After occupying the first storey, homeowners often get tempted to get 2nd storey extensions built. This is indeed an excellent solution to maximise the space, enhance the property’s resale value while avoiding the hassles of moving to a new property. However, the complexities are multiple as this process requires careful planning, budgeting and, most importantly, a highly reputable team to carry out the process successfully. So many steps are taken to get a 2nd storey built as your choice. This also involves considering several factors, and we have covered some in this post, but let us first understand what makes 2nd storey extensions so popular.
WHAT ARE 2ND STOREY EXTENSIONS?
A 2nd storey extension means adding a new floor to the existing property with a first floor built. It is an upward expansion to create additional living space and enhance the property’s resale value. This living space can include bedrooms, bathrooms, a master suite and other spaces for a theatre room, sports room, office gym or so on.
WHY ARE 2ND STOREY EXTENSIONS SO TRENDING?
SPACE MAXIMISATION
The immediate reason is the space maximisation that 2nd storey house extensions do without sacrificing the open space inside the property premises. This is particularly beneficial for property owners who have a small piece of land and are unwilling to compromise on the outdoor area.
ENHANCES PROPERTY VALUE
2nd storey extensions can boost your property’s resale value significantly in the real estate market. This can be assumed as a strategic investment that pays in the long run. This construction will make your property more spacious and appealing to potential buyers and force them to agree to the price quoted by you.
RELOCATION DUCKED SUCCESSFULLY
Another reason behind the popularity of 2nd storey house extensions is that it eliminates the necessity of relocating to a new property. Families are forced to relocate to new and more significant properties for several reasons, like increasing family members or the growing family. Every family member starts demanding individual space and some privacy, and as a result, homeowners are forced to relocate. But this will not happen with 2nd storey house extensions as you can expand the property to make it more spacious and accessible for every person to live in a private space.
Lastly, the customisation option is always open for 2nd storey extensions. This means you can customise your living space to match the specific needs and desires of every individual family member. The construction contractor will note down every specification and ensure that it is included in the design and the extension is what you had imagined in your mind.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS TO FOLLOW WHILE GETTING 2ND STOREY EXTENSIONS DONE
DRAFTING THE PLAN
The first and most important one regarding 2nd-storey house extensions is drafting the plan quickly with an architect or a draftsperson. They will access the property, note down your specifications and requirements and develop a realistic plan that is easy and smart to understand. Their goal will be to ensure that the space is enhanced and they create a room for every individual. During this process, you can put the following questions before your architect or the draftsman.
QUESTIONS TO RAISE WITH YOUR ARCHITECT INCLUDE:
Can you extend outwards to gain some more space?
How high can my 2nd storey ceiling go?
How deep do my stairs need to be?
How can I maximise natural light flow?
Can I plan according to the views?
What can I do to make my new upstairs level feel bigger?
CONSIDER THE STRUCTURAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE DESIGN
It is essential to assess your current property’s stability for another vertical extension before starting 2nd storey house extensions. In this situation, you need to answer the following questions.
Is it structurally sound, particularly the foundations and roofing?
Can a stairway be practically added?
You can answer these questions quickly with the help of the registered builder or contractor selected for 2nd storey extensions. The reason why these questions are important is that another storey on the current property will add extra weight. You need to ensure that the existing structure can handle the pressure, and this is possible only by assessing the property with an engineer’s assistance.
FINDING A REGISTERED BUILDER
All your 2nd storey extensions dreams can be fulfilled only when you have a highly reputable and experienced licensed and insured builder. This can be done by contacting several builders, meeting and interviewing them, getting written quotes and asking about their plans. During this process, don’t forget to ask for examples of past work and their completed projects.
COMPLYING WITH THE LOCAL BUILDING CODES
Any construction process must comply with local building codes, and ensuring this is your responsibility. Of course, the construction contractor will help in obtaining necessary permits and building approvals. During the construction process, he must comply with local zoning regulations and local neighbourhood plans.
ENSURING INSURANCE FOR PROTECTION
The construction contractor hired for 2nd storey house extension project must come with adequate insurance protection. Insurance is not enough, and you must ensure that it includes damage to the existing property when it is under construction, and it must also cover all new work. The insurance policy must consist of the existing structure as well.
PREPARING FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES
Regardless of how strict you stay regarding budget during 2nd storey house extensions, some unexpected expenses will surely come. You must stay prepared for them and set aside some funds to cover these unexpected expenditures. For example – you might have to get rewiring or new plumbing fittings done because the older ones are on the verge of breaking down.
USING DUE DILIGENCE
Unexpected and surprising expenditures are eliminated completely with due diligence. For example – advanced structural inspection will be necessary, followed by inspecting the current property for strength and capability to handle an additional storey. Structural engineers, architects and building inspectors will inspect the entire property for strength and any other issue that can hurdle the 2nd storey extension projects.
This due diligence should also be shown in sourcing suitable materials and coordinating with the construction contractor as they head out to purchase raw materials. Apart from this, you should also review the condition of the existing installation, such as windows, doors, fencing, gates, lawn, etc. Don’t mind investing some money in getting the complete renovation done to ensure that the new 2nd storey extension structure matches the current property and compliments it further.
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