You may want more space, but not want the hassle of moving house. You might love the home you have, the area you live in, and the neighbours who have also become friends. Happily, you don't have to move to get an extra bedroom or a bigger kitchen. You just have to make the most of the home you already have. And whether it's for a happy new arrival, a home office, or just because you want a bit more room to breathe, there are plenty of effective ways to make more space in your home.

They can be a lot more cost effective and less stressful than moving, and can even add value to your house if you do decide to sell. In the meantime, you'll have the home you always wanted, without incurring bills for stamp duty, legal fees and removal costs. Here's what you need to know.

What do you need?

Ultimately, the best extension or conversion for you depends on what you need - both now and in the future. If it's an extra bedroom, a loft conversion may be the best bet. If you want a home office away from the kids, a shed office in the garden might be the way to go. If you want a second living room, a conservatory could be ideal.

It really depends on your own circumstances. Maybe you're planning an addition to the family, or need more living space as children grow up (and want space of their own, for play or study). As our needs change, our homes can change to meet them. It may not even be a space issue. You may just want to change the feel and focus of your home. 

Extending the kitchen into a kitchen/dining room is one of the most popular and effective ways to create more space. Not only does it create a busy, friendly focus for your home, it can free up the old dining room to be used as an office or play room. And if you really need more room, a kitchen extension has another advantage. You can build above it to create an extra bedroom.

What suits your house?

Some projects are more suitable for certain types of houses. Victorian houses are ideal for loft conversions because of the high pitch of their roofs, and loft rooms require less planning and building requirements than a whole new bedroom.

There's another good reason to think about converting the loft if you have the right type of house. The loft or attic makes up as much as 30 per cent of the floor space of the entire property. In almost all cases it's wasted space that could easily be turned into an extra bedroom or home office.

If the loft is not tall enough, what about a cellar conversion? Even mouldy, dank basements can be turned into cosy living areas, and can be one of the cheapest conversions of all. Cellar conversions are becoming increasingly popular as householders look to maximise limited space.

In busy urban areas a garage can be a useful addition to your property, and not just for storing the car. It can double as a storeroom or playroom (think about putting a table tennis table in). You can even build a room above it for an office or guest bedroom.

If you have a decent-sized garden, a garden office is ideal. It's quiet, private and away from distractions, but you can nip in and see the family any time you like. In fact, you can do far more with the garden. Many companies now offer garden buildings that can be used as gyms and hot tub spas, as well as good old-fashioned sheds.

Needless to say, in family-sized homes, an extra bathroom is always useful.