Extend back of house: 7 Ways to Add an Extension to Your Existing House

8 Tips to Extend a House

Choosing to extend your home is more popular than ever, and can be the perfect way to gain extra space without the upheaval of relocating. Here we discuss some of our key 8 tips for extending your home, which will help you on the path to extension bliss!

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1. An extension should be part of a ‘whole-house’ solution

An extension should never merely be attached on to your existing house as a bolt-on. It’s crucially important that your extension works with your existing house, and that the solution has been considered as a whole. Spaces should flow together so that there is a clarity of layout between old and new, with the extension enhancing how the existing house works. Extensions crudely ‘tacked’ on to the rear of existing houses are characteristic of many 1970s & 1980s extensions which we are often tasked with removing, in order to rationalise and improve the original house.

It’s also very important to think about the impact on the existing services in your house. For example your heating system may not be able to cope with the additional space, which may necessitate a new system to serve the entire enlarged house. If this is the case it can be a good opportunity for your to consider introducing some renewable technologies to your home, such as an air-source heat pump or solar thermal system. These technologies are also eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which can greatly reduce their payback period.

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2. Consider architectural style

Every house is different, and as a result so is every extension that we design. Broadly speaking, there are three routes to consider with regards to style when undertaking the design of an extension to an existing building namely:

Complementary addition

This takes design cues from the profile, massing, bay rhythm, scale and proportion of the existing building, but without replication of details. Quite substantial extensions can be added to some buildings without detracting from the character of the original. The same additions to other buildings would result in imbalanced design or straggling composition. In those cases, a well-designed modern addition that will not read as part of the original building will affect its appearance less radically.

Deferential contrast

This is where the new becomes a modest backdrop against the old. Even if it is large, it doesn’t seek to be visually assertive. It might be achieved by reflective glass, for example.

Assertive contrast

This means affirmation of the new as a more or less equal partner to the old. New and old combined should be of greater lasting value than either on its own.

The approach adopted on any given project will be determined by the existing house. For example when it comes to extending a traditional house which has its own architectural quality, we often consider a deferential contrast approach to be most appropriate. However when extending a more modern house, which perhaps does not possess the character and quality of a historic building, then an assertive contrast approach may be most appropriate.

If your property is located in a conservation area then determining the style of any extension will be partly governed by the Conservation Area policy in place (which you can find on your local authority website).

You may be interested in our Lower Tullochgrue extension project, which is located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, and marries a striking contemporary design with a sensitive context.

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3. Be realistic with your schedule

Most projects end up taking longer than you would like. Adopting a philosophical approach to this from the outset can put you in a better position to manage the ups and downs of your project, ensuring you don’t set yourself unrealistic expectations, which will only cause additional stress and worry during your build. In many cases dealing with the inevitable issues that arise in a calm and realistic manner can actually decrease the time taken for your project.

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4. Keep on good terms with your neighbours

Nobody likes to live next to a building site, and we assure you that your neighbours are not the exception to the rule! Whilst it’s obviously important that the design of your extension doesn’t impinge on your neighbour’s property (they have a legal right to light, and privacy), what is often neglected is the importance of staying on good terms with your neighbours.

You will be asking them to put up with months of living next to a construction site, with deliveries, parking, noise, etc, without any of the benefits once work has finished, so it’s important that you engage with them at an early stage to explain your project, and what measures you will take to minimise disruption for them.

Depending on the location and proximity of your property with regards to its neighbours, the Party Wall Act may be applicable, and it’s best to contact your solicitor to ascertain this, and explain any ramifications to you.

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5. Move out if possible

Living in a building site can be very unpleasant (see the Practicalities section in our advice piece on renovating. If finances allow it’s best to move out of your property while major works are carried out. This may seem like an extra expense if you need to find a rental property, but can often be cost neutral as contractors carrying out the works do not have to plan around you or your family, which often decreases the time taken.

If you do intend to remain in your home while you extend make this known to your architect and contractor at as early a point as possible, so that the project can be planned around this to allow you access to facilities such as a temporary kitchen and bathroom.

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6. Be decisive

We can all be indecisive from time to time, especially when seeing a built space for the first time. It’s natural to feel the urge to tweak things over the course of a project, but this temptation is often increased when you are extending your home, and are able to see the works regularly. Keep in mind that changes have cost and timescale ramifications. It’s also best to discuss any changes with your architect, as they are best placed to advise you on whether there are any consequences to the revision that you may not be aware of.

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7. Don’t forget insurance

When undertaking a major piece of work you will need to discuss the project with your home insurer. Most householder policies allow for simple refurbishment works, but if carrying out any building works you should notify your insurer, who may stipulate that any contractors are appointed using a SBCC /JCT building contract.

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8. Remember VAT!

Many people do not realise that VAT is payable in full on the construction works of an extension. Whilst VAT is currently 0% on the construction of a new build property, unless your tradespeople are not VAT registered then it is due at the full 20% on all works to an existing property (unless the house has been uninhabited for 2 years or more, when a reduced rate of VAT may be applicable. You should contact a VAT expert for further advice if you feel that your property is eligible for a reduced rate.

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Summary

Whilst extending your home can be stressful, it’s important to keep sight of the value it will bring to not only your property, but also your way of life. If you have an extension project you’d like to discuss with us please get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist.

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References:

Richard MacCullagh. 2013. Extending Listed Buildings – Principles and Practice. [ONLINE] Available at: www.buildingconservation. com. [Accessed 7 August 2018]

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Thinking of Extending Your Home? A Builder Shares 10 Things You Should Know

Posted Monday, January 23, 2017 in:
Guest NerdObsessed WithBefore & After

In my job I continually meet people who say they have always thought about extending their home – but for some reason or other they hesitate to take the first step. Often they find it daunting because a) they presume that getting a quote for such a big project will be a nightmare in itself and/or b) they presume it will be out of their budget anyway. Or c) they’ve heard an extending horror story from friends and now they’re having reservations.

With close friends of mine now wanting to jump on the home extension train, I thought it would be timely to do an informative post on what you need to know about extending a home – and to get the lowdown from a reputable builder who’s done it many a time.

BEFORE

AFTER: A Floreat character home Exactus renovated.  

I asked husband-and-wife team Ralph and Sandra Brewer of Exactus Homes if they would do this with me and they were more than happy to oblige. Ralph is the owner and director; Sandra is their marketing manager. I met these guys years ago while I was writing stories on houses for the paper and have always admired their high standards and their lovely houses.

So let’s bust some common myths about extending a house.

1. Don’t be put off the by the idea because you find the prospect of getting quotes daunting – some builders can give you ballpark figures.

As a freelance writer and blogger, sometimes it is tricky for me just to quote for a blog post that requires a slightly more complicated brief than usual. So I completely understand why some people find it baffling that a builder can give a quote for something as big as a home addition! How can somehow just pop over to your house, listen to what you want to do to it and give you a rough figure for something so BIG?

Well, there are experienced builders who will be happy to give you a rough idea of costs at first – you can then get a more detailed estimate later (this one usually at a fee, as it requires a fair bit of work). Ralph says it never hurts to ask – you may even be surprised to find out what is achievable for your budget. “Many people are reluctant to contact a home extension and renovation builder because they don’t know what their renovation will cost,” he says. “We understand that it’s nearly impossible for a prospective client to understand the costs of renovating, so we are here to help you.”

Exactus have actually created a guide to their typical costs of renovating based on houses they’ve renovated in Perth’s western suburbs, including Floreat, City Beach and Doubleview. 

A COSTING CASE STUDY

Not all builders’ quoting and costing processes operate the same way, but here’s an example from Ralph’s team. Ralph says they recently quoted to extend a 1975 house in Perth (not the one pictured). It had three bedrooms and one bathroom and would be an extensive renovation project. The owners’ design brief asked for numerous things. They wanted a larger bedroom for their main suite, a luxurious bathroom that would take them into old age, extensive robes to the bedroom, and to replace the old glass sliding door in the living room with stackable sliding doors to bring the outside in. The plan was to extend the back of the home.

Ralph says his process is to first give the client an approximate cost estimate for what they want to achieve before going any further. “This enables them to determine if it’s in the ballpark,” he says. “It also enables them to assess the subsequent value of their home for their future equity.”

Once the client was happy with the approximate cost estimate, Exactus drew up a Preparation of Plans agreement, which requires payment of a small fee deducted from the cost of the home extension project when it proceeds. The fee covers the cost of the Exactus team’s work designing plans, includes some pre-construction costs and requires a bit of back-and-forth to make sure the plan is what the clients want and fits within their budget.

They then give a detailed costing of the building project and specific costs – everything from concrete works to water-proofing – in the home extension quote. The total cost of this project was $106,077 + GST.

2. It will probably take longer than you initially think.

I work as a contractor/freelancer and I have lots of friends who are also freelance or run their own small business, so I know I’m not the only one who this happens to. There have been times where I have quoted for a job, only to get a reply going, “Great! Can you write it tonight and send it to me by first thing tomorrow morning?” Um, I’m afraid I can’t.

It is funny how so many people imagine you will have a clear work schedule ready to begin and complete a project at the drop of a hat. Just like freelancers and contractors, most builders generally require some time to schedule your project into their calendar. But not only will they need to make time to slot in your project, there are other things that also need time to be sorted out when it comes to extending or renovating a house, says Ralph.

“Sadly for people who contact us in November, hoping to have their renovation done by Christmas, it’s usually bad news,” he tells me. “There’s quite a bit of planning that goes in to a home extension or major renovation. Firstly, you need to get an idea of what it will cost for what you want to achieve. This is something we give all prospective clients in our building process. Once you are happy with the approximate cost, our draftsperson or architect will draw up your plans.”

Plans are also often needed from engineers and other specialists as well. “Estimating a home extension takes a few weeks too, as actual quotes are sought from the myriad of trades that are involved in the project,” says Ralph. “Then if council permission is required, it will add time for their review and approval. Only then can a building project get underway – our clients agree, building feels like the fastest part of the process!”

BEFORE: This City Beach home received an Exactus extension. 

AFTER. All house photos from Exactus Homes.

3. It is best to be upfront about your budget and limitations with your builder.

Exactus Homes marketing manager Sandra Brewer says it is beneficial to all parties involved when home owners are open, rather than restrictive, about their finances and budget limits. “Whilst you might have reservations about sharing your finances with a builder, it works to your advantage if you are willing to discuss your budget,” he says. “After all, we are here to work with you to get the most value for your money. It’s sensible to have a limit, and then the home improvement can be designed to fit the financial budget you’ve set.”

Ralph, Sandra and the Exactus team.

4. A builder or designer might come up with a new design to extend your house that you hadn’t even thought about.

You might have lived in your house for years and have an idea of how you’d like your home addition to be laid out. Maybe you’ve even done some drawings and sketched out a few extra rooms. But I often find many people are pleasantly surprised when they get in a fresh pair of eyes in the form of a visit from an architect, designer or builder. Often a fresh pair of eyes can envision new plans you would never even have thought about.

Ralph says there are endless ways to design a home extension. “In fact, when we first visit clients and listen their ideas, we will often suggest an approach they’ve never thought of before,” he says. “For example, we had a client’s home on a corner block in Wembley Downs. We suggested moving their driveway from one street to the other, effectively gaining them over 50sqm of living space on the valuable northern side of the home. They were stunned – they had no idea their driveway could be repositioned.”

5. Be prepared that it can take a long time for council to approve your plans.

I have lost track of the number of home owners I have interviewed, even home owners who are designers and builders themselves, who have decided to extend or renovate with a deadline in mind, such as before a baby arrives – only to find that the house is nowhere near finished when the deadline comes up or the baby arrives. (That was kind of like Mr Nerd and I).

 

Kitchen reno in progress! The new brick wall on the right marks our new walk-in pantry/scullery, and the 70s arches are gone – along with my old oven and stove. Mr Nerd spent hours drilling off the old plaster. Now we await the IKEA kitchen installer to come out and do a final measure, then we book in a benchtop installer and hunt for new splashback tiles. I am sooo looking forward to the last of the brick dust and alphabetising my spices ???? #renovating #kitchen #IKEA #home #makeover #bricks #scullery #igers #woodgrain #70s #interiordesign #crapshack

A photo posted by House Nerd | Maya Anderson (@housenerd) onMar 7, 2015 at 4:12pm PST

These days there are more regulations than ever when it comes to renovating and extending houses (especially if you are working on a heritage-listed home, or planning a renovation or extension that deviates from the norm in your street).

Local councils are heavily invested in any changes that happen in their local community and Ralph says there are many rules that home renovators have to comply with. “A lot of the rules relate to impact on the neighbouring houses,” he says. “You might be surprised to know that where you once had a window positioned in your existing home is no longer allowed in a new renovation. The only solution is to work within the guidelines and to choose a builder who has experience in dealing with your local Council Planning department and the Residential Codes.”

6. You are making an investment – so try not to feel too guilty about the cost!

You are building an asset when you renovate or extend, says Ralph. “Most of the money we spend on lifestyle accoutrements depreciates quickly,” he says. “For example, a new car is a lovely thing to have, but it will quickly lose value. A holiday is a great experience, but you are really just left with memories (and maybe a credit card debt!). A well-designed home extension is one of the few expenditures you can make that will give your lifestyle AND assets a real boost. It’s not money wasted, it’s money well spent. We can safely say we’ve never had a client regret their home extension project.”

7. Why would I renovate or extend when it seems like I could build a whole brand new house for the same amount? There are reasons.

If you have ever flicked through the weekend paper you would have noticed ads for new homes that can be built for about $160-250,000 (and sometimes less). Meanwhile, quotes to do an extensive addition and renovation to a house can easily come to $250,000.

So it’s natural that people often question, ‘Why would I renovate or extend my home when I can just bulldoze it and build a whole new, four bedroom, two bathroom house for the same amount?’

There are arguments for both scenarios and it is up to you to decide which one is right for you. But the main reason project homes are relatively affordable is because they are building hundreds (sometimes thousands) of the same home, so materials and fittings can be bought in bulk. A renovation or extension is bespoke. They also tend to be more difficult to do (unlike a cleared block, builders have to work around existing restrictions, the house may be hiding problems, and so on).

I do agree that in many cases, say if a house is in really bad condition, demolition is the right way to go, but as you guys can probably tell from my blog, I personally have a soft spot for renovations – I love being wowed by a great before-and-after. Some of the pros of renovating or extending rather than demolishing include that you get an original, one-of-a-kind home, you often can keep the character of the older home, and many older homes have lovely features and history that are often a shame to lose. A lot of 1960s, 70s and 80s homes are really solid and have great bones.

8. You’ll need to decide whether or not you’ll live in the home during the work.

When I was growing up, we lived in our 1950s house through two big extensions, one a rear extension and one a second storey, and it was probably a pain for our parents but we thought every little thing about it was so exciting. (Heaven was a big pile of builders’ sand dumped on the verge that we were told not to play with and so of course did). My dad told me how one day my sisters and I were playing in the front garden (probably being nuisances) and one of the builders was walking up the house with a ladder on his shoulder whistling. Dad warned him to be careful that he didn’t take out one of the children. “Why? Just make another one,” the builder said cheerfully (and rather brutally) and sauntered back into the house.

Living in a renovation – especially when there are kids in the house – can be hard for both parties, the home owners and the builders. I know many people who have lived in a renovation and survived, but I also know many people who say they would never, ever do it again!

I personally definitely won’t forget living in our house while we renovated the kitchen, created a walk-in pantry and knocked out our 70s arches – while I was pregnant and hormonal too! (You can read my diary of an IKEA kitchen renovation here).

The biggest and most obvious reason to stay put in your home through a renovation is to save time and money that would be spent on renting, says Sandra.

“Having to find an appropriate property, move your possessions, deal with rent inspections; it’s enough to put anyone off even before you factor in the cost of a decent rental property in Perth!” she says. “Of course, there is the alternative of moving in with family. But in some cases this can be more annoying and stressful than living through the renovation in the first place.”

There are pros and cons. “If your renovation timeline is hard to estimate, you’ll be happy you stayed in your home,” she says. “There would be nothing worse than getting kicked out of a rental property only weeks before your own home renovation is completed. By living-in, you get to see your project come to life and admire the daily progress. This can make the process more exciting as you get to be more directly involved and learn things along the way. ”

The cons? “If you are a clean freak, there is no question that your nerves will be put to the test,” says Sandra. “Some aspects of cleanliness in construction can be managed, like throwing rubbish away and leaving a tidy, contained worksite. Exactus works hard to ensure we are as tidy as possible, cleaning up as we go. However, other by-products of renovating are harder to control, like sand and dust making its way into living areas.

“Another downside to living onsite is the inevitable noise of drilling, banging, sawing, etc. that is often encountered daily. As building hours are restricted to between 7am and 7pm, and with most builders being considerate of the routines of live-in renovators, the impact of noise can be minimised. However, if you spend a lot of time at home with children or working from home, then you may find noise to be a big drawback.”

 

Nala and I are at home; excitedly awaiting the designer from @ikeaperth coming to measure and quote for our new kitchen to get it done in time before the baby arrives (I hope!) #renovating #home #nala #housenerd #kitchen #interiordesign #bump #sevenmonths

A photo posted by House Nerd | Maya Anderson (@housenerd) onMar 2, 2015 at 11:22pm PST

Access to some kind of kitchen and bathroom are also fairly essential. “Unless you don’t mind showering in the sprinklers and eating vegemite sandwiches for dinner throughout the duration of your renovation!” says Sandra. “And with different tradesman coming and going from your home at any given time, you’ll also have to say goodbye to your privacy for a little while.”

9. You may well get addicted to the renovation process.

I have met many people who seriously get addicted to renovating. No sooner than the furniture has been put back and the pictures hung than they want to do it all over again… and again! Sandra says there are really enjoyable aspects to renovating and extending your home. “There’s decisions to be made about colours, tiles, finishes, fixtures, appliances and décor,” she says. “For those of us who love browsing through home magazines or pinning away on Pinterest, it can be an exciting time to make your own home selections!”

You can check out House Nerd on Pinterest here. 

“If the thought of choosing every aspect of your home interior design fills you with fear, it’s a great opportunity to involve an interior designer for a bit of guidance. At Exactus we can introduce you to a design consultant to do a bit of the running around and make recommendations for you.”

10. A well-designed renovation and extension will be worth the upheaval and stress – and improve your day-to-day life.

I am all for embracing what you have and trying to like the home you have – especially if your current circumstances mean you can’t change what you have (ie: you’re living in a rental, your financial situation is tricky, etc).

That said, I know how much an improved (more organised, more functional, more attractive) home can make you happier and feel more calm. Like when we finally renovated our floors. I cannot tell you HOW much nicer it is coming home to nice floors after living with ugly flooring for years. Sometimes you don’t realise how much an unsightly or poorly-designed room or home feature drags your energy down until you fix it. But then I also know what a quandary it can be to go “If we do this, that’s going to cost x. Will it be worth it?”

 

When we renovated our old 70s laundry we planned it bearing in mind that the room would one day double up as a baby bath area and change table. Benchtop for a change area, shelves for nappies, a semi-industrial look that we could layer over time and a big tub for the baby. We also bought a @dorfaustralia Vixen mixer which has been the BEST thing for baby baths because of the extendable hose – so practical and easy for quickly rinsing off a grubby baby or cooling him off in the summer. We liked it so much we later bought the same mixer in sexy matt black for our kitchen reno. So when @dorfaustralia asked me earlier this year if I would like to collaborate with them I was stoked as I already knew and loved this brand. Right now on House Nerd I’m featuring 10 tips for achieving gorgeous industrial style in your home with an interview with Dorf collaborator and industrial designer Yu Guang. Stay cool in the heat guys, just like Little Nerd ??????????????? #renovation #home #pocketofmyhome #laundry #baby #eightmonths #dorf #yuguang #industrial #bath #blogger #igers #interiors #housenerd

A photo posted by House Nerd | Maya Anderson (@housenerd) onFeb 16, 2016 at 10:54pm PST

I think almost all of the time – yes. Our our own renovating efforts (like our laundry, above) have been stressful, but the payoff has always been more than worth it. Your day-to-day life will be improved with a better-designed, more functional home and it is beneficial to remind yourself of this when you’re in the planning stage (or ankle-deep in nasty brick dust!) “The benefits of extending a home can often be overlooked when in the nitty-gritty of budget planning and getting building quotes,” says Ralph. “Doing a renovation or home extension gives enormous benefits for everyday living, making each day happier and enjoyable for everyone.

“Just imagine a beautiful new kitchen space, with room for everything and everyone, designer benchtops to admire and a place for the family to congregate.

“Or storage room for everything (including unsightly school bags out of the way), brand-new bathrooms that always look clean, windows and doors that open and shut smoothly, that lovely new home smell! You’ll forget the pain.

“Any major home extension is going to require a bit of inconvenience. Whether you move out or live through the renovations, you’ll experience a bit of pain, even if it is just a sandpit for a backyard (for a while) or dust from tile cutting. But once it’s done, all the little irritations will be forgotten and your new lifestyle begins!” Maya x

Thank you to Exactus Homes for doing this story with me! You can see visit Exactus Homes at their website here, or follow them on Facebook, Pinterest or YouTube.

Enjoyed this advice? You can keep up-to-date on our other advice stories and check out inspiring home renovations by following House Nerd on Facebook, Instagram @housenerd, Pinterest, Twitter @HouseNerd_ or Bloglovin.

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How to stretch jeans a size larger at home

What should I do if my favorite jeans are small or shrink after washing? We have compiled the most reliable ways to fit tight jeans to your figure without resorting to the services of an atelier.

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The best life hacks

perfect jeans

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These hacks will help you stretch your jeans in width and length.

Article content

How to stretch jeans at the hips a size larger

To expand denim at the hips, soak the trousers in water and put them on, or, conversely, first put on the jeans and then go to the shower right in them. Wet fabric will stretch and sit on the figure. An unpleasant side effect of such a procedure may be that sometimes jeans are stretched in the knee area, which, of course, spoils the look of the product.

How to stretch jeans wide at the waist by soaking

Moisturizing the fabric helps stretch the jeans not only at the hips but also at the waist. Lay your jeans on the floor and undo the button on your belt. Take a spray bottle and fill it with warm water. Spray generously on the tight areas of the trousers so that the fabric is soaked through. Step on the side pocket with your foot and pull the jeans hard in the opposite direction with your hands. Be careful not to tear off the fasteners and accessories.

You can also swim in tight jeans to stretch them in the belt. Get warm water in the bath and sit in it, putting on your jeans. Sit for 15 minutes, then stretch the fabric around your waist with your hands, then drain the water. Stand on an oilcloth or towel on the floor, move around, do a few squats to stretch the denim even more. Wait until the jeans dry right on your body, then hang the item on the balcony for final drying.

ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW

How to stretch jeans after washing with an iron

If the item has shrunk after washing, you can try to stretch the fabric by ironing. Set the steam mode on the iron and process the denim – under the influence of moist hot steam, the trousers will expand. While still hot, put on your jeans, walk around in them, move around, do some exercises.

How to expand jeans at the waist with a special expander

A device for stretching the waistband of trousers can be found on sale. Using it is very simple: first button up the jeans and wet them at the waist, insert the expander and start gradually increasing the width until you get the desired size.

How to stretch jeans to the width at home

One of the best ways to increase the width of jeans is the already mentioned steam iron. Steam the fabric, put on the item and move around in it.

Another method is to use a belt extender. This device can be replaced with improvised items, such as a strong rail or plank.

If the jeans are small at the waist, you can try to pull them on while lying down, and then actively move around. This will help stretch the belt slightly. To enhance the effect, try wearing thick warm tights under your jeans.

How to stretch your jeans at the waist if they are too tight

If your jeans are very narrow at the waist, we suggest adding additional fabric. How it’s done?

Tools:

• insert denim;
• tailor’s scissors;
• tailor’s pins;
• measuring tape;
• sewing machine;
• chalk or bar of soap.

Workflow:

1. First, choose the material you will expand with. It does not have to exactly match the shade of the jeans, it is enough if the fabric just harmonizes in color.

2. Pull back the back loop from the waistband and cut out a small triangle of fabric underneath.

3. Use a measuring tape to measure the waist of your jeans and your own waist.

4. Having found out the difference between the two girths, calculate the size of the insert and cut out the appropriate piece from the additional fabric, allowing for an allowance of 3 centimeters.

5. On a sewing machine, overlock the edges of the insert.

6. Turn inward 1 cm at the top edge of the fabric piece and iron this hem. Stitch on a typewriter.

7. Place a patch under the triangular cut on the back of the jeans you made (see point 2). With the help of chalk or a remnant, trace the contours. Cut out the part from the insert, adding 1 centimeter allowances to the resulting lines.

8. Go back to the sewing machine: overlock the remaining raw edges of the insert.

9. Fix the patch on the jeans slit with tailor’s pins. On the typewriter, sew the insert to the jeans.

10. Replace the cut back buttonhole and sew. Now jeans have become looser in the waist, and you can feel comfortable in them.

How to stretch shrunken jeans with a can and boiling water

Take a cylindrical container of the right size, soak denim in boiling water and wrap the item tightly around the selected container. Leave the structure in this form until completely dry. This is a great way to stretch your jeans after washing to length.

How to stretch jeans a size larger with alcohol

What you need:

• large jar;
• 5 liters of water;
• 3 tablespoons ammonia;
• 1 tablespoon 40% alcohol or vodka;
• 1 tablespoon of turpentine.

Workflow:

1. Prepare a solution with all the ingredients. Water should be at room temperature.
2. Soak jeans in mixture for 40 minutes.
3. Then twist the jeans into a rope and leave to dry.

How to stretch jeans to the width by reducing the seam allowances

How to make jeans made of too tight fabric more comfortable.

What you need:

• sewing machine;
• ripper or razor blade;
• needle and thread;
• remnant;
• ruler;
• tailor’s pins.

Progress:

1. Turn your jeans inside out.
2. Open the side seams up to the knee.
3. Straighten the hem and pin it together to create a new stitch.
4. With a bar of soap, draw a line along which you will sew the fabric.
5. Run the seams on the sewing machine.

How to stretch jeans one size or more: sewing in stripes

To elegantly solve the problem of jeans that are too tight, use such a decorative element as stripes. In this way, you can increase the width of the legs even by a couple of sizes.

What you need:

• lamp cloth;
• ripper;
• sewing machine;
• tailor’s pins;
• thread and needles;
• scissors.

Work progress:

1. Open the side seams.
2. Try on jeans and determine the required stripe size.
3. Pin the extra fabric to the sides of the legs.
4. Do as many fittings as you need to make sure you get everything right.
5. Turn the edges of the denim at the ripped side seams inward, iron.
6. Machine stitch two types of fabric. New stylish jeans with stripes are ready!

Can jeans be stretched at the waist without soaking?

The answer is yes! You don’t have to get your pants wet or sit in them in the bathroom to get a size up. You can use a damp towel for this. Wrap it around your waist and put the jeans on top, walk and move around until the fabric is completely dry.

How to wash jeans so that the fabric does not shrink

To prevent shrinkage of jeans, follow a few simple rules.

1. First of all, read the care instructions on the product label. If only hand washing is allowed, you should not take risks and send them to the machine – in this case, they will probably shrink or shed.
2. Wash your jeans at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.
3. Use liquid detergents for colored laundry. There are even special formulations designed specifically for caring for denim. It is not recommended to use ordinary powder and bleaches, unless, of course, you want to bleach your jeans.
4. Immediately after washing, hang the jeans on a trouser hanger until dry.

The best way to expand an old house and change the interior

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography
http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

London-based Yellow Cloud Studio has designed a triangular glass and plywood extension for a Victorian home in Hackney. It turned out quite a beautiful and functional space, solving the problem of inconvenience.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Dzherelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

The existing layout of the house included a north-facing triangular garden that was slightly higher than the lower ground floor and accessed via a cumbersome exterior staircase from the ground floor. floors. The extension to the house turned out to be triangular in shape.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Dzherelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

Studio co-founder Eleni Soussoni said this was the biggest challenge in the work, as well as a key element in the design process. The outer staircase has been demolished, so the 25 sq. M is at the level of the lower first floor.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Dzherelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

0002 It takes up most of the existing garden space, however the design and use of materials give the impression that the space is half outside.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Jerelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

Instead of pushing the extension against the back of the original home to maximize the garden, the open-walled timber structure proudly crosses the center of the space and appears almost freestanding.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Dzherelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

structure and rear rooms of the house with natural light. The expansion continues with a wedge-shaped glass skylight and a glass door that opens onto a small patio with built-in seating.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Dzherelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

“The choice of project materials is very specific, and every decision was made based on the form and concept of the design,” explained Eleni Soussoni. The complexity of the design had to be balanced with the minimalism of materiality – plywood, wood deck and glass.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Dzherelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

Read also: Dynamic evolution: a modern addition to an old house

Each surface of the triangle is known to be lined with high quality birch plywood. These surfaces must be carefully cut to maintain even gaps and continuity of connecting lines. In the areas below the glass skylights, the walls are made of exposed, yellow bricks, in keeping with the Victorian character of the original house. The floor in these areas is a dark decking that opens onto the patio, enhancing the interplay of indoor and outdoor areas.

Extension to the house. Photo: Alex Forsey Photography

Dzherelo: http://yellowcloudstudio.com/

Entering the office and looking at the floor, clear dividing lines enhance the sense of form and its space. Reinforcing this sense of separation, the back wall of the old house is different in appearance, with white brickwork, black window openings, and lighting fixture reminiscent of an outdoor carriage lamp.