Quintessential; classic; timeless… we love semi-detached homes! Dating back to the mid-late 18th century, they’re part of our heritage and a vital element of the streetscape in most British villages, towns, and cities.
However, there’s no denying that these houses can present a unique set of challenges when it comes to renovation. At Combit Constructions, specialist builders in North London, we understand what it takes to extend semi-detached houses and restore these old gems to their former glory.
And that’s why we’ve decided to list out our top tips for transforming your semi-detached home:
1. HAVE A CLEAR GOAL
Before you begin your renovation, it’s super important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Think about the current layout – does it suit your family’s needs? What do you love and what do you want to change? How can you improve the functionality and flow of the home?
Try and consider your long-term needs as well as your current demands – after all, renovations are an investment, so you want to get the most out of whatever you do.
If you have a clear vision from the get-go, you’ll be able to communicate this to your building team and the whole project is guaranteed to run more smoothly.
2. INVOLVE THE EXPERTS
It’s good to get expert advice for house extension ideas for semi-detached houses. Involving a specialist building team such as Combit Constructions can save you a lot of extra headache and hassle: we understand what it takes to craft beautiful spaces for everyday living and create that seamless harmony between the old and the new.
From initial ideas through to project completion, you need a team that you can rely on to manage your project from every aspect. A professional team can help you get the best bang for your buck and ensure that you maximize your return on investment.
3. STAY ONSIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS
Perhaps the most significant factor to consider in your renovation is the ‘common’ wall you share with your neighbour. The reality is that your project is likely to impact in some way or other on the folks next door, so it’s important to do everything you can to stay onside with them.
A chat over a cuppa before you begin your renovation might go a long way towards maintaining a harmonious relationship. Be honest – discuss your plans and explain each step of the process and what will be involved.
If you are extending a semi-detached house, your neighbour may be concerned about the new part of the building blocking out sunlight and/or views or impacting on their privacy. Listen. Take their concerns seriously. And do whatever you can to minimize the impact of your build.
4. MAINTAIN THE STYLE
Maintaining period features on the exterior of your extension is super important. Not only does it improve the aesthetics by helping to blend the old with the new, but in many circumstances, it’s a requirement of the local council.
Talk to your building team about using traditional building materials or modern replicas to ensure that you achieve perfect harmony between the original home and your house extension.
5. OVERCOMING LIGHTING ISSUES
Overlooking is a common challenge faced by homeowners who extend semi-detached properties, and often windows on the side of the extension are simply not an option. In this situation, homes often end up having ‘deep’ floorplans with windows only on the rear wall.
To ensure that your extension is light and airy, you need to be creative – installing ceiling windows or skylights can make a huge difference to the feel and look of an internal room. Wherever possible, opt for open plan spaces to maximize all available natural light.
6. ADD AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
The concept of outdoor living is gaining momentum across North London and creating a beautiful space for your family to relax and entertain guests is a modern alternative to extending with bricks and mortar. Plus, it maximizes your garden and allows you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine!
Achieving a seamless harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces requires planning and forethought, however, it’s not actually hard to achieve. Think about options such as using the same floor tiles for indoor and outdoor spaces, opting for glass panels rather than solid walls, and decorating with matching indoor and outdoor furniture.
7. LIGHT, BRIGHT AND AIRY
If you’re looking for ways to make your semi-detached home feel bigger, we suggest you opt for a light color palette. Remember, dark moody colors make spaces feel smaller; light colors make spaces feel larger.
A fresh coat of paint, new floor coverings, modern hardware on the cabinetry, a contemporary stair runner… it’s the little things that can make a big difference. Be creative and add your personal touch to create a home that’s uniquely yours!
For more information on tips for transforming your semi-detached home, contact the team at Combit Constructions.