As longer days and lighter evenings roll in, it’s no wonder so many homeowners in South-West London begin thinking about how to better enjoy their living spaces. Whether your family is growing, your lifestyle is changing, or you simply want to embrace a brighter, more open-plan way of living, a thoughtfully planned house extension in London could be the answer.
At
Home Improvements & Construction Ltd (HICL), we help clients across Kingston, Surbiton, Twickenham, Richmond, Esher, and beyond turn cramped rooms into flowing, functional, and beautiful spaces—ready just in time for summer.
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
- 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
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.
Like what you see? Reach out to our experienced team, located in Surbiton.
Share this article
