Home Improvement

Glass Extensions For The Home: What You Need To Know

Glass Extensions For The Home: What You Need To Know

Whether you do it to increase your home’s value or just for the transformation it brings, a glass extension is one of the options you should consider when doing a home extension. No matter the design, home glass extensions will provide the additional space you need while also improving your home’s appearance.

However, there are a lot of things you need to consider to ensure that your home glass extension project provides the desired results. Fortunately, this guide to glass extension provides all the information you need to have a successful glass extension project, from the planning phase to design ideas, finding the right person for the job and many more. Read on to learn more.

What are the Benefits of a Glass Extension?


In addition to its unique appearance, a glass extension adds sophistication to your home, especially if you choose a unique design. For example, an idea like using a glass extension to connect two areas of your home is better than the typical extensions that serve as additional space.

You will also enjoy more views of the outside environment while still enjoying the comfort of indoor space. For example, if your house is close to the beach, you can have great views of the ocean without leaving your house.

Do I need Planning Permission to Set-Up a Glass Extension at Home?

The answer to whether you need planning permission depends on factors like your home’s location and the size of the extension. Most of the regulations that govern glass extensions are similar to those of regular extensions. The only exception is when the extension is at the front of your property.

For example, small extensions will not need planning permission because they fall under Permitted Development rights. However, a person whose home is located in a conversation area may need planning permission to set up a glass extension and any other extension type.

The best thing to do is to contact the relevant authorities before you start planning.

How to Plan for a Glass Extension

Before you start designing your glass extension, it is advisable to consider important factors, like the cost, choosing the right person for the job, and ensuring that the extension does not affect your home’s conformity to building regulations.

Determining the Cost

Before you start planning the project, it is advisable to have an estimate of the total cost. Though the final price will vary depending on the design and the materials used, there are many online calculators you can use to determine the cost. Alternatively, you can hire a professional, like an engineer, to do the estimates for you. However, you have to keep in mind that the final price may be a little bit higher than the engineer’s estimates.

Checking if Your Home is Right for Glass Extensions

The factors to consider when determining whether your property is suitable for a glass extension include the location of your property, its age, and the reason you need a glass extension. For example, a glass extension in the kitchen will only apply in a kitchen with enough space to accommodate the units in the middle as it is impossible to have them against the wall.

Additionally, you cannot have an extension made entirely of glazed walls if you plan to add some fitted furniture. The best option in such a scenario would be going part-glazed as you can have the furniture against the wall and overlooking the glazed sides.

The elements in your home region should also guide the glass extension type you use. For example, people who live in cold areas should consider using double or triple-glazed systems to prevent losing too much heat.

On the other hand, people who live in sunny environments should choose a position where the glass is not exposed to direct sun to avoid the risks of the glass getting hot and glares. If you plan to use blinds or curtains to block the sun, you should consider solid framing to have points where you can attach your curtain rods.

How to get the Right Person for the Job

Since a glass extension is a complex project, you should ensure that you have involved professionals from start to finish. For example, you can have an architect for the elevations and layout works and a designer for crucial details like glazed walls and door systems should be left to the manufacturer or a designer.

However, the number of professionals you involve depends on the design. For example, you can only involve a structural engineer if your glass extension is made up of a contemporary glass extension built with a conventional structure, like steel frames and sliding doors. But, if the extension is entirely made of glass, including the beams and columns, you will need a specialised company for the job.

How to Ensure Privacy

Since glass is a transparent material, you should come up with ways to ensure the privacy of your additional space. Blinds and curtains are good examples that can be easily fitted on the inside of the glazing. You can conceal the glazing units and curtains within the ceiling when the space is open.

Cleaning the Glass

Like any other material, glass needs regular cleaning as advised by the manufacturer. The design should ensure that all the surfaces are easy to reach with soap and water to make cleaning easier. Also, avoid flat glass roofs to minimise the accumulation of dirt and debris like fallen leaves.

Final Word

Before you start planning your home glass extension, you should research important information about glass extension to avoid making costly mistakes. The above information will help you plan better for a flawless glass extension.

About the author

David Evans

David is Editor-in-chief.

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