Adding a Second Storey to a House | Everything You Need To Know

Adding a Second Storey to a House | Everything You Need To Know

Second Storey to a House

Adding a second storey to your house is like giving it a stylish makeover. It’s the ultimate home improvement adventure, where you get to expand your living space and elevate your lifestyle. 

Renovations can be a bit tricky because they are a costly project. You’re doubling your living space and creating a whole new floor for yourself and your family, but you are also hiring contractors and purchasing raw materials for the project.

To make any renovation successful, you need to know everything about it to make an informed decision.

Use this guide to learn everything you should know about second-storey additions including benefits, cost, and factors to consider. Whether you want to do a DIY project or hire a contractor, PDCD Homes is here to help you through it all!

Types of Second-Storey Additions

When it comes to giving your home a makeover, you have a fair range of options to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the top types of second-storey remodeling you can consider:

Type of Addition

Details

Full Second Storey Addition

It’s like giving your house a double-decker upgrade. With a full second storey addition, you can double your living space and create extra rooms. Perfect for growing families. 

Partial Second Storey Addition

If you’re keen to keep things a bit more lowkey, opt for a partial second storey addition. Add an extension to part of your existing upper floor, instead of building a whole new level.

Pop-Top Conversion

This involves raising the roof of your existing home to create additional headroom for a second storey. It’s a clever way to add extra space without changing the footprint of your house.

Second Storey Addition Over Garage

Got a garage that’s just taking up space? Put it to good use by building a second storey extension over the top. This type of remodeling is perfect for adding extra living space above the garage.

Why You Should Opt for Building a Second Storey of Your House

Adding a second storey to your house can be a transformative decision, but it offers multiple benefits that enhance the functionality and value of your home. Here is why opting for it is a wise choice:

Space, Space, and More Space

Seriously, who doesn’t love extra room to roam around? The most obvious advantage of adding a second storey is the significant increase in living space. By expanding your space, you will have more room to add bedrooms, bathrooms, recreational areas, and maybe even a home office! It is an ideal solution for growing families or those who want more room to spread out.

Maximized Property Footprint

Got a small lot but have big dreams for it? No problem! Maximize your property’s footprint by building upwards. While expanding outwards will compromise yard space or cause space constraints, building a second storey will help you make efficient use of the same space.

Cost-Effective Solution

In many cases, building a second storey is more cost-effective than purchasing a larger home or undertaking a full-scale renovation of your existing space. You can save construction costs by utilizing your home’s existing foundation and infrastructure for expansion.

Improved Property Value

Adding a second storey isn’t just an investment in your current comfort; it is an investment in your future as well. The additional square footage appeals to potential buyers and enhances the overall architectural appeal of the property. A well-executed second-storey addition can make your home stand out in the real estate market and get a higher selling price.

Elevated Views and Vibes

Who needs a penthouse when you can have your personal lookout? A second storey often comes with killer views of your surroundings, whether it’s the bustling cityscape or the serene countryside. Plus, all that extra natural light streaming in? Instant mood booster!

Flexibility for the Future

Life is all about change, right? Maybe you want to expand your family, start a business, or enjoy some peace after retirement. Adding a second storey gives you the flexibility to adapt your home to whatever life throws your way.

Factors to Consider When Adding a Second Storey to Your House

Adding a second storey to your house is a big decision but it can totally transform your space. Here are some key factors to mull over before you start swinging that hammer:

  1. Structural Integrity—First things first, you have to make sure your house can handle the extra weight on top. Get a pro to assess the foundation and structure to ensure it is strong enough to support another storey without collapsing.
  2. Location of Stairs—When you add another floor, you need to add a staircase as well. Stairs can take up a lot of space so it’s essential to plan where they should go to prevent as much wastage of space as possible.
  3. Budget Breakdown—Adding a second storey isn’t exactly cheap, so you will need to crunch those numbers. Consider everything from construction costs and materials to permits and potential surprises lurking behind those walls.
  4. Local Regulations—Before you start swinging that hammer, you will need to check zoning laws, building codes, and permit requirements in your areas. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of the building inspector.
  5. Design Dreams—This is where you let your imagination run while. What do you want this new space to look like? Think about the layout, style, and the vibe you’re going for. Sketch out your ideas or hire an architect to bring your vision to life.
  6. Temporary Disruption—Brace yourself for a bit of chaos. Adding a second storey means there will be dust, noise, and maybe even some unexpected delays. Make a plan to minimize disruption to your daily life, whether it’s bunking with the in-laws or stocking up on noise-canceling headphones.
  7. Utilities and Infrastructure—Adding a second storey means rerouting pipes, wires, and ductwork. Make sure you have a solid plan to keep everything running smoothly.

The Construction Process of Adding a Second Storey

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of adding a second storey to your house. It is a collaborative project filled with creativity, collaboration, and excitement. Here is a rundown of the process:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

First things first, you need to make a plan with your architect. Sit down for a chat and lay down the groundwork for what you want to add — extra bedrooms and bathrooms, a cozy home office, or a sassy gym area. Discuss your needs, preferences, and budget, and brainstorm ideas to bring your dream to life.

Step 2: Site Assessment

Your architect will visit the property to assess the existing structure and surroundings. They will take measurements, evaluate the structural integrity of your home, and consider factors like zoning regulations and other potential obstacles that may arise during the process. 

Step 3: Design Development and Feedback

Your architect will now sketch plans and blueprints. They will explore different layout options, architectural styles, and aesthetic elements to create a design that seamlessly integrates with your existing home. 

Once they have completed the design, you will review the proposed plans, sharing your thoughts and suggestions. It’s all about fine-tuning the design to ensure it reflects your vision and meets your needs perfectly. 

Step 4: Permit Procurement

Adding a second storey requires obtaining permits and approvals from your local building department. This can vary depending on your location and the specific zoning regulations governing your property. Your architect can guide you through the paperwork maze and ensure everything is in order before construction begins. 

Step 5: Construction Coordination

Once the permits are in hand, it’s full steam ahead to construction town! Your architect will work closely with contractors and builders to oversee the construction process, ensuring the design vision is executed with attention to detail. From laying the foundation to putting on the finishing touches, it’s all hands on deck to bring your second storey to life.

Step 6: Final Inspection

As the construction dust settles, it’s time for your final inspection. Your architect will conduct a thorough walkthrough of the completed second storey, checking for quality and compliance. Once everything checks out, it’s time to celebrate!

Design Tips To Add a Second-Storey Addition to Your Home

  1. Blend In: You want your second storey to look like it belongs, not like it’s been plonked on top as an afterthought. Choose materials, colors, and features that complement the existing style of your home.
  2. Provide Adequate Support: Hire a structural engineer to inspect the foundation and infrastructure requirements before adding a second level to your home. 
  3. Maximize Views: Make the most of nature’s views. Position your new storey to take advantage of any stunning views. Add plenty of windows, balconies, or even a rooftop terrace to soak up those Aussie sunsets in style.
  4. Consider the Climate: Aussie weather can be a bit of a mixed bag so make sure your new storey can handle whatever the weather throws at it. Insulation, ventilation, and shades will keep your home comfortable all year round.
  5. Open Up the Space: Consider knocking down a few walls to create a more spacious and flexible layout. Open up the kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. 

What Does it Cost To Add a Second Storey to Your House?

The million-dollar question, literally! Adding a new storey can be exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting because of the cost. 

The price of adding a new storey can vary on several factors, such as:

  • The size of your home
  • The complexity of your design
  • Your location
  • Type of materials you choose

On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000 per square meter. This includes everything from the structural work to the interior finishes. It may sound like a pretty big investment, but you are essentially doubling your living space and boosting the future value of your home. 

Other costs include:

  1. Architectural and engineering fees
  2. Council approvals
  3. Additional upgrades 

Choose the Right Builder for Your Second Storey Renovation

Do you want to spruce up your house into your dream home? Look no further than PDCD Homes for your renovation project!

We are your go-to gurus for all things construction, with a knack for turning dreams into (concrete) reality.

From kitchen makeovers to bathroom overhauls, from expansions to second-storey additions, we’ve got the skills, the smarts, and the style to make your renovation dreams come true. 

So, why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary with PDCD Homes?

Let’s make your house the envy of the neighborhood—one renovation at a time.