How Do I Choose Between Different Renovation Options for My Home? 

When it comes to improving your home, the options can feel endless. Loft conversion, rear extension, open plan kitchen, garden studio, whole house remodel. Each one offers something different in terms of lifestyle and value. But how do you know which renovation is right for you? 

The key is to align your decision with how you live now, what you want long term, and what your property allows both structurally and financially. This guide will help you weigh your options clearly and confidently, with no guesswork. 

Start by Defining Your Goals 

Before comparing costs or styles, it’s essential to understand why you want to renovate. That answer shapes everything. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Are you trying to gain more space, or reconfigure what you have? 

  • Is this about improving quality of life, or increasing property value for resale? 

  • Are there frustrations with the current layout that affect your daily life? 

For example: 

  • A growing family may prioritise additional bedrooms or a playroom. 

  • A remote worker might need a private garden studio. 

  • Downsizers may want to modernise the interior for long-term ease and comfort. 

Common Renovation Options and What They Solve 

  • 1. Loft Conversion 

    • Best for: Gaining an extra bedroom, home office, or en-suite 

    • Planning required? Sometimes. Dormer conversions often need permission; internal-only may not. 

    • Rough cost: £40,000–£70,000+ depending on roof type and structural work 

    A smart way to add usable space without losing garden area. Works best for homes with tall, pitched roofs. 

     

    2. Rear Kitchen or Living Extension 

    • Best for: Open-plan family spaces, kitchen upgrades, indoor-outdoor flow 

    • Planning required? Often covered under Permitted Development 

    • Rough cost: £60,000–£120,000 depending on size and finish 

    This is the go-to for homeowners wanting a “heart of the home” feel. Great for entertaining, young families, or lifestyle upgrades. 

    Explore similar projects on our Services page. 

     

    3. Side Return Extension 

    • Best for: Narrow Victorian or Edwardian homes with underused alley space 

    • Planning required? Usually needed 

    • Rough cost: £55,000–£90,000 

    This type of renovation widens ground floor space while keeping garden depth, often unlocking better kitchen flow and natural light. 

    4. Garage Conversion 

    • Best for: Creating a study, utility room, or bedroom without major structural change 

    • Planning required? Often not 

    • Rough cost: £20,000–£40,000 

    One of the most budget-friendly options, provided the garage is attached and structurally sound. 

     

    5. Whole-House Renovation 

    • Best for: Updating tired interiors, correcting past layout mistakes, improving insulation 

    • Planning required? Depends on scope 

    • Rough cost: £150–£300 per square metre 

    Ideal if you’ve bought a fixer-upper or your layout no longer serves your lifestyle. Consider phasing the project by floor or priority area. 

    Still unsure which path suits your goals? Our FAQ's can help guide you. 

How to Evaluate Your Options Practically 

  • Measure Your Budget Against Impact 
    Which option gives you the biggest lifestyle upgrade or return on investment? 

    1. Think About Daily Life 
      Would construction disrupt your household? Can you live on-site or would you need to move out? 

    1. Understand the Structural and Legal Side 
      Different renovations have different permissions, party wall notices, and regulatory demands. Make sure you're clear on what’s required before committing. 

  • If you're unsure, reach out via our Contact page and we can walk you through the legal and design implications of each choice. 

    1. Consider the Resale Perspective 
      Even if you're not moving soon, some renovations add more value than others. Loft conversions, kitchen extensions, and downstairs bathrooms tend to appeal broadly to future buyers. 

  • For market data, Rightmove’s annual home improvement survey is a useful read: 
    https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/home-renovation-projects-that-add-most-value/ 

When You Might Need to Combine Options 

In some cases, the best outcome involves blending renovation types. For instance: 

  • Loft + side return for added vertical and horizontal space 

  • Rear extension + internal remodel for open-plan living with better storage 

  • Garage conversion + kitchen update for functionality upgrades without major expansion 

A good design consultant will walk you through how these combinations work together without overcomplicating the build. 

Meet our design-led planning experts on The Team page. 

 

Conclusion: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All 

The right renovation option is the one that makes your life easier, fits your home’s structure, and works within your budget. Don’t be swayed by trends or what your neighbours are doing — your lifestyle, property type, and goals are unique. 

With the right guidance, comparing options doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start by understanding what you need, then explore what’s possible — one clear step at a time.