Bungalow extension ideas: 11 ways to max out a single-storey home

It’s easy to see why bungalow extension ideas are a popular renovation project. Indeed, bungalows often come with a generous plot of land, plus they are usually surrounded by similarly low-rise dwellings.

Bungalows therefore offer so much development potential. They create options to extend out to the side, front or rear. Not forgetting the opportunity to extend upwards with a loft conversion. How about a modern glass sunroom at the back or a double-storey annexe to one side too?

Consequently, bungalow extension ideas are creative and flexible. You can add significant living space to your single-storey home to suit your needs for today and into the future. And of course, a well-considered house extension is also likely to add value to your property.

Bungalow extension ideas – where to start

We strongly recommend hiring a professional builder for your bungalow extension. Not only will an experienced tradesperson create a quality extension, but they’ll also know about design, budgeting, planning permissions, and building regulations, helping your project to run smoothly.

Some of the factors to consider include:

• The planning issues involved, including the structure and footprint of the bungalow
• If the bungalow is in a row of similarly shaped homes, local planning authorities may not permit you to change the existing skyline and overall look of the street
• What the existing foundations look like – are internal walls load-bearing etc?
• How adding extra floor space will affect the internal flow of rooms – don’t forget to look at how much natural light each space will receive
• What sort of roof will work best on your bungalow extension? How do you extend a low roofline successfully?

To find a local, reputable tradesperson in your area pop your details in the search bar below.

Bungalow extension ideas

If you’re looking for inspiring bungalow extension ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Scroll through our carousel of suggestions to help choose the right sort of extension for you and your single-storey home.

1. Design a new kitchen with small bungalow extension ideas

Look at budget and space requirements before you decide on your new bungalow extension.

Sometimes just a small extension at the back can solve all your spatial needs inside. For example, you might want to relocate a kitchen from the main building into a side or rear extension that links to the outdoors.

Furthermore, bungalow extension ideas might also allow you to reconfigure the door width and add a wheelchair ramp giving those with mobility issues a greater sense of freedom and independence.

2. Double up with bungalow front extension ideas

Front extensions are less common than rear bungalow extensions and can alter the look of your home – sometimes quite drastically. You are most likely to require planning permission for a double-storey extension.

A double-storey extension is a great way to maximise the plot that a bungalow is built on. You can add new rooms, alter the layout of the interior, or even add a garage as shown in this front extension.

There are lots of bungalow front extension ideas to transform small homes into much larger ones. Adding a garage with a bedroom on top is a space-savvy way to increase the usability – and value – of your home.

You’ll need to consider the original bungalow’s structural stability for this type of extension, including the foundations and internal walls. Get in touch with an architect or structural engineer who will be able to help.

3. Tap into unused space with bungalow side extension ideas

There are a few unique benefits of bungalows. One is that they are generally built on quite large plots. Number two is they don’t need stairs, which makes them the most accessible of homes for family and friends, especially those with mobility issues.

It’s easy to see why bungalow side extensions are a popular option. Not only do they effectively maximise unwanted space to the side, but they’re generally quite straightforward – both in terms of build and permissions.

Read our comprehensive guide to building and planning an extension.

This side extension with a pitched roof allows the bungalow to seamlessly link the indoors to the outdoors. With natural light pouring through the patio doors and skylights, we love how the exposed brick wall offers a design nod to the original building.

It’s this sort of attention to detail that the expertise of an architect or builder can bring to an extension project. They’ll help you create a cohesive design rather than an awkward add-on.

4. Gain more bedrooms with dormer bungalow extension ideas

Need extra bedrooms for a growing family? Or perhaps you need a work-from-home office hub away from the busier parts of the house? Either way, dormer bungalow extension ideas are spot on.

A dormer extension is added to the roof of a bungalow. It protrudes from the slope of the roof to create extra floor space, sometimes known as a floor-and-a-half bungalow. Add in a window to allow extra light to flow into the new space.

Planning permission is not usually necessary for a dormer extension. If you want to work within Permitted Development rights rather than apply for planning permission, you’ll need to adhere to strict technical guidance. A new roof line can’t exceed the existing roof and any side-facing windows need to be obscure glazing and non-opening below 1.7m.

The permitted development rules are in place to protect the interests of your neighbours and the wider environment.

5. Create a separate annexe

If you want to go extra with bungalow extension ideas, why not create a self-contained annexe? The result is more living space plus a reinvigorated layout for you and your family to enjoy.

With its own entrance, this single-storey extension would make an amazing home office or teenage den. It’s a space that could evolve as time goes by and transform into a granny annexe if you need to keep your loved ones close by.

6. Inject light with bungalow rear extension ideas

Large patio doors and windows on bungalow rear extensions are a great way to introduce more natural light throughout your home.

In this picturesque, rural cottage, the large expanse of glass on the back wall of the extension also makes the most of the glorious countryside views. And by using the same building materials and pitched roof design the rear extension becomes a harmonious space that melds seamlessly with the original building.

Consider skylights and roof lanterns for additional ways to let the light flood in.

7. Stretch upwards with bungalow bedroom extension ideas

We all want more space, right? Thus, extending into a bungalow’s dormer roof or loft adds an extra storey without changing the footprint of a property.

If your particular plot isn’t huge, bungalow loft extension ideas mean you’ll retain valuable garden space.

A master bedroom is one of the best ways to utilise a loft conversion. Work out how much space you’ll need for a decent-sized bedroom plus an en-suite bathroom.

Voila! It can be your very own escape, a relaxing bolthole from the hub of the home downstairs!

Find out if your house is suitable for a loft conversion by reading our handy blog.

8. Add a light-filled orangery to a bungalow

A stylish way to bump up living space in your bungalow is by adding an orangery.

Luxurious and practical, these spectacular glass rooms create an amazing showpiece for living or dining. Extend your current kitchen into a light-filled orangery or create an extra sitting room to kick back and enjoy the garden views.

If you’re thinking of investing in an orangery, it’s time for thorough research. Orangeries aren’t cheap (check out our orangery cost guide), therefore you need careful planning to make sure yours is just right.

Consider location, roof material, and use for starters. Then there are other elements such as decorating, window treatments and whether you need planning permission.

Head to our orangery ideas blog for masses of inspiration to start your renovation journey.

9. Try super modern bungalow kitchen extension ideas

Don’t be put off by the idea of a bungalow being dated, unattractive homes for older generations. Bungalows are becoming more and more popular with younger families due to their amazing renovation opportunities.

So, if you’re looking to reorganise the inside of your bungalow, a large contemporary kitchen extension is a great idea for many reasons. It won’t just give you a bigger kitchen, it’s also an opportunity to switch up the look of your home, inside and out.

• Install modern windows and sleek, floor-to-ceiling patio doors
• Contemporary skylights and a new roof will let natural light flood into the reimagined hub of your home
• A flat-roof bungalow extension can be beautiful and seriously transformative

10. Pinpoint the right bungalow extension roof ideas

Fitting skylights can be simple and cost-effective for a bungalow loft conversion. The pitched roof of the property is not altered so planning permission is generally not needed.

However, if you require more head space, consider a dormer loft conversion. It’s also possible to lift the current roof of your bungalow to the full height of a two-storey house.

Thanks to the discreet skylights, the modern, clean-lined silhouette of this converted bungalow has been retained. It’s a successful look that’s sympathetic to the original, single-storey structure.

11. Reconfigure your layout with bungalow side extension ideas

If you’re thinking about a new kitchen, why not consider two big building jobs at once? You might be able to negotiate on price plus all the messy building works will be done and dusted together.

Building a side return extension onto your bungalow and relocating your new kitchen into this new space can be incredibly effective.

It’s also an opportunity to reconsider the flow of your bungalow. Can you group bedrooms away from the noisier living spaces? Do you need more bathrooms and less hallway?

This light-filled kitchen space isn’t huge but the glazed roof and the neutral Scandi-inspired hues maximise every inch of space.

Find an experienced tradesperson for your bungalow extension

If you’re ready to turn your bungalow extension dreams into a reality, get in contact with a local, reputable tradesperson in your area. It couldn’t be easier with our leading directory at your fingertips. Simply add your postcode to the box below to get started.

FAQs

Do you need planning permission for a bungalow extension?

This will depend on the type, size, and location of your extension. Contact your local authority to find out more details. Until you have planning permission you shouldn’t begin any work. In addition to this, any new extension space must also adhere to building regulations.

How do you enlarge a bungalow?

As we’ve shown through our inspiring ideas, you can enlarge a bungalow in many ways. Extending out the rear and back are popular solutions, particularly as bungalows tend to be sited on quite large plots of land. But you can also go up into the roof for a dormer or loft conversion as well as out to the front. Explore all the ideas with a recommended professional in your area.