Eco-Friendly Home Additions: A Sustainable Choice for Modern Homes

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The primary ambition of every home addition company is to ensure that any home expansion project doesn't harm the environment. They use sustainable options to combine style, functionality, and energy efficiency. Planning will reduce your carbon footprint and, at the same time, ensure that your property's resale value improves further. Numerous solutions are available to maintain the eco-friendliness of any home addition, and we have discussed some of them in this post.

WHY HOME ADDITIONS MUST BE ECO-FRIENDLY?

Sustainable home improvements will provide much more than just environmental benefits. Eco-friendly solutions used during first floor additions construction will lower energy bills, improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living space. 

The role of the home additions company will be very crucial, as they will be responsible for enhancing the sustainability and eco-friendliness by using green construction practices and eco-friendly materials. 

FOR EXAMPLE – 

• Opt for renewable materials, such as bamboo or recycled timber.

• Incorporate insulation upgrades to reduce heating and cooling needs.

USING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR FIRST FLOOR ADDITIONS

Choosing the right materials for first floor additions is a critical process, and the role of the home additions company is very important. They must use sustainably resourced timber, recycled steel and low-VOC paint as all these materials minimise environmental impacts. These sustainable materials reduce stress on the environment and can also be beneficial for the property. Some other examples are provided below.

• Bamboo flooring is both renewable and stylish.

• Reclaimed bricks can give a rustic aesthetic with minimal environmental cost.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY SHOULD BE PRIORITISED

This selected home additions company should focus on eco-friendly and energy-efficient designs. This means they should incorporate larger windows to let natural light in more. Installing solar panels and energy-efficient HVAC systems will help you save energy in your new first floor additions. The team should design your project to meet local energy standards, and it can include the following – 

• Position rooms to capture natural sunlight throughout the day

• Consider roof overhangs and shading for temperature control

• Install operable windows to allow natural airflow

• Use low-VOC paints and finishes for all walls and ceilings

• Choose drought-resistant landscaping for minimal water use

• Use rainwater for toilets and irrigation

Eco-friendly home additions are no longer optional. They have become a necessity and can be integrated in first-floor additions and second-story extensions as well. Your home addition company should develop solutions that reduce energy consumption and enhance the property's value.

Uplift Property’s Value and Curb Appeal With These Easy Steps

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Some minor and insignificant changes to your property can enhance its appearance, rental rate, and resale value in Australia. A good thing is that these changes associated with house extensions in Sydney will not blow your budget at all, but at the same time, your property’s market appeal will see a complete transformation. We have a report that covers some easy tips on how to increase the curb appeal, as well as the appearance and value of your property.

WORK ON THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS

While getting house extensions Sydney done, you should not forget your property’s first impression on guests as they enter the home. A positive image matters, and for this, you can work on the condition of the front gate and letterbox. Peeled paint should be removed, and the old and outdated letter box should be replaced with a contemporary, more affordable and appealing solution. The next step is to consider the condition of your garden and walkway, which involves mowing the garden and keeping it neat and well-maintained. The weeds around the walkway should also be removed to appeal to the buyers, and they will be more interested towards your property. For added appeal, you can also consider first-floor extensions and inspect for any broken or slippery areas, then clean the surface. Your front windows should also be cleaned, and the faded doormat should be replaced with a new one.

USE THE AVAILABLE SPACE

A common concern for home buyers is the lack of storage space in ground-floor and first-floor extensions. Builders and contractors specialising in house extensions Sydney have ideas to double up the storage space, and they recommend installing shelves and using integrated cupboards or storage boxes. Another option is to evaluate the space and utilise every available space for storage.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUN

An environmentally friendly property will grab the attention of buyers more, and for this, you can use bigger windows or consider installing solar panels as part of a house extension project in Sydney. This will reduce your carbon footprint, and you will also enjoy reduced energy bills. Installing solar panels on your property or first-floor extensions will make your home stand out from the rest.

USE THE REAL POWER OF PAINT

During home extension Sydney projects and first floor extensions projects, you should ensure that the interiors complement the entire property and for this, you can use the highest-grade paint. This will uplift the whole area without breaching your budget at all. You should also consider repainting the fencing and garden pots, among other things, for an instant lift to your property.

Make Second Storey Additions Project Easy With These Tips

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Projects like second-storey additions or first-floor extensions are enormous and involve a lot of money. It becomes essential to get them right in the first attempt only. You can consider the following things to ensure success in the first attempt.

CHOOSE A RELIABLE AND REGISTERED BUILDER

The home additions builder selected for second storey additions should be registered and you must prioritise licenced and registered builders. Adding these new storeys to the existing property is a complex process and only the most learned and experienced professionals can do justice with the project. They will create a team of skilled architects, tradies, and engineers to complete the job.

CREATE A BLUEPRINT FIRST

This selected home additions builder should inspect the existing property and understand your requirements related to second-storey additions or first-floor extensions. Based on this, they must create a blueprint that gives you an idea of what you had expected and what can be delivered. In most cases, home addition builders exceed your expectations and offer something that you never imagined. They aim to make the area more open, spacious, and ventilated and add features you had never heard of for your family's comfort.

INSURANCE PROTECTION

Engaging in projects like second-storey additions without insurance is a huge mistake. Experts recommend getting insurance protection before initiating the construction process, and this insurance will cover any damages occurring during second-storey additions. You will stay protected from expensive blowouts to costs after getting insurance protection.

FOLLOW COUNCIL BUILDING REGULATIONS

You will be able to claim insurance on any mishap only if the team there was following council building regulations strictly. This also involves getting approvals from the local council regarding adding second-storey additions or first floor extensions to your existing property. This will also involve getting the design approved by the local council.

You must also consider incorporating energy-efficiency features in second-storey additions to trim down energy consumption and do something for your environment. The cost of making your second-storey additions energy efficient will depend on certain factors such as the design and layout and the materials used in the project. Energy efficiency-related features and other technologies will also influence the level of energy efficiency achieved.

Innovative Ideas to Use Second Story Additions of Your Property

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If you have a rapidly growing family, believe me second storey additions will be a great investment. They are a wonderful way to expand the space, maximise the square footage and give adequate privacy and space to every family member. Second storey additions ideas are countless, and there is no end to the creativity on how to use this area. We have covered some top ideas in this post.

SETTING UP AN OFFICE

The second storey can be used to create a new office, and this is a brilliant idea after the advent of the covid-19 pandemic. This was the time, when the entire globe was working from home and now hybrid working has become a new trend.

To set up an office on this floor, you can ensure an ample supply of natural light, and all modern amenities are present to keep you comfortable while working.

ADDING A NEW PLAYROOM

Believe me your kids will thank you for their entire life if you take advantage of second storey additions to add a playroom for them. Again, ample supply of natural light has to be ensured by using bigger windows and for additional safety, you can keep them fully sealed.

PROVIDE MORE SPACE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

Additional bedrooms in first floor additions and second storey additions will give more space to your growing family. Additional bedrooms in these areas mean decongesting the ground floor and giving space and privacy to every family member. Your family members will live in their private space without interfering in each other’s lives.

CREATING ADDITIONAL STORAGE SPACE

The second storey additions can be used to create additional storage rooms, and this is a really smart move. With a growing family, additional products and possessions are required, and to accommodate them comfortably, more storage space is needed. The second storey additions can have additional storage space along with additional bedrooms to accommodate more belongings without any issue.

CREATING A GUEST ROOM

One of the most significant benefits of second storey additions is that they can be used to create dedicated guest rooms. In other words, your guests will have a dedicated space to live comfortably with modern amenities like a bathroom, a toilet, a balcony and modern interiors.

Additionally, creating a study room, walk-in closets, or a complete bathroom is also great for using second story additions and first floor additions in the right way. Study rooms can be accommodated with the office space to let kids concentrate on their studies while keeping an eye on them. Walk-in closets mean families will have a full bathroom with modern installations to enjoy the shower.

How to Get Council Approvals for Home Additions in Australia?

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When a family extends, every homeowner feels the necessity of a bigger property to accommodate every family member and offer deserving privacy to everyone. This is easily possible with home additions, as it allows the homeowner to update the property and make it more spacious, open and ideal for every family member. At the same time, the construction work must be carried out as per the council approvals and laws. For homeowners, these laws and the approval process can be overwhelming, and this is where the home addition contractors can be beneficial.

Since they are closely associated with the industry, they are fully updated with the latest laws and rules related to home additions, first floor additions, second-floor additions, etc. They must also take it as their responsibility to get the necessary council approvals and get paperwork cleared before the construction process.

WHY DO WE NEED COUNCIL APPROVALS?

Councils from different states have different rules and laws regarding the projects that need council approval. Hence, the homeowner must check with the local council or rely upon the construction contractor for this information. It is worth understanding that most internal renovations don't need any council approvals. But yes, if structural changes are involved in internal renovations, you might have to get approvals from the local council. External renovations, building works, home renovations, home additions, etc., will all require council approval, and no matter how small the project is, it is always helpful to get these approvals.

Significant extensions and projects involving substantial excavation or filling and free-standing constructions like granny flats, studios, etc., will require council approval.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GET APPROVALS RELATED TO HOME ADDITIONS?

The approval process differs between councils, and you must get accurate information from your local council. Generally, the following steps are involved in the process.

• You start by contacting your local council and confirming the policies, procedures and associated fees.

• The home additions builder appoints a professional draftsman or an architect to draw the plan.

• The team from the home additions builder gets the plan approved by the building certifier.

• He approves that the plans comply with the local building codes.

A principal certifying authority is then appointed to certify your plans and be responsible for monitoring the construction process closely. His role is to ensure that the construction is done according to the plan. This principal certifying authority will also provide an occupational certificate once the construction is completed.

How to Use Second Storey Additions the Right Way for Your Family?

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It is depressing and heartbreaking for someone to vacate a property that he has been living in for a decade or two. This situation arises in every family as it grows, and members ask for more space and privacy. In such situations, first-floor additions and second-storey additions emerge as handsome options to give everyone the deserving privacy and space while enhancing the overall resale value of the property. This option is very realistic regarding increasing the square footage and using the new construction in several ways. Here is a quick post on why first-floor extensions and second-storey additions are so preferred compared to relocating to a new locality.

USE IT AS A HOME OFFICE

After the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, most companies globally have adopted a hybrid work policy by allowing their people to work from home. In this situation, people require a peaceful place in their home to use as an office to concentrate on their projects. First-floor extensions and second-storey additions answer this, as sufficient space will be there to use as an office, completely secluded from the entire family for more peace, discreetness and solace. They can ensure that it has plenty of natural light coming in, and customisations like storage, shelving, desks, etc., give it the perfect look of an office.

USE IT AS ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS

First-floor extensions or second-storey additions can also be used as extra bedrooms to accommodate your family and growing kids. These bedrooms can also be very useful for your ageing parents who now want peace and togetherness as a couple.

AN EXTRA KITCHEN

First-floor extensions and second-storey additions are perfect for those dreaming of a bigger kitchen in their property. The second storey additions can be used to have a bigger kitchen, a bigger living room and a bigger bathroom. But remember, with these areas, you might have to compromise with the size of the bedrooms or eliminate them. An extra living room is a perfect idea that will allow all your family members to sit together, watch TV and enjoy meals in each other’s company.

However, it is essential in the beginning only to confirm that the existing property can bear the weight of an additional storey. This can be done by ensuring that the existing foundation is stable, and for this, a deep inspection is recommended. The contractor chosen for first floor extensions and second storey additions will inspect the foundation closely for cracks or signs of wear and tear. He will also determine the septic system and plumbing installation and make arrangements for them on the second floor. It will be his responsibility to ensure that the upcoming building complies with local zoning laws and that all building codes are followed during construction.

What Is The Process Of Building 2nd Storey Additions?

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 A growing family is the main reason why people opt for 2nd Storey Additions. They want more space to accommodate the family and give them more privacy and space for entertaining guests and spending some time. This can be an exciting milestone for your family, but you must work hard right from the word 'go' to achieve it successfully. The first step is choosing the most reputed contractor, and the second step will involve understanding the process of adding the 2nd storey. A brief break-up of the entire process is present here.

SETTING UP THE BUDGET

The first step is understanding the entire process and setting up a budget. Budget setting is essential as some extra renovation or other changes in the overall structure might be required. The home additions builder is the right person to discuss this, as the team will assess an entire property to find out the possibilities of adding 2nd storey additions and the obstructions coming in the way.

CHECKING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Property owners must follow the rules, regulations and laws related to 2nd storey additions and, in fact, first floor Additions as well. Here also, the home additions builder will come in very handy as he will be fully updated with the latest laws and regulations related to 2nd storey additions.

DESIGNING THE 2ND STOREY PROJECT

After a complete assessment and budget discussion, it's time to design the 2nd Storey project, and for this, the home additions builder will seek the assistance of reputed interior designers and architects. They will determine all the parameters and ensure that the available space is utilised most charmingly. They aim to make the interiors more spacious, open, well-ventilated and easily adaptable.

PLANNING AND STARTING THE CONSTRUCTION

These professionals will initiate the construction process after creating a 3D blueprint of 2nd storey additions. The same is the process with first floor additions, as they will work on first floor additions ideas while ensuring that sufficient space is left for the bathroom and bedroom. They will constantly coordinate with the designers to make last-minute changes to deliver a better property than you had imagined.

WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK A HOME ADDITIONS BUILDER?

Before making any final decision, there is a list of questions to ask the shortlisted home addition builders. Answers to these questions will give you a better idea of their experience, capabilities and capacities. A quick list is presented below.

• What experience do you have?

• Can you provide examples of similar projects?

• What types of home additions have you worked on?

• What is the company's licensing and insurance status?

• What is your approach to project management?

• What is the estimated timeline for the home addition project?

• What is the expected cost of the project?

• What warranties or guarantees do you provide?

• What is your policy for obtaining building permits?

• What safety measures do you have in place?

• What is your payment schedule?

• Who is responsible for clean-up and construction waste disposal?

Reasons Why Home Additions Are Better and Why Relocation Is Risky

Someone who has decided to relocate from the existing property and location to a better one is always confused about one thing. He has to decide whether to go for additions, or relocation is the only solution. Both options have their share of advantages and disadvantages, but overall, first floor additions are always better than your location. In this write-up, we have explored the drawbacks of moving, and then we will also go through the top reasons why home additions should be preferred over moving.

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NOTABLE DRAWBACKS OF MOVING

ADAPTING TAKES TIME 

The family will take a lot of time to adapt to a new environment. The family owner will have to make adjustments regarding how to travel to their job, and he will also have to determine school transportation or search for new schools.

UNFAMILIAR NEIGHBOURS

Relocation comes with the fact that you will move to an entirely new location where no one would know you, and you will know no one. Your neighbours will be unfamiliar with you and vice versa, and again you will have to invest a lot of time in making a solid bond with your neighbours.

RELOCATION IS ALWAYS RISKY

Yes, relocation is exciting compared to getting home additions done, but it is also risky. The family owner has to plan finances and pay attention towards every smallest detail of the location process. There are also chances of getting scammed if the contract is not read carefully. Also, expenses related to packing and moving furniture and then unpacking and placing them are significant.

REASONS WHY HOME ADDITIONS SYDNEY IS A BETTER OPTION

THERE IS NO RESEARCH WORK INVOLVED

To get first floor additions done, a family owner will simply need the services of a construction contractor and leave the project on the team. They will assess the situation, research a bit and then deliver a home addition that makes your property more spacious, grander and more valuable.

HOME ADDITIONS ARE ECONOMICAL

As compared to relocation, getting home additions done will cut your research time and expenses in half. A building permit would be required, and your construction contractor will be responsible for arranging this permit. He will also hire an architect or an interior designer for design inspirations, and as a result, you will get a property that has more space to accommodate your family members and is better in terms of resale value.