Hello, many of our customers have used timber cladding on their extensions and it looks great - here's some photos for inspo.

Hi!

Congratulations on your new home!

I recommend that you start by deciding what you don't like about it right now.

For example the dark brown brick isn't to everyone's taste, but perhaps you enjoy that it has a high contrast with the pale sand/limestone cladding. Or perhaps you don't enjoy the rustic stone cladding. Or maybe you'd prefer a smoother texture than the pantile roof...

Consider the palette of materials.

Do you want to create more or less contrast between different colours / tones / textures?

Do you want fewer materials or more?

Do you like the neutral palette or would you enjoy adding in some splashes of colour?

Do you like that the windows in white UPVc contrast strongly with the dark brick or would you prefer lower contrast?

When you change the garage into a room that will have a significant impact on the front because I assume you'll be swapping out the garage doors for windows. So the changes you make to the form of the building with extensions etc will need to be considered alongside any material aesthetic changes - it's a holistic design decision.

There are so many options available to you. Start by deciding what you don't like about it so you are clear what has to change. Then it will be easier to decide what to do that will have a worthwhile change for you.

Also don't forget that changing the landscaping will have a big impact too. Adding in plants, changing the material of the hard landscape - patio / the drive and path... these have as much effect as changing the house itself (and can be cheaper (or not!), or faster, or less disruptive!).

Finally if you're changing the look of your house you can also consider ways that you can improve its energy efficiency. Adding more insulation externally with render or some other cladding / finish can reduce your heating costs and make it look better and feel more comfortable to live in. BUT if you do go down this route make sure that you don't affect the building physics in a way that could create problems with damp and mould.

Hope this helps and gives you some useful pointers to think about.

If you need help with designing your extensions and alterations my next availability is on February 21st for a Design Day with my Big Picture Plan. You can find out more and book that here: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/bpp.html

Best of luck with your designs!

Jane

chartered architect

eco-home and conservation area specialist

www.i-architect.co.uk