11 small terraced house extension ideas

Small terraced house extension ideas

In the mid-19th century, terrace housing was the ideal solution to accommodate factory workers in rapidly expanding cities and towns.

Their uniformity meant they were quick and cheap to build and their shared walls allowed more homes to fit on a single plot of land.

However, despite the charm and character of this type of home, many homeowners living in terrace properties now crave more space.

Whether due to an expanding family, a working-from-home arrangement, or simply the high cost of moving into a bigger property, there are many reasons why small terrace house design ideas are appealing.

Terrace house extension ideas

In this post, we’ll explore some beautiful terraced house extension ideas to inspire your home renovation project.

First, we’ll look at a series of stunning ideas for mid-terrace extensions before considering the possibilities for end-of-terrace house extensions. We’ve also added a section on landscaping a small terrace garden. Prepare to be inspired!

Section one: Mid-terrace house extension ideas

If you live in a mid-terrace house, there are plenty of options to extend your property to create more space. In this section, we’ll look at three different types of mid-terrace extensions:

• Rear extensions
• Side-returns
• Loft conversions

1. Terraced house rear extension ideas

Terraced house kitchen extension ideas are becoming increasingly sought after.

The kitchen is often at the back of a terrace property and is where people tend to gather, so it makes sense to create a rear extension.

Most terrace properties will have the scope to include a dining area or a breakfast island within an extension.

In larger terrace properties, it’s often possible to create an open-plan kitchen/diner and lounge area too.

Another popular option with a terrace rear extension is to extend the kitchen into the garden space using bifold doors to connect the indoor and outdoor environment.

We love how this potentially dark space has been transformed into a cottage-style kitchen extension that’s bathed in light. Rooflights, Apex windows, french doors; this rear extension has it all.

2. Side-return extension ideas

If you own a terraced property with an unused area to the side of your rear ground floor room (typically the kitchen), you’ll know what we mean by ‘dead space’.

This is under-utilised, wasted square footage that could be transformed into a functional living space with a side-return extension.

Building out to the side in this way can create a larger kitchen, for starters.

A side-return also has the scope to add a few highly-prized extras such as a utility room, laundry area, or downstairs toilet.

It’s quite typical for a side return extension to have a generous number of rooflight windows to flood the new living space with beautiful natural light. The Apex windows drench this shaker-style kitchen in natural light, adding to its charm.

Find out more about the cost of home extensions in our comprehensive cost guide.

3. Ideas for loft conversions

And of course, if you need more living space in your mid-terrace home, don’t forget about the loft. A loft conversion is a cost-effective way to gain added space without altering the footprint of your property.

Many homeowners choose to create a ‘primary suite’ in their loft space, including an ensuite and dressing room. But the penthouse of your property can be whatever you need it to be: a home office, gym, spare room, snug, or gaming room.

Talk to a local loft conversion specialist to find out the possibilities for your terraced home.

Section two: End-of-terrace house extension ideas

With an end-of-terrace property, you not only have the benefit of just one set of immediate neighbours, but you often have a larger garden too.

This provides a slightly broader scope when it comes to end-of-terrace house extension ideas. In this section, we’ll look at three types of extensions often suited to an end-of-terrace property:

• Wraparound extensions
• Two-storey extensions
• Garage conversions

4. Wraparound extension ideas

A wraparound extension does what it says on the tin; it wraps around the rear and side of your property to create an L-shaped space.

One of the main benefits of this type of extension is that gives you lots of added living space without encroaching too much on your garden. With all that extra room, you really can design a home that suits your exact needs.

If you want a large, sociable kitchen with a place for people to sit and relax too, go for an open-plan kitchen/diner with some comfy seating.

In a large extension, you may even benefit from the option to separate your living space using room dividers.

5. Two-storey extension ideas

Many terrace property owners choose to super-size their living space by adding a two-storey extension.

Typically, this includes a new kitchen/diner on the ground floor with additional bedrooms or bathrooms upstairs.

6. Garage conversion ideas

Some end-of-terrace homes have the benefit of a garage, so why not convert it into a functional living space?

With so many homeowners needing a more permanent home office set-up, a garage conversion provides the ideal solution.

Section three: Small terraced house backyard ideas

With many terraced extensions, you visually ‘open up’ the rear of your home to your outdoor space, especially if you opt for lots of glazing.

It’s therefore important to consider whether you want to look out on an oasis or an eyesore!

Why not take the opportunity to speak with a local landscaper to transform your garden?

One thing to bear in mind when planning ideas for your small terraced garden is access.

• If you don’t have access via a side gate or rear alleyway, this may impact how you choose to landscape the space
• Also bear in mind the amount of ongoing maintenance required and how you’ll dispose of garden waste without rear access

Here are a few ideas for small terraced house backyards:

7. Build a garden room

To really make the most of your terrace property’s square-footage, consider installing a small garden room at the end of the garden.

Whether for a home office or simply a place to relax and enjoy your garden, it’ll add value and functional living space to your home.

8. Create zoned areas

Create ‘zones’ for morning coffee, relaxing, and dining, connected by a meandering path.

Screen off each area with a trellis or planting to help give each area a distinctive role.

9. Soften hard landscaping with atmospheric lighting

Install a patio or decking with cosy garden lighting to create areas to dine and socialise outside.

By cleverly placing lighting along the length of your terrace garden, you’ll make the space appear bigger at night while highlighting architectural planting and features.

10. Create height with a pergola

Build a pergola at the end of your garden to generate height and interest in what can typically be a long, narrow space.

It’s also a great way to add more atmosphere to a small terrace garden, by trailing garden lights in amongst scented jasmine.

11. Create an extension of your living space

Rather than letting your garden be an afterthought, plan its design as carefully as you would your home interior.

We love how the tall grasses and cream upholstery soften the heavy use of timber in this Zen garden.

The homeowner has cleverly opted for low-maintenance planting in this small terraced garden.

Check out this post for more small garden ideas.

Find a local expert for your terraced home extension

If you’re ready to get started, let us help you find an experienced home extension specialist in your area.

Hiring a trusted and reliable professional will not only ensure high-quality work, but they’ll also be able to guide you through any local planning requirements and whether you need a Party Wall Agreement.

Simply add your postcode to the search box below to see who comes highly rated near you.