
• Wimbledon, Richmond, Hampton and Twickenham
• Oxshott, Leatherhead, Kingswood and Guildford
• We ensure every project meets building regulations for house extensions, providing clients peace of mind from day one.

If you are interested and want to learn more about our Loft Conversion services, click here to go to our dedicated Loft Conversion page.

What Does a House Extension Cost?

Costs vary depending on size, design complexity, materials and finishes. In South-West London, a high-quality single-storey extension might start from £60,000+, while larger wraparound or double-storey builds can reach £120,000+—especially when paired with property refurbishments or loft conversions.

HICL offers:

• Transparent cost breakdowns
• Fixed-price contracts
• Bespoke solutions for budgets over £150,000
• Access to trusted suppliers and sustainable materials

Our approach ensures every penny adds lasting value.

Benefits Beyond the Build

An extension is more than just extra space—it’s a complete lifestyle upgrade. When designed well, it:

• Enhances property value by up to 25%
• Allows you to stay in the area you love
• Improves energy efficiency and insulation
• Adapts your home to modern living and hybrid work
• Future-proofs your home for growing families

These projects also reduce the costs, stress and upheaval that come with moving—making them a smarter solution in today’s housing market.

Click here to explore our full catalogue of bespoke loft conversion services.

Why Choose HICL for Your Extension Project?

Since 2000, Home Improvements & Construction Ltd has delivered elegant, intelligent, and durable construction solutions across South-West London. We’re proud to be a family-run, turnkey construction company, trusted by clients who demand the highest standards.

We offer:

• End-to-end project management
• Design, planning, and build under one roof
• Trusted relationships with local suppliers and specialists
• Tailored advice from a team that knows the local market inside-out

Our rebranded Surbiton office is now open to homeowners looking to explore their ideas in a relaxed, consultative environment.

Looking to understand the costs of your new build? Schedule a call or in-person meeting here with our experienced director Andi to get clear, tailored insights into budgeting and timelines.

Make Summer the Season You Transform Your Home

The best homes aren’t always the biggest—they’re the ones that work for you. If your current property is feeling cramped, outdated or disconnected, a smart house extension could bring balance, space, and brightness back into your life.

Summer’s the season to stretch out—not stress out. Visit HICL’s fresh new headquarters and discover how we can expand your living without changing your postcode.

Let’s create a home that works beautifully for you and your family.