Tips And Guidance For The Ultimate Second Storey Additions
Adding a second storey to your home is a great way to create more space when life grows a little bigger than you expected. You don’t need to move or rebuild from scratch if your home is no longer fit for purpose.
Instead, why not build up? There are loads of good reasons to consider a second storey home addition:
- No need to leave your home or neighbourhood behind
- Add value to your home
- Effectively double your living space without losing any backyard
- Create flexible, separated areas to sleep, work and play
- Capitalise on views
That said, we know second storey renovations are a big decision. Here at Addstyle Master Builders we have been helping Perth families elevate their lifestyle with stylish, affordable home additions for more than 30 years. In that time we have learned a lot about renovating well, and we want to help you make informed decisions to get the most out of your home renovation.
Home Additions: Should You Build Up Or Out?
The main things to consider are:
- Block size and shape
- Council zoning regulations
- Backyard space
- Your budget
- How the existing floor plan will be impacted
- Potential views
Usually your block size and budget will be the most significant factors in deciding whether to add a second storey or extend out. However there are other reasons to build up, like taking advantage of a great view or giving growing kids a separate space. Whatever your goals for a home addition, we’ll work with you to make the process stress-free and simple.
Second Storey Additions: What’s The Process?
Believe it or not, there is a fair bit of work to be done before we can start building your home addition. For starters, we’ll need to know exactly what we’re working with. Plus we need a clear vision for how you want to use the new space.
It’s important not to rush into home renovations – but you don’t want your builder to waste time either. So before you go ahead with a second storey addition, here are some of the things you’ll need to know:
Council regulations
Regulations can be frustrating, but they exist for a reason. Your council may impose height and streetscape regulations particular to your area, on top of general building regulations. If you’re not sure where to turn for information on zoning and restrictions, then give us a call our renovation consultants are across all of these regulations and can advise you accordingly. As part of our service we liaise with councils on your behalf, lobby and write justifications where necessary, and coordinate all approvals.
Design inspiration
On to the fun part! Adding a second storey is far more involved than simply plonking some extra rooms on top of your home. It’s an opportunity to rethink the way you live; your daily flow, future living arrangements, privacy, work and play spaces, places to retreat and recharge…
There are many ways a second storey addition can reinvent your existing home. We’ll go into more detail below, but our biggest tip is to think ahead. You are renovating for the long-term. What could your life look like 5 or 10 years from now?
Finding the right builder
Choosing a builder is a little like choosing a new car. You want to know you are getting the best quality product at a fair price. Plus, safety and aftermarket features factor in:
- Is your builder registered and fully insured?
- Do you clearly understand the budget and cost schedule?
- What materials will the builder be using, including the important floor base?
- Is the builder experienced in second storey additions?
- How long has the building company been operating?
The right home renovation builder is not always the cheapest. Rather, they are the company who clearly understands and supports your vision, can achieve it within your budget, and has the expertise in building and project management to ensure the project runs smoothly.
Designing Your Second Storey Addition
Once you’ve chosen your builder it’s time to get creative. Addstyle Master Builders have a highly experienced team of renovation designers including an in-house architect ready to help you plan your project.
What’s the purpose?
The first step in any home addition project is to be clear on your reasons for renovating. Some of the most common reasons for building a second storey are:
- Making space for a growing family (or aging loved ones)
- Adding value for future resale
- Needing a home office, gym, games room or other new area
- Taking advantage of ocean or landscape views
- Because you can!
Get inspired
Once you know why you are renovating, you can get inspired with how. And we’re not just talking about interior design style. We can work with you to reorient the existing floor plan for maximum space and usability. For example, you might want to keep the master bedroom downstairs and move the kids’ rooms upstairs. Or you might prefer all bedrooms upstairs, giving you more space to get creative downstairs.
Whatever your style, we can offer expert advice and practical solutions to make it a reality. Browse our project gallery to get inspired with the versatility offered by Addstyle’s creative, contemporary designers.
Getting started on your home addition
Launching into your second storey addition is potentially life-changing. When you choose to work with Addstyle Master Builders, you get the benefit of our expertise and insight guiding you every step of the way. We always respect your vision and pull out all the stops to make it a reality. At the same time, our qualified building supervisors keep you updated at every stage of the project.
Ready to get started, or just want to learn more about second storey additions? Contact Addstyle Master Builders for a free complimentary consultation and find out how we can work together to take your lifestyle up a level.
