Home Extension vs. Addition - What should you do?
Drive down almost any street in Sydney and you’re likely to come across at least one renovation taking place. We really are a nation of renovators! The demand to increase the size and layout of older style, single-story homes to suit modern, growing families has never been higher, especially when renovating can often be more cost effective than selling and buying a larger home.
Short of a knock-down rebuild, increasing the size of your home can be done in two ways:
1) A ground floor Extension (going out), and/or
2) A second story Addition (going up).
The best course of action will be obvious to an experienced Architect and will largely depend on the size and nature of your block, and the structural condition of your existing home.
So. What do you need to consider when undertaking an addition or extension? Read on to find out:
Considerations for a second story Addition
Due to block size, sometimes an addition is your only option when you want to add more living space to your current home. However it must be remembered that adding the second storey can also enable you to capitalise on incredible district or water views and thus add unrealised capital value to your home. Generally speaking, a second story addition will cost about 30% more than an extension, however can add between 30-60% to the overall value of your home.
Typically, the downstairs bedrooms are moved upstairs along with a second family bathroom, to make more room for open plan living on the ground floor. Alternatively, the downstairs bedrooms remain, and additional bedrooms and bathrooms are added above (there’s the capital value-add again!).
In most cases, a second story addition is more complex from a design and construction perspective. It requires careful planning and design acumen to seamlessly integrate the two areas, with placement of the new staircase key to ensuring good flow throughout the home. New structural reinforcements also need to be factored in to support an additional story, and lightweight materials used to construct the upper level.
For safety, security and general living comfort reasons, in most cases you will need to temporarily move out while your second story is being built, as the construction of this will impact the whole house. As such, you will need to make allowance for a short-term rental property into your overall renovation budget.
So, which way should you go?
There is generally only one viable solution for each property to create additional space based on the planning factors mentioned above and what you are trying to achieve. In order to understand the best option for your property, it’s best to speak with your Architect who will be able to provide you with personalised guidance and advice with regards to planning allowances for your block and what is achievable within your budget.
As both an architect and custom home builder, MILEHAM is able to advise you on the best pathway to achieve additional living space, while at the same time ensuring your design stays in line with your budget. Book your complimentary consultation with MILEHAM today and receive the personalised advice you need to achieve that much needed additional space for your home.