Is a lean-to house extension in London a good idea?

Nov 18

There are many challenges associated with designing house extensions in London, and one of the biggest is space.

However, if these challenges can be overcome with a practical yet creative plan, homeowners can reap the benefits in a significant way.

In this post, we're going to be exploring how these challenges can be overcome in an effective way — with a lean-to house extension on a London property. Along the way, we'll be looking at the benefits of these lean-to house extensions.

We'll also examine what makes this extension such a great option for anyone struggling with space constraints.

What is a lean-to house extension, and what are its benefits?

A lean-to is a type of house extension. Its key characteristics are its sloping roof, and the way it is attached to an existing wall of the property. This existing wall comprises one of the lean-to extension's own walls.

You can create a whole new room this way or knock through an existing wall to create an open-plan space.

It is one of the most affordable types of extension you can opt for, so it works well if you’re on a tight budget.

Lean-to extensions are also versatile. It's possible to connect the lean-to space with your general living space, simply by knocking through an existing wall. This gives you the opportunity to create a spacious kitchen-diner or family room.

On the other hand, you could keep the wall intact, instead creating a separate space within the lean-to. This space might be used as a utility room, boot room, study room or even a small bedroom.

You can also choose from a conservatory or a more traditional brick-built structure, according to your budget and needs.

Do lean-to house extensions suit London properties?

Lean-to house extensions suit a variety of London properties — for example, terraces. If you’re living in the capital, you probably don’t have a lot of outdoor space that you can use for an extension.

The beauty of lean-to extensions is that they work well for small areas. This is especially true of under-utilised spaces at the side of a house, which you’ll find frequently in London properties.

How much does a lean-to extension cost?

As a general rule, a small extension will cost in the region of £1,500-£2,250/m².

This is a basic guideline. You may pay extra for items like:

Architect fees
Administration costs (for example, your planning permission application, if required)
Building surveyor costs
Structural engineer costs
Fittings
Glazing
VAT

What are my next steps for a lean-to house extension in London?

The first thing you’ll need to do is work out an affordable budget and identify where your funding will come from. Be sure to build in a contingency sum in case of unexpected costs.

To get the most out of your lean-to extension, it’s a good idea to appoint an architect early on in your project. They can design your extension to maximise the limited amount of space you have and ensure that the proposed project fits in with your aims.

An architect can also organise any paperwork and applications — for example, admin around planning permission or building regulations.

Once you’ve agreed a design with your architect, you’ll need to find a local builder who can take on your project; your architect should be able to make recommendations.

You can choose to project manage your extension project yourself or hand it over to your architect for a streamlined experience.

As your project progresses, keep checking in with your architect or contractors to ensure deadlines are on track.

You will also need to get a building inspector to visit your project at different stages to ensure it meets building regulations. At the end of the project, they will issue a completion certificate to prove it meets conditions. Your architect can manage this process for you.