A second storey addition is a significant investment that can transform your home, adding valuable space and enhancing functionality. However, there are several potential pitfalls that homeowners may not realise when embarking on such a project. From structural balance to materials selection, careful planning is essential to ensure that your addition enhances—not detracts from—your home.
Here’s what you need to consider before committing to a second storey addition in Perth.
1. Scale and Proportion: Ensuring Balance with the Existing Home
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not considering how the scale of the new addition will integrate with the original structure. If the second storey is too small, it can appear like an afterthought. On the other hand, if it’s too large, it can look top-heavy and disproportionate.
A well-designed addition should be in harmony with the home’s existing architecture, enhancing its aesthetic appeal rather than overpowering it. Thought must be given to rooflines, window placement, and overall massing to create a seamless extension of the original structure. Essentially, your second storey addition shouldn’t look like an addition at all. View a selection of Addstyle second storey additions projects in our Project Gallery.
2. Room Sizes and Layout: Getting the Proportions Right
Space planning is critical in ensuring that the new rooms feel comfortable and functional. Too often, second storey additions end up with awkwardly shaped or undersized rooms because of poor planning. Considerations should include:
- Bedroom sizes that are spacious enough for your furniture. Can you fit a king-sized bed AND king-sized side tables in your main bedroom?
- Ensuring adequate storage space. Would you like a luxurious dressing room or walk in robe like the one in this Nedlands second storey addition project?
- Allocating sufficient space for hallways and landings
- The inclusion of bathrooms and their impact on plumbing requirements
- Is the addition properly oriented for light, ventilation and views?
The layout should flow naturally and integrate with the downstairs areas, rather than feeling like a separate, disjointed section of the home.
3. Materials Selection: Building for Longevity
A second storey addition should not only match or complement the aesthetic of your home but also stand the test of time. Careful material selection is key to ensuring durability and a high-quality finish. Key considerations include:
- External Finish & Roofing – Cladding? Render? Face brickwork? Will the materials blend seamlessly with the original structure? Will they age well and require minimal maintenance? Are they acceptable within local regulations?
- Windows & Doors – Matching existing joinery and ensuring consistency in style, size, and finish is crucial.
- Cornicing & Skirting – Do they match or complement the ground floor? Cheaper cove cornice and thin skirting will look out of place if the ground floor has feature cornicing and high skirtings.
4. Flooring Choices: Comfort and Acoustics
Many homeowners overlook the importance of selecting the right flooring for a second storey addition. The wrong choice can lead to significant noise issues and discomfort. Compressed timber (chipboard) is a common but inferior option, as it amplifies footstep noise and lacks thermal insulation.
A superior alternative is aerated concrete, which provides better soundproofing and insulation properties. It significantly reduces the ‘thudding’ noise that can occur when people walk on the upper floor and offers improved thermal efficiency, making your home more comfortable year-round.
5. Staircase Positioning: The Best Option Isn’t Always the Cheapest
The placement of the staircase is a critical design element that impacts both aesthetics and functionality.
A well-designed staircase should feel like a natural extension of your home’s design. It should be positioned to optimise space and accessibility without compromising the usability of key areas. A grand staircase can also serve as a stunning architectural feature, enhancing the overall appeal of your renovation. Check out the grand staircase in the newly formed entry of our City Beach second storey addition project.
6. Staircase Design and Balustrading: Don’t Cut Corners
Beyond placement, the staircase itself must be designed with care. A cheap, narrow staircase can diminish the overall appeal of an otherwise high-end addition. Consider:
- Adequate width and comfortable step height
- Quality materials that complement the existing home
- Balustrading that enhances safety and style
Elegant timber, glass, or steel balustrades can add a touch of sophistication, rather than opting for the cheapest solution available.
7. Ceiling Heights and Natural Light: Creating a Spacious Feel
Ceiling heights play a crucial role in how a space feels. Low ceilings can make a second storey addition feel cramped, while higher ceilings create a sense of openness and luxury. Additionally, incorporating ample natural light through well-positioned windows or skylights can make a significant difference in the overall ambiance of the new space. Check out the roof top terrace in this Addstyle second storey addition project in North Perth.
8. Plumbing and Services: Planning for Efficiency
Adding a second storey often means additional bathrooms, which require plumbing extensions. Consider the placement of new bathrooms in relation to existing plumbing stacks to minimise costs and ensure efficient drainage. Similarly, heating, cooling, and electrical services should be carefully planned to accommodate the additional floor seamlessly.
9. Council Approvals and Regulations: Ensuring Compliance
Regulatory requirements vary between councils in Perth, so it’s important to ensure that your second storey addition meets all necessary building codes and planning approvals including any heritage requirements. Working with a reputable builder who understands local regulations can prevent costly delays and legal complications.
10. Energy Efficiency: Future-Proofing Your Home
A well-designed second storey should not just add space but also enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Consider:
- Double-glazed windows for better insulation
- Roof insulation to reduce heat gain in summer
- Energy-efficient lighting and ventilation
These factors not only improve comfort but can also help reduce long-term energy costs.
11. Choosing the Right Builder: Quality Over Cost
The quality of your second storey addition depends largely on the expertise of your builder. Avoid choosing a builder based solely on cost or ‘perceived’ time-saving —what may seem like a saving can end up costing more in the long run due to poor craftsmanship, unexpected complications and ultimately, a reduced resale value.
Look for a builder who:
- Has extensive experience with second storey additions in Perth
- Provides clear, transparent communication throughout the process
- Focuses on quality materials and craftsmanship rather than volume-driven work
Final Thoughts: A Thoughtfully Designed Addition is a Worthwhile Investment
Adding a second storey to your home can be a game-changer, providing much-needed space while adding value to your property. However, careful consideration must be given to scale, materials, structural integrity, and design details to ensure a seamless and high-quality outcome.
By working with a knowledgeable and experienced builder, you can avoid these common pitfalls and create a second storey addition that enhances your home for years to come.
Looking for Expert Guidance?
If you’re considering a second storey addition in Perth, our team specialises in high-quality, well-integrated extensions that stand the test of time. Contact us for a complimentary design consultation to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.
