There are a number of reason that you may opt for an upstairs extension to your existing home, and there are also some situations which dictate that this is the best option for your renovation. Each renovation project is unique, based on the requirements of the homeowner. The addition of a second storey or a single-level extension is no different, and should be designed and planned to suit the specific conditions of the existing home, block and owner’s lifestyle.
Second-storey extensions often require considerably more planning than a regular extension due to the council regulations, engineering requirements and so on, but by no means should this discourage you from achieving what you want from your home, especially with a renovation specialist to get you there.
There are a few elements that influence whether constructing an additional storey on your home is the best way to go.
- Space on the ground. Your block size dictates the square meterage available for your extension. It’s no secret that block sizes are shrinking as developers seek to maximise profits by cramming as many properties into a space as possible. Another reason for the drift toward smaller blocks is the desire of homeowners to have a low maintenance garden or backyard. As our lives get busier we have less time to put toward weeding and mowing so a small block can be a convenience. If your block doesn’t allow for the additional rooms you want to add to your home, the only way is up. Sometimes, homeowners have the space on their block for an extension but prefer to retain it as a garden, play area or outdoor entertainment zone. Your lifestyle will dictate how you use your block.
- The dynamics of your block also influences the feasibility of extending outward. A steeply sloping block will require a significant amount of design, engineering and earthworks to construct an extension. Earthworks, in particular, can get expensive very quickly. Building up may be the best option. In some cases a home sits on the only cleared space of a block, again the costs of clearing the block may well be more than those required to add a second story.
- Your existing home could make a second-storey addition more, or less, feasible. A solid, block-style home will be able to have a second storey added much more easily than would a smaller timber home, for example. Some types of homes will readily support the additional structural beams required for an upper storey while others will need their interior lining stripped back in order for the structure to be reinforced. A licensed builder will be able to talk you through the requirements of your property.
- You might opt for an extra storey over a regular extension just because you can. Second storeys have a visual impact but they can also enhance liveability. For example, adding bedrooms, a bathroom and a living space for the kids upstairs can free up downstairs for a home office or media room. Privacy and practicality aside, upper storeys can take advantage of views and breezes, and also leave room for the addition of a deck or outdoor living space at the same time.
Whatever your reason for considering a second-storey addition to your home, please get in touch so our renovation specialists can talk you through your options.
Take a look at the gallery of our second-storey extensions below.