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.

How Tough It Is To Be A DIY Builder For Home Extensions?

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The inflation in the real estate sector is higher than the usual inflation rate. This motivates homeowners to get home extensions done rather than moving to a new property or going for knocking and rebuilding. Another trend is that most people choose to build themselves rather than hire a registered builder. The reason they cite is that this saves a lot of money, but for this, everything must go precisely to plan, and you must have sufficient experience in building. Another reason is that they will have complete control over the process and the design and build of the property.

But a question worth answering is whether it is a practical solution or not, and we have covered this in this blog post.

WHAT WILL DEFINE YOU AS A BUILDER?

If you are planning to become a DIY builder to build your home extensions or second-story extensions, you must acquire the following three qualities.

Using your own skills to build

Manage a team of tradespeople (sub-contractors) to work on the property

You must be a registered builder or at least applied for owner-builder registration with the building commission

There are some crucial facts to know regarding building construction, and they are essential regardless of whether you attempt DIY or hire a registered builder.

BUILDING WORK OVER $5000

Any construction process seeking investment over $5000 will require some obligations to fulfil. 

First, you must use a registered builder, and secondly, you must also have a written domestic building contract. For any project worth over $12000, you must have a current certificate of domestic building insurance or the registered builder must produce this certificate.

A certificate of consent from the building practitioners’ board is also required for any project costing over $12000.

PLANS AND PERMITS

Regardless of how small or big the project is, some plans and permits will be required, and this is where a registered builder can be handy. He will ensure that all the plans and permits needed for home extensions and second storey extensions are arranged on time. This will include the following – 

Local Laws

Mandatory Energy Rating Requirements

Foundation Data, Including Soil Tests, And Engineering

Excavation Costs, If Required

Site Survey Results From A Licensed Land Surveyor

MANAGING THE BUILDING TEAM

The most stressful thought of being a DIY builder for home extensions is managing the overall process and keeping the team united throughout the project. You will need several service providers, sub-contractors, tradespeople, and others to engage in construction. A registered builder can be beneficial in your home extension process as they are experienced in managing the entire team. Apart from this, the team also has additional expertise and skills to manage the team and keep it united throughout the process.

Why are Floor and 2nd Storey Additions So Much in Trend?

 
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The concept of home additions is instrumental in enhancing the size of the living space and its overall value. Constructions like first-floor additions and 2nd storey additions become essential when the family continues to grow, and they have no alternative but to live in the available space. These constructions become very useful in this situation as they allow everyone to live comfortably and have a private space. Let us go through some benefits of home additions, but we will begin with understanding what home additions are.

WHAT IS A HOME ADDITION?

A home addition is a construction process used to enhance the space of the existing property by constructing another floor or some additional building sidewards. This mainly includes the services of a home additions company that holds expertise in first-floor and 2nd storey additions to increase your property’s size. Based on your requirements and available space, you can construct several rooms, like a living room, gym, some bedrooms, a kitchen, your office or a room for kids to play. In short, if a reputed home additions company in Sydney works by your side, you will find endless possibilities with home additions. The most common reasons why people go for home additions are – 

• A family member moving in 

• An additional bedroom

• More driveway space

• Expanding the kitchen for increased functionality

• Creating an office or another personal space

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING HOME ADDITIONS DONE?

YOU GET EXTRA SPACE TO LIVE OR RENT OUT

The first benefit is a combination of two benefits – getting more space to live or that space can be rented out to have some extra income. In this situation, you must work with your home additions company to ensure that the space you plan to rent out meets all building codes and guidelines. You must make the area safe and comfortable for tenants to live along with all significant amenities offered to them.

IMPROVE YOUR PROPERTY’S VALUE

With constructions like first-floor additions and 2nd storey additions, your property experiences a sudden boost in its resale value. It is easy to understand that the space will increase and help your property’s value boost up to almost 50%. Here also, the space you are creating will be a crucial factor. This means you will have to invest heavily in constructing a couple of bedrooms, a spacious kitchen and a living room. In this regard, the experience of the chosen home additions company in Sydney will be very crucial, as the team will provide you an insight into what additions to get to make the property’s value go higher.

Apart from this, people often opt for first-floor additions and 2nd storey additions for reasons like enhancing the storage space and improving the traffic flow and layout. You will see some homeowners going for home additions as they find it more cost-effective than relocating.

Significant Factors to Consider While Getting Home Extensions Done

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The concept of home extensions is getting increasingly popular as people have realised that it is more cost-effective and better than building a new property or relocating to a new one. The most popular home extension type is second storey extensions, followed by some other options as well. All these ensure you get enhanced living space and give much-needed privacy to every family member. Here is an informative guide to help you understand the importance of home extensions and some factors to consider while getting this renovation done.

WHY HOME EXTENSIONS ARE A GOOD IDEA?

Experts cite a couple of reasons behind people seeking services of a home additions company in Sydney for home additions and, mainly, second storey extensions. Adding space to the existing property is the top reason, followed by another – adding value.
Almost all ground-floor properties can get first and second story extensions built. This means that people can now have some extra space to live openly and in complete privacy. Another factor is that for this additional space, they will not have to sacrifice the open space like the garden.
Adding value is the second reason, as any extensions, additions, and small home renovations in Sydney can increase property's value significantly.

WHAT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHILE GETTING HOUSE EXTENSIONS LIKE SECOND STOREY EXTENSIONS?

The process's complexity or simplicity will depend on the type of house extension chosen. Obviously, some planning would be required, followed by understanding the local building codes and getting permits and authorisation letters from local civic authorities. Their availability ensures that the second storey extensions project will start smoothly, continue and then end smoothly. The experts from the home additions company in Sydney will consider several things like structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, damp proofing, ventilation, etc.

DETERMINE THE SPACE YOU NEED

A very important factor to consider in terms of small home renovations in Sydney is the space needed or space expected from this renovation. Remember, bigger isn't always better, and hence, you should rely upon smaller and cleverly designed second storey extensions. The idea is to get the maximum space out of the property and the maximum value out of the investment.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME ADDITIONS COMPANY IN SYDNEY

Experts advocate selecting the best home additions company in Sydney for second storey extensions. The selection process should focus on shortlisting those understanding the process entirely and have a clear understanding of how to maximise the space and use it effectively. The company should also be familiar with modern and intelligent techniques and equipment to get the best use out of the available space. With all the legal knowledge of requirements and regulations, they ensure that all the hurdles or hassles are removed during construction.

Why Should People Get Second Story Extensions Built?

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Getting second story extensions and additions in your existing property is like opening new doors for the family and making the property more spacious and precious. This extension becomes mandatory when a growing family demands more space and privacy. In this situation, house additions like first-floor and second story extensions are chosen to accommodate the changing family and their changing lifestyle. These additions also ensure that your property's value gets a boost, and apart from this, there are several other reasons why one should go for second story extensions. Some of them are discussed in this blog post.

YOU GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP YOUR BACKYARD

One of the top benefits of building upwards rather than sidewards or backward is that your home addition plans do not interfere with the existing ground space. You will not need extra land for any house additions, and this means you will not have to sacrifice your swimming pool or garden, tool shed or garage to get more living space. Second story extensions go upwards without consuming land and become cost-effective for the family.

A COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION THAT GIVES GREAT RESULTS

Getting first-floor and second story extensions is way more economical than renovating the entire property after knocking it down or relocating to another property in a new neighbourhood. These house addition plans are economical, as they allow you to optimise the plan of your property to accommodate your family and their lifestyle. You can match all the requirements while getting second story extensions and ensure that the overall look doesn't get interfered with.

A LARGE AMOUNT OF VALUE IS ADDED

Another benefit of second story extensions is that you add a considerable amount of space to your current property. This space will, in turn, enhance the property's value, which will be beneficial when you look to sell your property. Homeowners get this extra benefit as the availability of vacant plots is shrinking slowly with the ever-increasing population. Those looking to buy a property are willing to pay any price to get a new home, and this is where second story extensions can be beneficial for the property owner.

NO COMPROMISE ON THE VIEWS

Getting second story extensions built means having a property where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of your property's surrounding areas. You get magnificent views of the skyscrapers, and if you're lucky enough, you can also witness a beautiful sunset and a mesmerising sunrise every day. 

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?

What Questions To Ask Before Starting Home Extensions Project?

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Home additions and extensions are a significant project, and homeowners must have a completely clear view of what is going to come in home extension projects. The services of a reputed construction company are mandatory, followed by the answers to all the questions that homeowners have. There can be questions related to several things associated with the home extensions project, and they must have the answers. These answers come from the chosen home additions company; and some are discussed here.

CAN YOU PROVIDE COMPLETE HOME EXTENSIONS SERVICES?

The chosen home additions company should offer the entire range of home extension services, including loft conversion as well. They should come with the experience and expertise to provide services from initial free consultation and survey to completion of home extensions/home additions projects. These services should also include administration using the most advanced technologies to meet customers’ specific requirements. They should also offer structural calculations, application of building regulations and law development certificates, etc.

DO YOU REQUIRE ANY DEPOSIT BEFORE THE PROJECT?

The ideal answer is that the company should not seek any deposit before beginning the project. In lieu, they will take a financial commitment from the customer that he will pay for the administration upon signing the contract. This will include the cost of drawing and structural calculations and the fees paid to local authorities to obtain necessary permissions and certificates.

DO YOU SEEK SERVICES FROM SUB-CONTRACTORS?

Here also, the best answer is ‘no’, that subcontractors are not used for home extensions and additions. But yes, hiring subcontractors for scaffolding, electrical fittings, AC and heating engineering, and so on is mandatory. Otherwise, they should not use any subcontractors for registered groundwork or bricklaying.

WHAT OFFER DO YOU HAVE IN TERMS OF WARRANTY?

The company should back its work with a minimum of 10 years of structural warranty and ensure long-lasting and cost-effective results. As far as pre-planning and construction is concerned, they should take care of the following – 

• Sourcing Building Materials

• Equipment Hire

• Qualified And Experienced Skilled Trade Workers

• Council Approval And Inspections

• Building Permits And Job Certification

• Site Surveying

• Certificate Of Occupancy

HOW MUCH DIRT OR DUST WILL BE GENERATED?

Some disruption and disturbance is inevitable, and so are the dirt and dust. The home renovation company is responsible for minimizing it as much as possible. They should ensure that invasive works like ‘breaking through’ and ‘installing beams’ are carried out late in the project. Apart from this, they should also apply all reasonable measures to minimise dust generation and use a dust sheet, tapes, polythene, etc., to cover up dirt and dust. Some home renovation companies also use a vacuum cleaner to ensure that the property is left as clean as possible every day.