How to place your house extension: an L-shaped or lengthwise extension? How to build your extension so that it is best suited to your individual house? Maisons SIC, specialist in renovations and extensions, gives you some advice…
The different positions of the extensions
Enlarging your home is often necessary. Whether to welcome a new child, create a work space or improve comfort, several solutions exist. Here are the different types of extensions, depending on their positioning in relation to the house.
Lateral extensions
Lateral extensions add space by extending the house to the side. They are ideal for spacious grounds. It is important to create a new opening or enlarge an existing opening. The main challenge is to maintain aesthetic and functional continuity between the extension and the house.
You can then opt for an L-shaped extension, forming an angle with the existing house. This type of extension is particularly interesting for structuring the garden and optimizing the sunlight in the rooms.
Or you have the possibility to choose an extension in length by adding space across the entire width of the house. This is ideal for expanding an already existing room.
Extensions by raising
Raising is ideal for city homes where floor space is limited. It consists of add one or more floors to the existing house. This option requires checking the solidity of the foundations and using lightweight materials. It is an expensive but effective solution to increase the living space without encroaching on the land.
Without raising your house, you can also create a height extension by converting existing attics and thus create an extension under the roof.
Extensions by excavation
The extension by excavation consists to arrange the basement to make it habitable. This involves digging under the house, a particularly useful option in areas where space is limited. Care must be taken to ensure that the land is not prone to flooding and that moisture can be properly managed. The provision of natural light is also a challenge to overcome.
Exterior extensions
The garden studio is a quick and flexible solution to save space without affecting the main house. It is easily installed in the garden and can be used as a bedroom, office, gym or music studio. It is a versatile option, without the drawbacks of heavy work.
You can also transform your garage into a living room, an economical option. The work is often less heavy, because the structure already exists. However, it is important to insulate and arrange the space well so that it is pleasant to live in.
Enlarging your house and creating an extension offers various possibilities depending on the type of land and your needs. Each option has its specificities and constraints, so it is crucial to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages before getting started.
Advantages and disadvantages of an L-shaped extension
Performance House 12 120 m2 of Maisons SIC
An L-shaped extension is a popular solution for extending a house. It is distinguished by its right angle shape, which integrates harmoniously with the existing structure while creating new living spaces.
However, like any expansion option, it has advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider before embarking on such a project.
Advantages of an L-shaped extension
Space optimization : one of the main advantages of an L-shaped extension is the optimization of exterior and interior space. This form allows better structure the garden by creating distinct zones, such as a terrace, a winter garden or an interior courtyard. It also offers better circulation between the different parts of the house, facilitating access to new living spaces.
Improved brightness : an L-shaped extension can considerably improve the brightness of the house. In creating new openings and by adding windows on two different facades, it allows better diffusion of natural light. This can make rooms more pleasant to live in and reduce the need for artificial lighting, contributing to energy savings.
Flexibility and versatility : the L-shaped extension offers great flexibility in terms of design and use of spaces. It can be used to create additional rooms, a desk, a games room, or even a relaxation area. This versatility helps meet various evolving family needs without compromising the overall design of the home.
Add charm to your home with an L-shaped extension
From an aesthetic point of view, an L-shaped extension can provide a modern and elegant touch to a traditional house. It allows you to experiment with different architectural styles and materials, which can enhance the overall appearance of the property. Additionally, such an extension can significantly increase the value of the home, making the initial investment potentially very profitable in the long term.
On narrow terrain, the L-shaped extension allows you to work on the depth, thus offering a larger and more balanced space without cluttering the facade.
If the facade of your house lacks charm, an L-shaped extension with a veranda or glass roof can considerably improve its exterior appearance. This structure adds an elegant and contemporary touch, enhancing the visual appeal of your property.
For houses suffering from annoying views, the L-shaped extension offers a practical solution. It allows you to create spaces of privacy by blocking the view of neighbors, while providing new comfort zones in the garden.
Finally, the L-shaped extension creates a harmonious link between house and garden. An L-shaped veranda allows living rooms such as the living room or dining room to be flooded with natural light. If your garden has a swimming pool, this extension also protects the swimming area from prevailing winds, adding both functionality and aesthetics to your outdoor space.
Disadvantages of an L-shaped extension
Cost : one of the main disadvantages of an L-shaped extension is its cost. The complexity of design and construction can result in slightly higher expenses, especially if additional foundation work is necessary. The cost of materials, finishes and labor may also be higher compared to other types of extensions.
Building time : the construction time of an L-shaped extension can be a little long. The need to coordinate different trades, comply with local construction regulations and deal with possible unforeseen events can extend the duration of the work. This can cause inconvenience for the occupants of the house, who often have to live in a construction site for a few weeks.
Authorizations and regulations : carrying out an L-shaped extension often requires obtaining building permits and complying with various local regulations. THE administrative procedures can be lengthy and tedious, involving consultation with local authorities and potential changes to initial plans to comply with standards. This can add a level of complexity and frustration to the project.
Advantages and disadvantages of a long extension
Lengthwise extension, also called longitudinal extension, is also a popular method of extending a house by extending its existing structure on one side. This solution is often preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness, but it also has challenges. Here is an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of a long extension.
Advantages of a length extension
Simplicity of design : the long extension is often simpler to design and build than other types of extensions. It follows the existing line of the house, which facilitates architectural planning and implementation. This simplicity can reduce design costs and construction times.
Optimal use of space : this form of extension allows optimal use of the space available on the land, particularly on narrow but long lots. She allows to maximize living space without requiring complex modifications to the existing structure. This makes it a practical solution for owners with little width but a lot of length of land.
Improved traffic flow : a long extension can improve the interior circulation of the house. By adding pieces in a row, it is possible to create a more natural and fluid flow between different areas of the house. This can also allow for better separation of private and common spaces.
Increased natural light : By extending the house on one side, it is possible toadd new windows and patio doors, which increases the supply of natural light. Better lighting can make living spaces more pleasant and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Additionally, adding floor-to-ceiling windows can provide stunning views of the garden or outdoor space.
Disadvantages of a Long Extension
Impact on the garden : one of the main disadvantages of a long extension is the impact on the exterior space. This extension can reduce the size of the garden or available outdoor space. For homeowners attached to their green space, this can represent a significant compromise. It is often necessary to rearrange the garden to compensate for the loss of space.
Problems de license and regulations : as with any extension, a long extension often requires building permits and must comply with local regulations. Administrative procedures can be long and complicated, involving consultation with local authorities and adjustments to plans to meet building standards.
Structural challenges : Although simpler than some other options, a long extension can still pose structural challenges. It is crucial to ensure that the existing structure can support extension without compromising the stability of the whole. Strong foundations and good planning are essential to avoid future problems.
Cost of materials and labor : Although potentially less expensive than other types of extensions, a length extension can still incur significant expense in materials and labor. Cost may vary depending on the size of the extension, chosen materials and desired finishes. It is important to budget carefully to avoid cost overruns.
Architectural integration of a long extension
Finally, the architectural integration of a long extension with the existing structure can pose an aesthetic challenge. It is essential to ensure that the extension complements the style and materials of the original house to avoid a messy or inconsistent effect. A good architect can help ensure a successful integration.
L-shaped extension or long extension: how to choose?
To see things more clearly, here is a summary table of the characteristics of L-shaped extensions and long extensions:
| Criteria | L-shaped extension | Length Extension |
| Type of suitable terrain | Ideal for spacious grounds with the possibility of structuring the garden | Ideal for narrow but long terrains |
| Space optimization | Structure the garden, create distinct zones | Maximizing space on narrow and long lots |
| Brightness | Improves the diffusion of natural light | Adding windows and patio doors for more natural light |
| Flexibility of use | Great versatility for various spaces (bedroom, office, etc.) | Ideal for expanding existing rooms (living room, kitchen) |
| Aesthetic | Brings a modern touch and enhances the house | Requires good architectural integration |
| Impact on the garden | Optimizes the structure of the garden, but encroaches slightly | Can significantly reduce the size of the garden |
| Simplicity of design | More complex and expensive design | Simplicity of design and construction |
| Cost | Generally higher, specific materials and foundations required | Potentially less expensive, but depends on materials and finishes |
| Building time | Longer due to complexity | Relatively shorter |
| Permits and regulations | Complex administrative procedures | Requires building permits and compliance with regulations |
| Structural challenges | Complexity related to foundations and materials | Ensure the stability of the existing structure |
| Indoor traffic | Improves circulation between spaces | Facilitates a more natural flow between different areas |
This table provides a clear and detailed comparison of the two types of extensions based on various criteria, facilitating decision-making based on the specific needs and constraints of each project.
Why call on Maisons SIC to build your L-shaped or lengthwise extension?
Choose your favorite Maisons SIC to build your L-shaped or long extension has many advantages, thanks to our expertise, our commitment to quality and our personalized approach.
Maisons SIC benefit from more than 50 years of experience in the construction of individual houses in the south-west of France. Our long history and our know-how allow us to perfectly master all stages of a construction or extension project, from administrative procedures to finishing.
One of the great assets of Maisons SIC is our ability to offer customized solutions. We take the time to study each project in detail to offer extensions perfectly suited to the needs and desires of their customers.
The quality of the work is a priority for Maisons SIC. We work with local craftsmen renowned for their skills and seriousness, thus guaranteeing high-quality finishes. In addition, each project is covered by ten-year insurance, providing additional peace of mind to customers.
Maisons SIC also offers complete support throughout the project. From the moment we make contact, we ensure a detailed study of your needs and rigorous monitoring of the work. A single contact person is designated for each project, facilitating communication and coordination. We take care of all the necessary administrative procedures, allowing our clients to concentrate on the creative and personal aspects of their extension.
Maisons SIC offers a turnkey service, including the choice of materials and equipment in our showrooms. We ensure that every detail meets the client's expectations, ensuring a final result that meets expectations. Their after-sales service is also very responsive, ensuring that any possible issues are quickly resolved.
