Weighing Your Options - A Consumer Guide to Investing in a Home Extension

For many South African families, the need for more space is a familiar challenge. As lifestyles evolve – with more people working remotely and families growing – the existing floorplan of a home can begin to feel constricting. The question for homeowners is no longer if they should extend, but how.

The decision between a traditional brick-and-mortar extension and a modern sunroom is a significant one, impacting not only a family's daily life but also the financial value of their property. To help homeowners navigate this choice, we’ve broken down the key considerations, from budget to build time.

“A home extension is one of the most strategic investments a homeowner can make,” says Claude McKirby, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.

“However, the chosen path must align with both your immediate lifestyle needs and your long-term financial planning. It’s a balance of practicality, cost, and future resale value.”

The Modern Sunroom: A Bright, Budget-Conscious Choice

Today's sunrooms are a world away from the draughty conservatories of the past. They are sophisticated, highly insulated structures designed for year-round use and are exceptionally well-suited to the South African climate.

From a financial standpoint, this option often presents a more accessible entry point.

“We’ve seen a very wide cost range for sunrooms,” notes McKirby. “A homeowner can invest anywhere from R80 000 for a basic, small structure to R350 000 for a medium-sized, high-quality system. For a premium, large-scale addition with features like automated louvers and solid roofs, budgets can reach R800 000.”

A significant advantage is the build time. Once municipal approval is secured – if required – a sunroom can typically be erected in just three to eight weeks.

“Because many are manufactured off-site as kit systems, the on-site assembly is swift, leading to considerably less disruption for the family,” McKirby adds.

The Brick Extension: A Seamless, Integrated Investment

A brick extension is the classic choice for homeowners seeking a room that is fully and permanently integrated into the existing house. This is often the preferred method for adding a new bedroom, an enclosed home theatre, or expanding a kitchen.

This permanence and integration come at a higher cost. A modest single-storey extension can start at around R250 000, with a more standard project typically costing between R400 000 and R800 000. High-end finishes or complex structural work can push the budget well beyond R1.2 million.

Homeowners must also prepare for a longer and more invasive construction process.

“From plan approval to the final coat of paint, a brick build will take a minimum of three months, often longer,” McKirby advises. “It’s a labour-intensive process with significant noise and dust, so patience is required.”

Making the Right Choice for Your Home and Future

So, which option delivers the best return?

“Currently, a well-executed sunroom offers an exceptional return on investment in the South African market,” says McKirby.

“They are still a desirable feature that captures the indoor-outdoor lifestyle we all cherish. For creating a versatile, light-filled family room that blurs the line between inside and outside, a sunroom is often the winning choice.”

He clarifies, however, that a brick extension is paramount when the goal is a completely integrated room where matching the existing house is non-negotiable. “If you need a dedicated, enclosed space that feels like it was always part of the original home, then brick is the only way to go.”

Designing Your Multi-Functional Sanctuary

Whichever structure you choose, the interior design determines its success as a family haven and will showcase what can be done with the space if you’re eventually showing it to sell. The goal is to create a flexible, harmonious space that avoids becoming a cluttered "sometimes" room.

• Strategic Zoning: Use area rugs, strategic furniture placement (like a bookshelf acting as a room divider), and varied lighting to create distinct zones for lounging, dining, or working without building walls.
• Smart Storage: Combat clutter with built-in solutions. “Think of multi-functional furniture like storage ottomans or a banquette with lift-up seats,” suggests McKirby. “Utilising vertical space with smart shelving is key to maintaining a serene environment.”
• Climate Control: This is critical for sunrooms. Invest in professionally fitted blinds or external awnings for sun control, and ensure adequate ventilation through opening windows and ceiling fans.

“Ultimately, a successful extension is an investment in your family’s quality of life as well as a resale investment,” McKirby concludes.

“By carefully weighing the build options and focusing on intelligent, flexible design, you can create a space that meets your needs today and adds tangible value to your property for tomorrow.”