Bearsden Bungalow Side Extension & Attic Conversion, Glasgow
After: Creating a roof extension on this traditional bungalow enabled us to extend upwards, providing more space for a family in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire.
In the leafy suburb of Bearsden, our architects embarked on an impressive home extension journey. We carefully designed a bungalow side extension, coupled with a transformative roof extension and attic conversion. The result was the metamorphosis of a modest Bearsden property into a spacious and welcoming residence for a growing family.
Located between Glasgow and the edge of the countryside, the sought-after Killermont area boasts greenery and excellent schools. Given the scarcity of well-sized properties, to create the extra space they required our clients decided to purchase, and build an extension on, a bungalow in need of updating.
Our experts commenced on the project to convert the home in early 2019. With the building warrant obtained later that year, construction work to transform the property and maximise space swiftly proceeded in 2020.
Before: Prior to the home extension, the bungalow was too small and surrounded by overgrown trees.
Building a bungalow side extension for extra living space
The property's garden wrapped around the house, but due to overgrowth the main open area was located at the back. Therefore, an unused shrubbery area provided an excellent opportunity to design and construct a new bungalow side extension, resulting in a substantial increase in overall width by 33%, and providing valuable extra room for the family.
This was seamlessly integrated with the original lounge and one of the downstairs bedrooms, creating a transformative L-shaped living-kitchen-dining space. The family-friendly addition maintains the character of the old building while still achieving a cohesive feel within the enhanced living space.
Significant care was taken with the side extension and the overall new layout to create smooth transitions between the three distinct areas. A corner fireplace with glass on three sides serves as a unique feature in the new living space, visible from every part of the room.
Budgeting to include this striking design element has enhanced the overall ambience of the space and creates a sense of connection within the home.
Learn more about characterful design in our blog: how to add character to a house.
Enhancing natural light and living spaces for young families
To bring ample natural light into the home throughout the day, windows were introduced in three directions. Additionally, the old staircase was completely replaced as part of the bungalow extension process, and a new tall window was added in the stairwell leading to the upstairs attic conversion. This brightens both the hallway and landing area.
The remaining bedroom downstairs was also converted as part of the project, into a dedicated children's playroom, further enhancing the spacious and family-friendly ground floor layout of the home.
A bold bungalow roof extension and Glasgow attic conversion
Our most ambitious design challenge for the project was the roof extension and loft conversion. These strategic bungalow extension ideas significantly increased the living space on the upper floor of the home by extending upwards and implementing a dormer bungalow extension.
To achieve this dramatic transformation required an innovative approach. We completely removed the entire roof structure and replaced it with a new one covering both the main house and the side extension. The roof extension, which surrounds the new dormer loft conversion with dormer windows, incorporates both flat roof and sloping roof sections.
The work was foundational in enabling us to raise the pitch of the roof from approximately 30 to 45 degrees, resulting in increased head height and usable space for the attic conversion within the same footprint. Additionally, we raised the ridge of the house by just 700 millimetres, providing even more valuable extra space.
Adding an extension on a bungalow to create extra bedrooms
As a result of this impressive home renovation, which maximises loft space in the building, a single bedroom with a small staircase has been impressively transformed, resulting in a substantial gain of three double bedrooms (one with an en suite), a single bedroom, and a family bathroom.
The new roof extension also enabled a substantial improvement in the roof structure’s thermal performance and will benefit the home’s overall energy efficiency - marking yet another advantage for homeowners.
Although it was important for planning permission that the house didn’t differ too much from its Bearsden neighbours visually, the work has resulted in a significant increase in overall floor area, a key benefit for families looking to create an extension on a bungalow.
Planning a bungalow extension
Remember, if you plan to create more space in your home, you will require planning permission for your building project if it falls outside of permitted development rights. Having a clear understanding of local planning policies is crucial to ensuring success with your planning permission application.
East Dunbartonshire planning
East Dunbartonshire planning policy is designed to preserve the character and feel of the area and limits upward extensions. We carefully considered the design of the Bearsden bungalow renovation, including the side extension, roof extension and attic transformation, to accommodate the restrictions and permissions set by the planners. This included adjusting the pitch, raising the ridge, and widening the existing footprint, all within the requirements to preserve the street's character.
By adhering to these planning permission guidelines as part of the process, we successfully added significant interior space via the bungalow renovation project while still maintaining a cohesive look.
Understanding local planning policies is a vital part of ensuring success when extending your home, whether you're creating a single storey bungalow extension, rear bungalow extension or undertaking an attic conversion in the Glasgow area.
Bungalow extension cost
When evaluating the cost of a bungalow renovation, including a roof extension and attic conversion in Glasgow, homeowners should take into account various factors. These include the size of the loft, the type of conversion (Dormer, Mansard, L-shaped, Velux loft conversion, or other types), and any additional features relevant to the conversion of the loft space.
You can explore this topic in more detail by reading our blog about Glasgow loft conversions.
While the cost of extending upwards varies based on the individual home and requirements, our experienced architects would be happy to work with you to find the best option for you to help you maximise your loft space and realise the full potential of your home.
Bungalow extensions provide more space without moving home
Adding an extension on a bungalow can provide a cost effective alternative to moving house, adding value to your existing property and enhancing your daily life. If you would like assistance creating additional living space for your family, our bungalow extension experts can help.
With a skilled team of residential architects and attic conversion specialists, you'll benefit from our substantial experience with the entire process, including expertise in planning permission and building regulations.
Feel free to reach out to us today for help creating extra space with our design services. We're happy to advise on a variety of different bungalow extension ideas and other types of home extensions in Glasgow, including:
Traditional bungalow extension
Single storey
Dormer
Rear bungalow extension
At Vellow Wood, we ensure that all of our work is delivered to a very high standard.
Moving ahead with your home renovation project
As an experienced home extension company, we understand just how much value maximising space in your existing bungalow or other property can add to your life and home. If you'd like to learn more about the benefits a new bungalow extension can bring to your family, or if you simply want to have a better understanding of the options for a side extension, rear extension, or attic conversion in Glasgow, contact our expert design team today.
Benefit from our expert architectural advice
Our experts would be happy to discuss a variety of ideas with you, helping you to create a light and airy extension that maximises the potential of your existing building and provides your family with the additional living space you require.
Please visit our extension page to learn more about how our expert house extension architects, Glasgow can help you realise your vision in the city, surrounding areas or wider Scotland. Alternatively, you can learn more about creating your ideal space by reading our specialist blog about home extensions in Glasgow.