What you Need to Know About Second Storey Additions
Adding a second storey to your home is one of the most popular renovations. Whether it’s to add extra bedrooms, increase the value of your home or create some extra space for a growing family, second storey additions are well worth the investment.
However, you must know exactly what you’re getting into before you begin this process. It’s a complicated and large-scale extension, and you want to make sure you’ve dotted all your I’s and crossed all your T’s.
To help you out, we’ve put together this guide of everything you need to know about second storey additions and how to go about them the right way.
What are the design options?
When adding a second storey onto an already existing home, you’re limited by the existing structure of the building. The structure must be able to support the second storey addition and this may limit the size and scope of the renovations.
A good home builder will be able to provide you with all the options available and help you make the best use of the space you already have.
Is it the best use of space?
If you’re hoping to add more space to your home or add some value to it, adding a second story isn’t your only option. If you have the room on your lot, a back extension may be a more affordable and less invasive option. It’s worth considering what other extension options you have before committing to a second storey.
Is it structurally sound?
One of the most important things to make sure of throughout this process is that the design is structurally sound. You need to know that the foundation of your home is able to support these additions and the weight of a second storey.
An engineer’s assessment may be the best route to take in order to make sure of this, and your new home builder should be able to use their industry connections to get a qualified professional on the job.
What’s the building process like?
The process of adding a second storey addition wouldn’t be too different from if you were building it from scratch, with your builders starting off by connecting wiring, sewerage lines and plumbing to the upper level.
After this, the frames will be put in place and the new roof will start construction. Then it’s just a matter of getting things done on the inside, such as cabinetry, tiles and door installation.
How long will it take?
A large-scale renovation such as a second storey addition is a significant project, with thorough planning needed before construction can even begin. Your home very well may be under renovation for months or even over a year, so make sure you’re willing to commit this amount of time to the project.
What are the related permits and regulations?
One of the first and most important things you should do is to make sure your planned renovations comply with local regulations. This will all depend on your neighbourhood and where in Australia you live, as certain regions will have different requirements.
In some cases, it may not be possible for your dream renovations to come to light. If this happens, you may want to consider looking into house and land packages and build a new home from the ground up instead.
What will the cost be?
Of course, the question at the top of your mind is probably “how much will this cost!?” While this will all depend on the circumstances surrounding your renovations, chances are you’ll have to invest a decent amount of money into the project.
However, second storey additions can add a significant amount of value to your home, especially if you’re adding in extra bedrooms and bathrooms. Don’t be put off by the upfront cost, as if it’s done right you’re putting yourself in an excellent position to make it back and then some if you ever sell.
It’s no secret that adding a second storey to your home is a big project. However, as long as you do your research and work with a group of trusted professionals, the pay-off will be well worth any momentary headaches. Just make sure you do your due diligence and stay involved and in the loop every step of the way.