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 “renovation nation”. The demand to increase the size and layout of older style, single-story homes to suit modern, growing families has never been higher.
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 be largely dependent on the size and nature of your block, and the structural condition of your existing home.
Planning factors
There are three core planning factors when considering whether to go up, or out, or both:
Block size: If you are limited to a small block size, or you don’t want to lose existing outdoor space, your only option may be to add an additional story.
Structural integrity: The current condition of your existing home will also be a determining factor in how extra space can best be created. Homes in a poor condition may require very costly structural engineering and foundation work to enable a second story addition.
Depending on whether you’re considering a renovation built to Complying Development Certificate (CDC) code, or seeking approval via a Development Application (DA), there are limits to the maximum Gross Floor Area (GFA) and height limits of your home, set by the State Government or local councils. Most wouldn’t be at risk of exceeding these limits, however your Architect can provide advice by accurately measuring your existing floor space and factoring this into your new design.
Considering a second story addition?
When you need more space and don’t want to reduce your garden and/or outdoor living area, a second story addition is a good idea.
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.
In most cases, a second story addition is more complex from a design perspective and requires careful planning and skill 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 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.
Looking to extend your existing home?
Many older style homes are on very generous block sizes, meaning an extension can be a great way to expand your internal living space, while still leaving enough garden area to enjoy outside. Furthermore, for anyone with mobility issues, having everything contained to the ground floor is a wise decision.
Typically, a new section is added to the back of the house paving the way for a new open plan kitchen / living / dining area, leading to the outdoor space. The floor plan is reconfigured to open up the home with some cases even allowing the creation of an extra bathroom, and/or bedroom, or that much needed home office.
Considerable preparation work will need to be done to level the ground, lay foundations, and provide drainage for your new extension.
Depending on the extent of the renovation, you may still be able to live in your home while the extension work takes place.
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, 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.
The costs for an extension versus addition are typically on par, with each having a significant amount of either foundation or structural work required. For a closer look at what you may be able to achieve within your renovation budget, read our blog “What can you achieve with a renovation budget of $250,000, $500,000 and $1 Million”.
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Renovate vs. rebuild – what’s the tipping point?
Custom home builder vs. project home builder - which option is best for you?
Using a design and build vs. build only company - which option is best for your home renovation?
As both an architect and custom home builder, MILEHAM is not only able to design your home to realise a more productive living space, we are also able to design according to your build budget due to our comprehensive understanding of and experience with the current market build and material cost environment. Book your complimentary consultation with MILEHAM today and receive comprehensive advice on how to achieve more space in your home.
