Extension roof, lean to or gable end?

[Whereareyouscooter]

Hi. We're in the process of having a small extension built under permitted development, the footings are in. We had planned on having a lean to roof but are having second thoughts and think a gable end roof would look nicer. Are there any pros or cons to having a gable end rather than lean to (aside from increased cost!) If we're going to change the plans we've got to decide asap!

If you don't mind me asking, when was the house built? What style of extension is it? Sympathetic to age of the house or are you looking into "making a statement" highlighting how different the extension is to the original house? Also, how would the house sit in the street? Do the surrounding houses have a majority of either one or the other type of roof? I guess this is more important if it's a semi-detached, eg.

Hi Bookish. The house is a new build (on its own, not on an estate of similar houses) detached. It has a gable roof at the front so I think a gable end extension would look better...I'm just terrible at making decisions!

I prefer lean to. Nice with a skylight in.

I'd say as a general rule mirroring the existing roof form looks better, particularly with a side extension. Rear extension I'd be less bothered and would go for whatever gave the space I needed at the best price. Skylights on a lean to can give loads of light and if to the rear the kerb appeal won't be affected! Look around the estate and see what others have done perhaps if you're worried?

Sorry, you said it's not on an estate!

As GrannyRoberts said, usually mirroring the style in place is best when it is a side extension. With a rear extension it will depend.
If you are on a budget go for the lean to option - I’m not sure if adding a skylight will bring the price up to match the cost of the gable end option. If it’s still cheaper than the gable end, then it’s a good idea as it will save you money in the future if you want to use the loft space. So ask about the cost :)

This brings me to another aspect to consider: how likely is it that you’ll want a loft extension in the future or, if you have to, to put the house on the market with the possibility of buyers extending into the loft? If this is something you think might be worth considering, then ask whether it is easier to extend into the loft with a lean to or a table end roof. I don’t know and I think it will depend on the design of your house.

Good luck!