House extension layouts and layout ideas

There is no set layout for a house extension. Each owner and house will have a unique set requirements and layouts that will be engineered by the home owner and their house extension designer to make best use of the space. However, it could be argued that in generic terms most house extension layouts do seem to conform to a set of generally accepted principals that I would list as follows as some ideas:-

Ground floor layout:- Semi open plan, large family kitchen with dedicated eating area, separate utility if space allows without compromising the space for the kitchen and dining area, ground floor cloaks/wc, large living area connected to the family kitchen, minimal requirement for a separate dining room that may only get used a few times a year. Good use of circulation area housing the stairway, a separate study room facing front if possible to intercept possible client visiting and direct access to study rather than trawling business through the family house. Integral garages only required if all other space requirements listed above are satisfied. Most kitchens and living rooms should face onto rear garden rather than facing front. No ground floor bedroom space is usually acceptable unless the property is a chalet bungalow. Good circulation flow around the house wit linked rooms - not just reliant on always using the hallway to get from room to room. Use of a family utility room with external back or side door if possible for use of utility room as an ‘air lock’ or ‘tidy up room’ for the kids or dogs etc. before entering the main dwelling.

First floor layout:- 3 bedrooms usually required. 4 bedrooms a must for most detached properties unless they are cottages. 1 family bathroom and 1 en-suite minimum. All rooms to be useful sized double rooms if possible. Better to have 3 good workable double bedrooms than 4 cramped un-workable bedrooms with little storage space. Walk in wardrobe to master bedroom very desirable. Good landing area for circulation spaces. Galleried or semi open vaulted stir well if possible. Avoid cramped landings wit every wall space taken up with a door. Avoid long narrow corridors wasting space and making the new extension space feel like a compromise too far. Airing cupboard off the landing. Windows to all wash rooms and landing areas if possible.

House extension layouts to avoid:- Rooms off other rooms, stairs from inside living rooms, ground floor bedroom space unless required for annexe or disability, retention of small kitchens with cramped eating area. Separate utility rooms if it eats into too much kitchen area. Utility rooms not accessed off the kitchen. Cramped entrance halls. Long narrow rooms. Deep rooms with limited light. Irregular shaped rooms with lots of corners or obstructions. Rooms with too many doors and poorly located for placing of furniture.