House Extension Ideas Australia

Oct 5, 2020


House extensions are a popular way to add extra living space and value to a property, and with the right design, you can achieve a cheap house extension compared to building a new house. In this article, we will uncover some of the most interesting house extension ideas in Australia - and borrow some international ideas to give a 'unique' flavour that should make your property stand out from others in your street.


Small House Extension Ideas

If you're looking to extend your house, there are many extension designs and extension plans examples available to draw inspiration from. Even if you have a small budget or little room space, you can still boost the value and space of your home. Check out some small house extension ideas below that can help you make a big impact:

A Custom Built Pool House

If you're looking for a way to create a family-friendly environment in your backyard, investing in a pool house enclosure can be a great solution. At the heart of this idea is the desire to keep your children safe while still providing them with plenty of entertainment options. Whether you're building a pool patio or an outdoor entertaining area, there are several things to consider to make sure that your new space is both fun and safe for the whole family. Factors such as the size of the pool and/or pool house, the style of safety barriers, steps and/or ledges, visibility from other areas in the house, and privacy from neighbours and/or public streets are all important considerations when designing your new pool house enclosure.

A pool house can be an option for a cheap house extension

Letting In Light

To bring more natural light into your home, consider creating a mix of solid walls and a glazed roof lantern. A pitched roof with skylights is also a great option for opening up a room and letting in natural light, as well as offering a glimpse of the stars at night. However, in hotter climates like Queensland, it may not be the most practical solution. Instead, consider creating a secure outdoor area with sleek aluminium screening and transparent mesh to protect you from insects and other animals. This will not only allow you to enjoy the natural light, but also the fresh air without having to worry about unwanted guests. So, whether you're looking to brighten up a dark room or create a functional outdoor space, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and climate.

Credit: David Salisbury

An Orangery

Looking to create that perfect balance between a conservatory and an extension? Add an orangery. An orangery was a room or a dedicated building on the grounds of fashionable residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries where oranges and other fruit trees were protected during the winter in the form of greenhouse or conservatory. We can achieve a modern version of this by playing with natural light which is perfect for the cooler climates Australia.

An Orangery is like a conservatory - great for colder climates.

Add a porch opening and create space

Does your front door open straight up into your living room? With some bi-folding doors and a seamless transition from inside to out you will have the ultimate combined entertaining space.

Alternatively, add a Mudroom

Adding a practical mudroom can provide an aesthetic and emotional transition into the house itself. Especially with historic homestead style architecture. Usually, located at the front or side entry of your home, the mudroom pairs plenty of storage space with a practical concrete sink for those wet and muddy days!

an image of a Hamptons style mudroom extension
A mudroom is a place to keep the your shoes and outdoor clothes

Create a Study Nook

If you have a spare and unused space in your home, consider adding a clever study nook that takes up minimal space. In this nature-inspired Riverview home the space under the stairs was the perfect location to add this striking hallway study nook.

s person studying in a home office
Transform unused space into a study area

Under house transformations

A ground floor extension is a popular choice for those who want to increase their living space, as it can provide easy access to a garden or outdoor area. Utilise your ground space with an under house renovation or garage conversion. For those dark areas add more light by introducing a small glazed extension. This should make it look lighter and larger. This simple addition doesn’t need more than a modest scale. You’ll love it even more if it opens onto a sunken courtyard that comes with stairs that lead up to your garden. 

Extension renovation underneath the house


Rear House Extension Ideas

This section of house extension ideas should interest you if you would like to add more value to your property. The rear of your home can also come in handy if you need more room when you start running out of space. Consider some inspirational rear extension ideas:

Bring the outside in

Connecting your outdoor area and living room using open-plan living areas is a creative extension idea. Such an open-plan area that opens right onto your outdoor living area has become popular. For the perfect entertaining setup, build an undercover alfresco dining area that makes your kitchen easily accessible. 

Add a separate studio residence

For those who want extra space for accommodating guests or something like a separate office, adding a separate studio (aka the Luxury Granny flat) in the backyard sounds superb. Across Australian backyards, there’s now a trend of granny flats popping up. So, it makes sense to create a separate studio space, especially now that flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm. 

Keep it simple - A luxury granny flat design.

Dig into the basement

When considering house extension ideas, digging into the basement may seem like an attractive option to create more space, whether it's for an impressive kitchen or a large cinema room. However, depending on the extent of the excavation and structural changes, it may be more cost-effective to start over and build a custom house instead of attempting a major basement renovation.

While basements can add valuable living space to a home, digging out a basement can be a major undertaking that involves significant time, effort, and expense. In addition, excavation can present risks such as destabilising the foundation and increasing the risk of flooding. It's important to weigh the potential benefits of a basement renovation against the costs and risks involved.

In some cases, building a custom house from scratch may be a more cost-effective and efficient option for creating the space and features you desire. Custom homes can be designed to meet your exact specifications and built to suit your lifestyle and budget. By starting from scratch, you can avoid the challenges and costs of a major renovation and create a home that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

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Transformative house extension ideas

Most people tend to go with the conventional style of having their extension match the existing architectural style. But who says your extension can’t have its own unique design? Transformative rear extensions allow you to incorporate a contemporary house style to your home. Here are some wild extension ideas for you to consider:

  1. An indoor pool: If you have the space and budget, adding an indoor pool can be a truly transformative addition to your home. Imagine swimming year-round in the comfort of your own home, while also enjoying the many benefits of regular exercise.
  2. A rooftop garden: Why limit your outdoor space to ground level? A rooftop garden can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home, providing extra living space and a unique view of the surrounding area. With the right design and planning, a rooftop garden can be a beautiful and sustainable addition to your home.
  3. A treehouse extension: If you have a large tree on your property, why not build a treehouse extension? This can be a great way to create a unique and playful space for your children, or a relaxing retreat for yourself.
  4. A hidden room: Who doesn't love a secret room? Consider adding a hidden room to your home, whether it's a hidden bookshelf door or a trapdoor in the floor. This can be a fun and unexpected addition to your home that will impress guests and provide a playful escape.
  5. A multi-level extension: Instead of building out, consider building up! A multi-level extension can provide extra living space while also creating a unique and eye-catching addition to your home. With the right design and planning, a multi-level extension can be a truly transformative addition to your home.

Did you know we create intelligent, smart, and cost-effective house extension solutions? Blueneer is ready to get started on your dream home extension no matter what your budget is! Contact us today!

Modern House Extension Ideas

Traditional homes are nice. But guess what's even cooler? A modern house extension! When an extension is designed so well that it offers modern comforts and extra space, it can be a positive, life-enhancing experience. These standouts below should provide enough inspiration if you seek modern house extension ideas Australia:

Create a parents’ retreat

It’s okay to get yourself a new master bedroom. But you get so much more luxury by adding a parents' retreat. A good idea would be to build it as a rear extension. Check to see if you got enough space and then you can make sure your design includes walk-in wardrobes. Don't forget to create enough room to accommodate a sofa or an armchair in your bedroom and that's all you need to embark on the ultimate adult’s hideaway.

Extend a bathroom or add another

You already know that an extra bathroom can boost your home's resale value but that's not all. If you have the space and budget, building a bathroom extension can be a great way to create a new bathroom or add extra space to an existing one. This can give you the freedom to design a bathroom that meets all of your needs and fits your personal style. Here are a few option for bathroom renovations:

  1. Add a shower room: If your home has only one bathroom, adding a shower room can be a great way to provide extra space for getting ready in the morning. A small shower room can be added to an existing space or built as an extension to the house.
  2. Create a spa-like bathroom: If you want to create a luxurious and relaxing bathroom, consider adding features like a large soaking tub, a steam shower, or heated flooring. You could also install a sound system or a television to make your bathroom a true escape from everyday life.
  3. Expand the existing bathroom: If your current bathroom feels cramped or lacks storage space, consider expanding the room by knocking down a wall or adding a small extension. This can give you the extra space you need to create a more functional and comfortable bathroom.
  4. Add a double sink: If you share your bathroom with a partner or family members, adding a double sink can be a great way to create more space and cut down on morning arguments over who gets to use the sink first.

Build a garden room

Building a garden room is a great way to add extra living space to your property while also creating a separate area that can be used for a variety of purposes. Outbuildings can be designed in a range of styles, from traditional wooden structures to modern glass-walled rooms, and can be tailored to suit your specific needs.

Once you have a garden room, the possibilities for its use are endless. It can be used as an extra living room, providing a relaxing and peaceful retreat from the rest of the house. Alternatively, it can be used as an in-house gym, allowing you to stay active and healthy without having to leave your property. For those who work from home, a garden office can provide a quiet and inspiring workspace, separate from the distractions of the main house.

One of the great benefits of a garden room is that it can be designed to blend seamlessly with the outdoor space around it. Large windows and bi-fold doors can be used to create a bright and airy environment, while wooden cladding can help the structure to blend in with the surrounding garden. With the right design and planning, a garden room can be a beautiful and functional addition to your property, providing extra living space and a peaceful retreat that you can enjoy all year round.

More Queenslander Extension Ideas

Most of the time, Queenslanders lack sufficient height to make the lower floor space useful. They usually fail to meet the building standards and requirements for height. But that doesn’t mean your Queenslander extension dreams can’t become a reality.

You can still use the low height underfloor spaces to create extra storage compartments. They can also help supply extra space in car parking and cellars. And you can do all of that without incurring the costs of rectification and excavation which can be unpredictable.

front house extension
Front house extension for an Old Queenslander


But if you have the budget and crave some extra space, you can raise the home and build underneath it within the existing footprint. Try building a pavilion extension instead if you have sufficient land size. With that, you can create a modern house extension and get it in sync with your dream garden. 

Whether you're looking for extra living space for a growing family, a home office, or a place to entertain guests, there are plenty of house extension ideas that can help you achieve your goals. So, whether you're planning a simple living room extension or a more elaborate project, it's worth considering the many options available to you.

What's your House Extension Idea?

If you're looking for more house extension ideas in Australia, we can assist you with that. At Blueneer Custom Homes, we specialize in creating your perfect dream extension. Our team can provide you with intelligent, smart, and cost-effective solutions to make your dream home extension a reality, no matter where you are located. So why wait? Contact us today and let's get started on transforming your home.


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