Want to enjoy more living space without having to move out of the home you love so much? A second storey extension could be the perfect choice for your family.
More and more families are starting to choose the second storey extension process as a budget-friendly and effective way to add value to their home, create new space and turn their house into a dream home.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a second storey to your home, here’s everything you need to know about the whole process.
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Is it Worth Putting on a Second Storey?
Second storey extensions are the perfect solution for families that are growing in size but can’t afford the cost of moving to a bigger house.
According to Forbes, the most popular types of home additions are bedroom additions, bump outs, and sunrooms, for instance.
This process maximises the home you currently have, adding more space to cope with new additions to the family, or to add some extra square footage so you can live comfortably.
Once your second storey has been built, you can enjoy a much more luxurious lifestyle without having to worry about the costs of moving. Alternatively, you can adapt your property to your lifestyl by creating a home workspace.
We think that it’s the ideal solution for anyone who wants to live better this year, but you should always plan in advance to make sure it’s the correct decision for you.
Building a Second Storey: Step-by-Step
If you’re thinking about adding an additional storey to your house, it’s important to consider the whole process before calling in the contractors and ripping off your roof.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the process of building a second storey extension.
1. Things to Consider Before Building a Second Storey
Before taking on this project you need to make sure that your building’s foundation is strong enough to take the weight of the additional floor. An architect or surveyor should be able to help you figure this out.
You may also have to consider whether or not you need to move out while construction takes place. In some cases you can keep living in your house, but this is only if you have access to everything you need on your ground floor.
You’ll also have to consider local building regulations, and whether you need council approval for the works. Regulations differ from state to state, so if you’re building a second storey in Brisbane, for example, you should check with the Brisbane authorities.
2. Plan and Design
Planning and designing your second floor can be extremely exciting, but be careful not to get too carried away.
Try and come up with a design that’s going to improve your lifestyle, maximise functionality and that creates a comfortable space for your family to live.
You can work with a designer at this stage to help you come up with plans that will fit your personal needs.
3. Hiring the Right Team
The team you work with is key to the success of your extension project, so you should always make sure to think carefully before choosing the home extension builders you want to work with.
Your perfect contractor should be passionate about building sophisticated, luxurious homes and provide you with information and support throughout the whole project.
4. Commence Construction
Now it’s time for the fun part, starting construction!
At this point you will have worked with your designer and builders to come up with a design that works for you and your family, and this is the part where you get to bring those plans to life.
A second storey extension shouldn’t cause too much disruption to your daily life, but prepare for delays and additional costs that come out of nowhere – it’s all part of the construction process and is totally normal.
Delays due to material shortages, adverse weather conditions and labour issues are common, but when you work with a professional builder, you often don’t have to worry about these issues as much.
Time to Build Up!
Now that you know everything you need to know about second storey extensions, it’s now time for you to go and start building. Remember to consider your motives for seeking a two storey extension.
Talk to your builders to understand whether you’ll be able to live at home or if you’ll need to move temporarily. Also, make sure your house has the integrity to receive such an upgrade.
Some issues apart, renovating your home is a fun and exciting time. You’ll be craving to see the final result. It may be stressful at first, but when you’re able to create your dream home, all of the hard work and stress will be forgotten.
Let us know how your second storey extension project goes in the comments. To find out more about home extensions in Melbourne check out Supa Group.
