Around 60% of the UK population live in semidetached houses* so it should come as no surprise that extending a semi is one of the most popular projects undertaken by homeowners keen to make the most of their properties.
Semi-detached houses have so much going for them when it comes to building an extension, particularly compared to terraced houses, yet often their full potential isn’t reached.
“There needs to be more glamour in the name semi-detached,” says Robert Wilson, principal architect at Granit Architecture + Interiors. “Far from the image of suburban enclaves of vegetable growers following the good life, semis are excellent for creating a large, spacious home.”
ASSESS WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Take a good look at what you already have (as well as what you want to achieve) before splashing out on an expensive and disruptive extension project.
“We’d recommend starting off by considering what does and doesn’t work about your current house, and from there considering what (if any) additional space would genuinely enhance your lifestyle and bring you joy,” advises Sarah Broadstock, associate architect at Studio Bark. In some cases it could be that thoughtfully reorganising the current layout could really open up and expand what you already have.
“You don’t necessarily need to add a large extension or masses of space to achieve the home you want. More efficient use of the existing
