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As families in Australia grow, the need for additional space becomes more evident. For residential owners in Sydney, considering a first-floor addition can be an excellent solution to cater to the evolving needs of a burgeoning household. This comprehensive guide aims to provide insights into the cost breakdown of first-floor additions, helping homeowners make informed decisions while transforming their homes to accommodate their growing families.

Understanding the Need for First-Floor Additions

Before delving into the cost breakdown, it’s essential to understand why first-floor additions are a popular choice among Sydney homeowners. As families expand, the demand for extra living space, bedrooms, or recreational areas intensifies. Instead of relocating to a larger property, many homeowners opt for the cost-effective and less disruptive option of adding a first floor to their existing homes.

The Benefits of First-Floor Additions

Increased Living Space: First-floor additions allow homeowners to create additional rooms, accommodating the needs of a growing family without sacrificing outdoor areas.

Enhanced Property Value: Investing in a first-floor addition can significantly increase the overall value of your property, providing a solid return on investment.

Preservation of Outdoor Spaces: Unlike ground-level extensions, first-floor additions enable homeowners to preserve their outdoor spaces, making them an ideal choice for those with limited land.

Customisation and Personalisation: First-floor additions offer the flexibility to design and customise new spaces according to the specific requirements and preferences of the homeowners.

Cost Breakdown of First-Floor Additions

Design and Planning (15%): Before breaking ground, homeowners must engage with architects and designers to create detailed plans for the first-floor addition. This phase typically accounts for approximately 15% of the total cost.

Structural Considerations (20%): Ensuring the structural integrity of the existing house and the new addition is crucial. This phase covers the costs of reinforcing foundations, installing support beams, and complying with building regulations.

Building Materials (25%): The choice of materials significantly impacts the overall cost of a first-floor addition. Quality materials ensure durability and longevity, making them a worthwhile investment. Consider the cost of framing, roofing, siding, windows, and doors.

Labour and Construction (30%): Most of the budget goes into paying skilled labour and construction crews; this includes the construction work, plumbing, electrical installations, and other trades required for the project.

Contingency and Unforeseen Costs (10%): Setting aside a portion of the budget for unforeseen circumstances or changes in the project scope is essential; this acts as a safety net and helps avoid budget overruns.

Tips for Cost-Effective First-Floor Additions

Plan Thoroughly: Invest time and effort in the planning phase to minimise changes once construction begins. Changes during construction can be costly and may lead to delays.

Engage Experienced Professionals: Collaborate with reputable architects, builders, and contractors with experience in first-floor additions. Their expertise can streamline the process and prevent costly mistakes.

Material Selection: While quality is paramount, exploring cost-effective yet durable materials can help manage expenses. Work closely with your architect and builder to find the right balance between cost and quality.

Energy Efficiency: Consider incorporating energy-efficient features during design to reduce long-term operational costs, including efficient insulation, lighting, and HVAC systems.

Obtain Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Obtain multiple quotes from different contractors and suppliers to ensure you are getting a fair and competitive price.

Embarking on a first-floor addition project for your Sydney home requires careful planning and budgeting. By understanding the cost breakdown and implementing cost-effective strategies, homeowners can transform their residences to meet the needs of a growing family without breaking the bank. A well-executed first-floor addition not only provides additional space and comfort but also enhances the overall value and appeal of the property. With the right approach and Extend A Home by your side, the dream of a spacious and functional home for your growing family is well within reach.

Ground floor extensions in Sydney represent a significant investment in a property’s future. Therefore, it’s crucial to partner with reputable professionals committed to prioritizing structural integrity throughout the renovation process. With their expertise and dedication, homeowners can transform their properties into enduring, safe, and functional spaces that elevate their quality of life.

Factors Driving Ground Floor Extensions in Sydney

The growing need for additional living space, the desire to create versatile home environments, and the aspiration to increase property value are critical motivators behind ground-floor extensions in Sydney. However, alongside these motivations, maintaining structural integrity throughout the renovation process is paramount.

Prioritising Structural Integrity: A Comprehensive Approach

Before embarking on ground floor extensions, a meticulous evaluation of the existing structure is essential. Collaborating with structural engineers and building professionals in Sydney can provide invaluable insights into the condition of the property’s foundation, load-bearing elements, and overall structural framework.

It is essential to assess the capacity of the existing structure and ensure it can support the additional load from extensions. Strengthening foundations, selecting appropriate building materials, and adhering to local building codes are essential to maintain structural integrity during renovations.

Implementing Effective Strategies for Structural Stability

Executing ground floor extensions in Sydney demands adherence to best practices to ensure structural stability. This involves detailed planning, skilled craftsmanship, and consistent oversight throughout the renovation process.

Working closely with experienced architects, builders, and contractors specialising in Sydney’s ground floor extensions is advantageous. Their expertise in designing and executing renovations while prioritising structural integrity guarantees a safe and seamless property transformation.

The fundamental steps are reinforcing foundations, installing proper supports, and integrating robust load-bearing structures. Utilising innovative construction methods and incorporating designs resilient to seismic activity, especially in earthquake-prone areas, further strengthens the renovated space’s structural robustness.

Conclusion: Emphasising Longevity Through Structural Integrity

In conclusion, while ground floor extensions in Sydney offer a promising way to tailor living spaces to changing needs, ensuring structural integrity should remain a primary concern.

By emphasising structural stability through meticulous planning, professional guidance, and adherence to high-quality construction practices, homeowners can achieve aesthetically pleasing extensions and long-lasting and secure properties.

Renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant lifestyle, Sydney has seen a surge in ground-floor extensions that embrace contemporary design while retaining its unique charm. More homeowners are revamping their ground floors to create functional spaces that blend aesthetics with practicality. Let’s delve into the trends and innovations shaping ground-floor renovations in Sydney.

1. Open Concept Living: One prevailing trend dominating ground floor extensions in Sydney is the concept of open-plan living. Homeowners are knocking down walls to create expansive, interconnected spaces that facilitate a sense of airiness and fluidity. This design fosters a harmonious flow between the kitchen, dining area, and living room, enhancing interaction and maximising natural light.

2. Indoor-Outdoor Integration: Sydney’s temperate climate encourages the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Innovative renovations often incorporate bi-fold or sliding doors, effortlessly merging interiors with outdoor patios or gardens. This trend amplifies the living area, blurring the boundaries between the two environments and enabling a seamless transition for entertainment or relaxation.

3. Sustainable Solutions: Sustainability is at the forefront of ground-floor renovations in Sydney. Homeowners are embracing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions. From utilising recycled timber for flooring to installing solar panels for energy generation, sustainability is a crucial consideration driving modern renovation projects.

4. Tech-Savvy Spaces: The integration of smart home technology is gaining traction in ground-floor renovations. From automated lighting systems to intelligent appliances and home security, Sydney homeowners are incorporating technology to enhance convenience and safety while adding a touch of modernity to their spaces.

5. Versatile Multipurpose Areas: Flexibility is a crucial aspect of contemporary living spaces. Many renovations now include multipurpose rooms that can adapt to various needs—a home office that can transform into a guest bedroom or a cosy reading nook that doubles as a play area for children. This trend maximises space utilisation and caters to the evolving needs of homeowners.

6. Natural Elements and Biophilic Design: Connecting with nature is a prominent theme in Sydney’s ground-floor extensions. Biophilic design principles are incorporated by integrating natural elements like indoor plants, natural light, and organic materials. These elements enhance aesthetics and contribute to improved mental well-being and overall comfort.

7. Heritage Preservation with Modern Touches: Sydney’s rich architectural heritage inspires many renovation projects. Homeowners seek to preserve the historical integrity of their properties while infusing modern design elements. This fusion results in a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication.

The trend of ground-floor extensions in Sydney is gaining momentum, showcasing a fusion of innovation, style, and functionality. As demand continues to rise, architects, designers, and builders are continuously pushing boundaries to meet the diverse needs of homeowners.

Ground Floor Extensions in Sydney: Enhancing Living Spaces

Ground floor extensions in Sydney are a popular means to expand living spaces while adding value to properties. Whether it’s extending the kitchen, creating additional living areas, or integrating outdoor spaces, these extensions offer homeowners the opportunity to maximise the potential of their properties.

With the rising demand for ground floor extensions in Sydney, it’s crucial to partner with reputable professionals who are well-versed in local regulations and adept at delivering high-quality craftsmanship. Collaborating with experienced architects, builders, and designers ensures smooth renovation, from conceptualisation to completion.

When planning ground floor extensions in Sydney, several factors must be considered, including local building codes, structural integrity, budget, and the overall vision for the space. Additionally, engaging professionals specialising in ground floor extensions in Sydney can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the renovation journey.

Sydney’s ground-floor extensions present a chance to transform living spaces into personalised sanctuaries that align with individual tastes and lifestyle preferences. Whether it’s creating a modern kitchen, expanding living areas for growing families, or incorporating outdoor entertainment zones, these extensions cater to diverse needs while elevating the overall appeal and functionality of the property.

In conclusion, ground-floor extensions in Sydney reflect a dynamic blend of innovation and practicality. They offer homeowners the opportunity to reimagine their living spaces, embracing modern trends while preserving the essence of Sydney’s architectural heritage. With thoughtful planning and the right expertise, these renovations significantly enhance the quality of life and the value of properties in this bustling metropolis.

Home renovation projects are often filled with excitement and anticipation. The idea of transforming your living space, adding modern amenities, or creating more room for your growing family can be a dream come true.

However, the path to realising that dream is often fraught with complexities, challenges, and unforeseen obstacles that can lead to headaches and stress.

If you’re considering a home renovation in Sydney, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process seamlessly and introduce you to Extendahome’s unique Smooth Sailing™ Building System Guarantee, designed to make your renovation journey smooth and stress-free.

Step 1: Define Your Renovation Goals

Before you embark on a home renovation project, take the time to define your goals clearly. What do you hope to achieve with the renovation? Are you looking to create more space, modernise your home, or enhance its resale value? Having a clear vision will guide your project from start to finish.

Step 2: Establish a Realistic Budget

Home renovations can quickly become costly without a well-defined budget. Create a realistic budget that covers construction costs, permits, design fees, and a contingency for unforeseen expenses. A well-planned budget will help you avoid financial stress as the project progresses.

Step 3: Consider Moving vs. Improving

One of the most significant decisions you’ll face is whether to renovate your existing home or move to a new one. Evaluate your attachment to your current location, the costs associated with moving, and the potential return on investment from improving your current property. This decision will set the direction for your renovation.

Step 4: Professional Planning is Key

Professional planning is the backbone of a successful renovation. Seek out experienced architects, builders, and designers who can help you navigate the complexities of the renovation process and ensure your vision is executed flawlessly. At Extendahome we provide all this expertise for you in one location.

Step 5: Assess Your Home’s Structure

Adding a ground or first-floor extension is a popular choice in Sydney. It’s advisable to have an independent structural engineer inspect your home to identify any structural considerations that may impact your renovation plans. This is done as part of Extendahome’s complete design and planning service. Addressing these issues early will prevent unforeseen complications down the road.

Step 6: Verify the Builder’s Reputation

The choice of your builder is critical to the success of your renovation. Ensure you’re working with a reputable professional by checking their reputation through industry organisations and authorities such as the Master Builders Association, Housing Industry Association and the Department of Fair Trading.

Step 7: Minimise Disruption with Extendahome’s Guarantee

It’s no secret that home renovations often come with a fair share of disruption to your daily life. This is where Extendahome’s Smooth Sailing™ Building System Guarantee comes into play. This innovative guarantee ensures that your renovation experience is as stress-free as possible. If you find the renovation process more stressful than anticipated, Extendahome will send you and your family away for a relaxing weekend holiday on us, valued at $1,000 with a prepaid Eftpos card. This guarantee underscores our commitment to minimising disruption and ensuring a smooth project for our clients.

Step 8: Handle Variations Effectively

To prevent unexpected additional costs and disputes, choose a builder with a well-defined system for managing variations in the project. This ensures that any extra work incorporated into the project is properly communicated and agreed upon, keeping your budget and timeline intact.

Step 9: Expert Design Consultation

Extendahome, as part of our Smooth Sailing Building System Guarantee, offers a free consultation to discuss your renovation project. Our experienced design consultants will work closely with you to understand your vision and needs, providing expert guidance to help you achieve your dream home.

Step 10: Enjoy a Stress-Free Renovation

In conclusion, home renovation in Sydney is a significant investment in your lifestyle and property. By adhering to these top 10 steps and considering Extendahome’s Smooth Sailing™ Building System Guarantee, you can make your renovation journey smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful.

By following these top 10 steps and partnering with a reputable renovation company, you can confidently embark on your home renovation project and say goodbye to renovation headaches and hello to your dream home.

Renovating your home in Sydney is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. Whether you’re looking to enhance your living space, accommodate a growing family, or increase the resale value of your property, a well-planned renovation can make a world of difference.

However, it’s crucial to approach the process with care and consideration to ensure a successful and stress-free transformation.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 tips for renovating your home in Sydney and how Extendahome can help you achieve your renovation goals with their unique Smooth Sailing™ Building System Guarantee.

1. Start with a Clear Vision

Before you dive into any renovation project, take the time to envision what you want to achieve. Identify your family’s needs and create a list of goals for the renovation. This initial step will serve as your roadmap throughout the project.

2. Decide between Moving and Improving

Consider whether it’s more practical to renovate your current home or move to a new one. Factors like your attachment to your current location, the costs of moving, and potential return on investment should guide your decision.

3. Choose a Professional Approach

Professional planning is essential for a successful renovation. Begin by consulting with experts who can guide you through the process, ensuring your ideas and goals align with your budget and the structural aspects of your home.

4. Structural Evaluation

Most homes in Sydney are strong enough to accommodate first-floor extensions. However, it’s crucial to have an independent structural engineer inspect your home to identify any considerations or limitations.

5. Builder Reputation

Verify the reputation of the builder you choose for your renovation. Contact organisations like the Master Builders Association, Housing Industry Association and the Department of Fair Trading to ensure they are reputable and have a history of delivering quality work.

6. Smooth Sailing™ Building System Guarantee

Extendahome, a leading name in Sydney home renovations, offers a unique Smooth Sailing™ Building System Guarantee. This guarantee is designed to put your mind at ease and ensure your renovation is as stress-free as possible. From the initial conversation to the moment you step into your newly extended home, Extendahome is committed to providing that hassle-free experience.

7. Accommodate Family Growth

One common reason for home renovations in Sydney is to accommodate a growing family. An extension can provide the extra space you need while also improving the value of your home.

8. Plan for a Stress-Free Experience

Renovating your home is a significant undertaking, and it can be stressful. To minimise disruption and create a smooth project, choose a builder focused on minimising any disturbances to your lifestyle. Ask about guarantees in place to ensure a seamless process.

9. Handling Variations

Select a builder with a written system for handling variations. This ensures that any extra work incorporated into the project is appropriately communicated and agreed upon, avoiding unexpected additional costs.

10. Maximising Resale Value

Remember that your renovation can significantly increase the resale value of your home. Careful planning, quality craftsmanship, and a reputable builder can help you achieve a return on your investment when it’s time to sell your property.

In summary, renovating your home in Sydney can be a transformative experience, but it requires careful planning and a professional approach.

If you’re considering a home renovation in Sydney, Extendahome’s Smooth Sailing™ Building System Guarantee is committed to minimising disruption, handling variations and ensuring top-notch craftsmanship for anyone looking to enhance their living space.

Renovating your home should be an exciting adventure, not a source of stress. With the right vision, a professional approach, and a reputable builder, your renovation can be a remarkable success that improves your lifestyle and enhances your home’s value.

Sydney’s iconic skyline and beautiful neighbourhoods offer countless opportunities for creating your dream living space. So, take these tips to heart, embark on your renovation journey confidently, and let us guide you to a smooth and stress-free transformation.

Expert Renovation Designing and Builds in Sydney

Contact the leading designers and builders at Extend a Home for expert renovations. Our team specialises in ground floor extensions and first floor home additions for homes throughout Sydney, with over 80 years of combined experience bringing functional and beautiful home renovation ideas to life.

Call us today on 02 9736 3344 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Drawings are the language used by the building industry and how you control what your finished home will be. But just how many drawings do you need to ensure your vision is executed? It really depends on the type and scope of your renovation project. An entire first floor addition will need many more detailed drawings than a kitchen remodelling project.

What Do Drawings Do?

Drawings describe how construction is to occur. As with any language, there are codes and symbols used to represent different things. From what materials to use and how walls are put together right through to where all the light switches and power points are located.

They usually require professional help to produce them to the standard required to be useful. Drawings ultimately describe what you want and how you want it to be. Those lines on a page inform the construction team what choices to make and how to deliver the dream home you want.

Common Drawings

When building or renovating, there are a variety of drawings you may be looking at depending on what kind of work you are doing including:

• Site Plan – This describes the block of land and how your home sits on it. It also includes any notable features such as trees, services and external features.
• Floor Plans – These describe the layout of your home, showing each room and what occurs in the walls of those rooms and in each of them.
• Elevations – These are flat drawings describing the external walls of your home. They represent the outside of your house including details like walls, windows, doors, the roof and other external building features.
• Sections – These are vertical slices through your home displaying the roof, wall and floor structure. They are also useful for describing the volume, which may not be visible in other drawings.

There are more drawings used, but whether you need them depends on how big your project is, what’s required for in terms of council and building approvals and what your builder needs in terms of information.

Hiring the Right Team

Choose your designer and builder team based on their level of expertise and appropriateness for your project. Before choosing a team, look for:

• Their portfolio and see if their designs appeal to you
• Proof of their professional qualifications and licences
• References or examples of their previous work in your area
• If they belong to a state or nationally recognised professional association.

Using a company that provides both professional design and construction services can help ensure your vision is consistently executed. You’ll also want to find a team that you feel comfortable talking to and are willing to rely on throughout the project.

Expert Renovation Designing and Builds in Sydney

Contact the leading designers and builders at Extend a Home for expert renovations. Our team specialises in ground floor extensions and first floor home additions for homes throughout Sydney, with over 80 years of combined experience bringing functional and beautiful home renovation ideas to life.

Call us today on 02 9736 3344 or contact us online for a free consultation.

It’s a common situation — a house that has served you great for years can no longer meet your changing needs. This is all too familiar for growing families. Family situations are dynamic. From new members of the family to a new hobby, changes in your life may mean you need to upgrade your home.

This often leads to the question — should you move or renovate? It’s a complex decision and both options bring hassles, so deciding what to do depends on factors such as your financial situation and lifestyle.

What to Consider

There are several things to consider if you are thinking of renovating your current home rather than move to a new one. Do you have a plan for where you want to live and how long? For example, thinking about where you want your kids to go to school, vicinity to healthcare resources for aging family members, etc.

Are you prepared to live in a property while it is being renovated or will you need to make other arrangements? Which option is more financially viable? When it comes to comparing costs, it makes more sense to renovate.

The Cost of Moving

Selling your home and buying another could cost you around 10 per cent of the price of the new home. If you sell a home for $700,000 and buy another for $900,000, you would be looking at close to $90,000 in expenses such as loan fees, agent’s commission, legal fees, stamp duty and removalist fees. That is a huge loss of capital.

The Cost of Renovating

The cost of renovations is usually balanced out by the additional long-term value it adds to your home. The main financial risk is overcapitalising. This is when the money you spend on renovations is more than the increase in value to the property, so you end up not getting a return on what you have spent when you sell.

Tips for Renovating

For a successful renovation, do extensive research and get as much advice as you can. Find out the details of other similar properties nearby and how much they are worth to give you an idea of what your property could be worth. Set a budget and get a building inspection to ensure your property is structurally sound and capable of being renovated. Make changes that are widely appealing, for example, outdoor entertainment areas, plenty of storage and a large, open kitchen.

Quality Home Renovations in Sydney

Contact the leading designers and builders at Extend a Home for expert renovations in Sydney. Our team specialises in ground floor extensions and first floor home additions, with over 80 years of combined experience bringing functional and beautiful home renovation ideas to life. You can count on us to execute your vision for your home.

Call us today on 02 97363344 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Small jobs such as painting and small repair jobs can be completed by yourself, but when it comes to major renovations, using a licenced builder is essential. Don’t take any risks with electrical, plumbing or building construction work. Licensed tradespeople are required to hold current licenses for a good reason.

You want a team that is appropriately trained and aware of any changes to Building Codes and Standards. Using unlicensed trades can lead to poor quality workmanship, which means spending more money and time fixing issues. Worse, you could be putting yourself and your family in potential danger if work is not completed to current standards or with a lack of regard for safety.

Dangers Involved in Home Renovations

Licenced builders have the experience and expertise to manage the various dangers involved in renovating a home, including:

Dangerous materials – Renovating homes (especially those built prior 1990) can involve removing dangerous materials like asbestos, lead and crystalline silica. Safely doing so requires professional safety equipment and specialised knowledge.

Electrical hazards – Mishandling electricity during renovations can result in injury or death. Qualified builders know how to work around power lines and wiring to ensure everyone’s safety.

Falls and other injuries – Qualified builders have the right tools and work practices to avoid injury from falling, moving large objects or from repetitive movements.

When is a Home Building Licence Required?

All structural home building work needs to be carried out by a licensed carpenter or builder. Carpenters can complete carpentry work up to a total value of $20,000 (including labour and materials) without the need to provide home warranty insurance. You’ll need a licenced builder for large projects such as home extensions and substantial renovations.

Home handymen do not require a home building licence if the work is not structural and if the total value of the materials and labour combined is $5,000 or less. Always check with your local council and talk to your builder to determine if Council Development Approval is required prior to any work taking place.

Insurance

Qualified builders are obligated to hold appropriate insurance to protect everyone in the event of an injury or damage to your home. Examples include:

• Builders warranty insurance
• Personal/professional indemnity insurance
• Home Building Compensation (HBC) cover
• Public liability insurance

This means you can enjoy peace of mind that your renovation works are covered if there is a mishap during the construction process or there is an issue due to a defect later down the track.

Quality Home Renovators in Sydney

Get in touch with the leading designers and builders at Extend a Home for expert renovations in Sydney. Our team specialises in ground floor extensions and first floor home additions, with over 80 years of combined experience bringing functional and beautiful home renovation ideas to life. You can count on us to execute your vision for your home.

Call us today on 02 9736 3344 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Picking the right team is the most important decision when renovating your home. Working with experienced and passionate renovators ensures maximum functionality, aesthetic appeal and a high-quality build. Below we look at the difference having the right team makes and how to find them.

The Difference of a Quality Renovation

A quality home renovation completed by experienced professionals will:

Minimise the amount of maintenance required
Improve the appearance and functionality of your home
Add decades to the lifespan of your home
Strike a balance between the latest trends and timeless style.

Finding the right team isn’t as simple as looking for the best builder as there are plenty of competent construction companies out there. The key is finding the team that can best meet your specific goals.

Make a Plan

It’s hard to make an informed decision if you don’t have a good idea of what you want and who can best help you achieve your goals. Are you looking to redo your kitchen or bathroom? Knock out a wall or two? Add a first floor addition? Do you want a single company to help with the design and execution of the project? Know what you want and when you want it. That makes it easier to choose the right renovator and determine a realistic budget and timeline for the project.

Researching Builders

Research different contractors and building companies online to find a team that suits your needs. A company’s website can tell you a lot. Look at their completed projects, read what previous customers are saying about them, check credentials and browse through their list of services.

Get a few different quotes from builders and have a chat to them to see how you get along. You also want to find people you trust and feel comfortable with so you can properly articulate your vision and get the best possible results.

Ensure They Have Insurance

When choosing a renovator, ask what type of insurance they have. This includes:

• Builders’ warranty insurance
• Personal/professional indemnity insurance
• Home Building Compensation (HBC) cover
• Public liability insurance

Working with an insured contractor is essential for protecting everyone from injuries as well as protecting you from damage to your home, circumstances that lead to the project not getting completed or for any defects in the work.

Quality Home Renovators in Sydney

Interested in renovating your home or adding a ground floor extension or first floor addition in Sydney? Get in touch with the leading designers and builders at Extend a Home. Our team specialise in home renovations and have over 80 years of combined experience bringing functional and beautiful home renovation ideas to life. You can count on us to execute your vision for your home.

Call us today on 02 9736 3344 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Two of the most common major renovations are ground floor extensions or first floor home additions. Both allow you to greatly expand the amount of space in your home and each offer their own pros and cons. The right choice for you depends on your unique requirements, what kind of space you are working with and what you want to get out of your home expansion.

Creating More Open Space

Ground floor extensions are excellent when you want to create bigger, more open spaces in areas of your home such as having a large, open-plan kitchen and living space. Ground floor extensions are ideal if you have plenty of space on your block that isn’t being fully utilised, and you don’t mind losing some of your outdoor space.

Mobility

Ground floor extensions are also great for adding more space while keeping the home accessible to people with mobility issues due to advanced age or disability. You can change the layout of your home to better suit your needs or preferences in a variety of ways, whether that’s adding new rooms or creating a beautiful, outdoor patio area that your open plan living space flows out into.

Got a Good View?

First floor additions allow you to capitalise on potential views, especially if you live in a hilly area or near the coast. Enjoy panoramic views from inside or add a balcony for an additional outdoor space to relax in while taking in the surroundings. If you’re considering selling your home in the future, keep in mind that a two-storey home typically has a much higher resale value than single storey with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Part of that is due to the great views a multi-storey home can offer.

Double Your Space On a Limited Block

When you need more space in your home but don’t have enough room on your block to extend outwards, a first floor addition is your best option. Adding a second storey is doable on most houses and can cost less than most people expect. With a first floor extension, you can essentially double the space in your home and only lose a small amount of ground floor space for the stairs.

Which Option is More Work?

A first floor addition is often easier, contrary to people’s expectations. This is because the ground needs to be prepared. Having the foundations and substructure already in place saves time and money. Costs can add up if significant excavation and/or foundation work is required for a ground floor extension. You can also continue to live in the existing ground floor while the first floor addition is being completed. Most of the project can be done outside using ladders and scaffolding.

Ground Floor Extensions and First Floor Additions in Sydney

Choosing between a ground floor extension or first floor addition comes down to your specific needs or preferences. Both options are great ways to add space and revitalise your home. Get in touch with the leading designers and builders in Sydney at Extend a Home.

Call us today on 02 9736 3344 or contact us online for a free consultation.