What quality or finish should I aim for in my home extension?

It’s a question I hear so often: “Do we go for the simple option, or do we spend more on higher-quality finishes? Will it really make a difference?” And the truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your budget, your priorities, and what you want your home to feel like at the end of it all.

But I do know this. The choices you make around quality and finish aren’t just about looks, they shape how you use and enjoy your home every single day.

When we talk about “basic” finishes, we’re usually thinking of standard kitchens, simple tiles, and laminate flooring. Perfectly fine, functional, and often kinder on the budget. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got bespoke joinery, handmade kitchens, natural stone, and beautiful glazing - finishes that are a joy to live with, but of course, they come with a bigger price tag. In my experience, most families end up somewhere in the middle, mixing sensible choices with a few special touches, and honestly, that’s often the sweet spot.

So, what’s worth spending on? From my perspective, it’s the things you touch and see every day: the kitchen worktop you chop vegetables on, the taps you use a dozen times, the flooring that takes the brunt of family life. These are the details where quality really shows and where you’ll notice the difference long after the dust has settled.

Good storage is another one. Not a glamorous topic but it changes how calm and clutter-free a space feels. And don’t underestimate the impact of light. A well-placed skylight or wide glass doors can make a room feel so much bigger and brighter, often more than the most expensive tiles ever could.

Of course, people often ask about value - will higher-quality finishes add to resale? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. A future buyer might not care that your kitchen was hand-painted, but they will care about the space itself, how light it feels, and how well it flows. That’s usually what adds real value. So my advice is always to invest in the things that make a difference to your life now. If they also happen to impress a buyer later, that’s a bonus.

In the end, this isn’t about going as high-end as you can afford, or cutting costs to the minimum. It’s about balance. Splurge on the details that matter to you, save where you can, and keep in mind that your home should feel good to live in, not just look good on paper. The best finish is the one that makes your everyday life that little bit easier, calmer, and more enjoyable.