Is a Wraparound Extension the Right Choice for Your Home?
In a city like London, where space is limited and families often outgrow traditional layouts, a wraparound extension offers a smart, impactful solution. By combining a rear extension with a side return extension, this innovative design unlocks underused space and transforms the way your home works for you.
But is it the right choice for your family?
In this guide, we explore the key benefits, practical considerations, and signs that a wraparound extension could be exactly what your home — and your lifestyle — needs.
What Is a Wraparound Extension?
A wraparound extension merges two popular types of home extensions:
A rear extension, which extends out into the garden
A side return extension, which makes use of the narrow alleyway beside many Victorian or Edwardian London homes
Together, they form an L-shaped footprint that typically adds 10–20 square metres of ground floor space — without consuming your entire garden.
The result? A light-filled, flexible, and open-plan space ideal for modern family living.
You Need More Space — Without Moving House
For many families, renovating is less about luxury and more about necessity. As children grow, working from home becomes more permanent, and daily routines evolve, the home can start to feel cramped.
A wraparound extension delivers the extra room you need without the hassle of moving. You can stay in your chosen neighbourhood — near good schools, familiar parks, and established communities — while adapting your home to suit your changing needs.
At Bloom Builders, we’ve helped countless London families reconfigure their ground floors to make space for:
Spacious kitchens and dining zones
Family rooms and play areas
Home offices and utility spaces
All without sacrificing the comfort of home.
You Want an Open-Plan Kitchen-Diner That Works for Family Life
One of the most common goals for a wraparound extension is to create a large open-plan kitchen-diner. By extending both rear and side and removing internal walls, you can design a bright, multi-functional space that connects seamlessly with your garden.
This layout isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s deeply practical. It allows for:
Cooking while keeping an eye on the kids
Stress-free weekday mornings
Sociable family evenings and entertaining
Natural light is a key feature too. With rooflights over the side return and wide bifold or sliding doors at the rear, you’ll enjoy a bright, airy space that’s rare in period properties.
You Live in a Victorian or Edwardian Terrace or Semi-Detached Home
Wraparound extensions are particularly well-suited to London’s older housing stock. Most Victorian and Edwardian homes have a small kitchen at the rear and a narrow side return that’s often overlooked or used for bins and storage.
Rather than:
Building upwards (which is costly and more complex with planning),
Digging down (which is time-consuming), or
Losing all your garden space,
A wraparound extension offers a balanced and efficient way to add space. It works with the natural flow of the home while maintaining period charm.
You’re Ready for a Thoughtful, Design-Led Renovation
A successful wraparound extension isn’t just about square metres — it’s about intelligent design.
At Bloom Builders, every project begins with your family’s needs. Our design-led approach means we:
Customise layouts around your lifestyle
Respect and enhance the character of your home
Consider storage, lighting, acoustics, and layout from the start
Help you select high-quality, durable finishes that feel personal
From underfloor heating to integrated seating, every detail is planned to make your new space both beautiful and functional.
You’re Prepared for the Timeline and Investment
It’s important to understand the practical side. A wraparound extension is a major home renovation, and the full process — from design and planning through to build and finish — typically takes 4–8 months, depending on the complexity.
You’ll need to factor in:
Planning permission, especially in conservation areas
Party wall agreements if your property adjoins others
Temporary kitchen arrangements during construction
While it’s a significant investment, a well-executed wraparound extension can increase your home’s value by 20–30% — making it one of the most impactful upgrades available to London homeowners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving more space, better light, and a layout that works harder for your family, a wraparound extension could be the perfect answer. It’s a smart, design-led way to reimagine your home — without giving up on location or period charm.
At Bloom Builders, we specialise in thoughtful, high-quality home renovations across London. If you're considering a wraparound extension and want expert support from start to finish, we’d be delighted to help you explore the possibilities.
