If you’re considering expanding your living space by adding a second-storey addition, alternate construction techniques are available to you. There are pre-fabricated “pods” which are built offsite and craned into place, and traditional construction whereby the project is custom-built on site. While both options hold their benefits, here at Addstyle, as Perth’s most awarded second-storey addition builder, we believe that traditional onsite construction offers superior quality, precision, and value.
Read on as we explore the unique advantages of traditionally built second-storey additions.
Quality materials and precision construction
The critical advantage of traditional onsite construction is that the ability to use high-quality materials. There is no need to compromise on materials so that they can be transported and craned-in. One such example is the use of an aerated concrete floor base which offers superior thermal and acoustic properties to the compressed timber sheeting (chipboard) that is used in pod second storeys. A concrete floor base better insulates the addition and also minimises sound transfer between the home’s levels such as the thud sounds created when walking across timber flooring.
Onsite construction also allows the incorporation of a brickwork exterior finish, which is beneficial if you wish to match the extension with existing brickwork. This is not possible with a modular pod transported by truck and craned onto a roof.
By using traditional methods Addstyle ensures a seamless fit with the existing home by using precision construction techniques when building and integrating each component onsite. This allows us to account for imperfections with the existing home due to ‘settling’ and historical building techniques used in the existing house. Addstyle’s renowned attention to detail results in structurally sound and aesthetically attractive additions that blend seamlessly with your original architecture.
Flexibility in size, scale, and design
Traditional onsite construction also offers greater flexibility with size, scale and design than prefabricated options. Unlike modular pods, where design must account for the ability to to fit components onto the back of a truck, onsite construction allows for fully-custom design solutions and practical room sizes. With Addstyle’s expertise, you can create a second-storey addition that maximises your living space while maintaining architectural harmony and scale with the existing home. The ability to tailor the design and scale of the extension is a significant advantage that sets onsite construction apart from prefabricated alternatives.
Value and Return on Investment
We understand that investing in a second-storey addition is a significant decision, so we strive to deliver the perfect result on your investment. Our goal is to maximise your home’s value. The inherent advantages traditional onsite construction offers regarding quality and craftsmanship can contribute to a higher return on investment. If you choose onsite construction, you’re making a long-term investment in the quality and value of your property.
Timing and Financing Considerations
While the speed of installation is often the most significant selling point for modular builders, it’s essential to consider the overall project timeline and financing implications. While you can crane a pod into place in one day, other critical steps, such as removing the existing roof, sealing the addition, and breaking through the ceiling for staircase installation, still need to be completed. Further, if financing the project, it is vital to speak to your bank to confirm your construction options. Some banks are hesitant to finance additions that are constructed off site, as the value of the home is not improved while the addition is sitting in a builder’s yard.
Minimal Disruption and Convenience
Addstyle’s traditional approach ensures minimal disturbance throughout the project. As experienced second-storey builders, we plan carefully to allow you to stay in the home while construction is underway. Breaking through the ceiling for the staircase installation is held off until the late stages of the project, and this stage is inevitable with both pod and onsite construction.
Which should you choose?
While modular construction has it’s place, traditional onsite construction remains Addstyle’s preference as it offers a compelling case for superior quality, value, and return on investment.
Whichever option you choose, if you’re considering a home extension, it’s essential to work with experienced renovation designers in Perth. They’ll help you design and build a custom home extension to meet your specific requirements while ensuring it matches your dream home while leveraging high-quality materials and precision construction techniques.
Contact Addstyle today, and let’s start a conversation about how we can bring your dream home to life.
