6 Things to Consider When Planning a First Floor Addition: Home Improvement Tips
People may also call this a ‘Second Storey Addition’
Adding a second storey addition to your home can be a great way to increase the amount of living space you have, and in particular bedrooms and bathrooms. However, it’s important to consider all of the factors involved in this type of home improvement project before you get started. In this blog post, we will discuss 6 things you need to think about before planning a second storey addition!
#01: Your Current Home’s Structure
Before you add a second storey to your home, you might consider if the existing structure can support the new loads? In some instances, some one-storey homes the existing structure is not sufficient to hold the extra weight of a second storey, but this is rare and in most cases the structure can be strengthened to support the new loads. Your builder or engineer can advise on this but you may need to consider an alternative such as a ground-floor extension.
#02: The Costs Involved
This project can be quite expensive, check that you have the finance to cover the costs associated with a first floor addition before getting started!
Only your builder can give you an estimate of the costs involved before getting started, don’t trust a designers advise on what things will cost, ask the builder!. Be wary of additional expenses that can increase the cost of the build, like extra wiring or plumbing work that needs to be done and if a home owner may wishes to do add a new roof, render, windows or the like, there will be additional cost.
#03: Building Regulations
In order to add a second storey to your home, you will likely need to check with your local council zoning. Your builder, designer or council can advise on such building regulations which may include things like building height restrictions and building setbacks that may apply to your area.
#04: Living in the house while the work is done
Adding a second storey is not something you can do overnight! Commonly the home owner can live in the house while construction takes place, although if the work is too extensive and the house becomes unliveable you may need to move out and have to rent somewhere.
#05: The Purpose of the Second Storey Addition
Before starting this project, think about how the second storey will be used, will it serve as additional living space or is there another purpose? This can help you determine whether a first floor addition would best suit your needs and budget! The best use of a first floor addition is normally bedroom and bathroom space with an additional study or living room, if your kitchen and dining room downstairs is too small, a first floor addition will not fix this and you may need to also do ground floor renovations which can get expensive, or you do one or the other.
#06: Your Home’s Design Style
A first floor addition can really enhance the look of your home. You might match the look of your existing home. For example, if you have a traditional-style house then a first floor addition can reflect or build upon this aesthetic as well, Or you can completely change the look of the home with a new look with render, roof, columns, balconies or the like, but be warned though, that this will add cost.
Need More Advice On Planning A First floor Addition? Get In Contact With Spannenberg and Son Today !
After having considered these 6 factors, you will have a better understanding of whether a first floor addition is right for your home improvement needs. Whatever route you take with your first floor addition project – make sure that it fits into your budget and will look aesthetically speaking! Good luck planning out those details ahead of time so everything goes smoothly once construction begins.
If you’re considering a second storey addition for your home, there are many things to consider. Our team of building specialists can help you plan and design the perfect first floor addition for your needs. We have extensive experience completing additions throughout Sydney and would love to assist with yours! Get in contact with Spannenberg, for more information.