Do you increase in height or width? That’s the key question when it comes to home extensions. Adding another storey or extending out to a new room? When making such a decision, there are a few different things that you must consider.

Let’s say that you are keen on an extension. You need to consider your budget, land situation, and home situation. Ask yourself the following questions:

What is the most cost-effective type of home extension?

When it comes to any home extensions, the most important question is always, what is your budget? Of course, you cannot take on a project that you cannot afford.

Adding a whole extra storey to your home requires a lot of structural work, which is often extremely expensive and sometimes complicated. For example, you essentially need to remove the roof and reinstall it atop the new storey. On average, adding an extra storey to your home costs between $1,800 and $15,000 per square metre. Furthermore, building up costs, on average, around 30% more than building out.

Is it possible to build a side extension on the second storey?

We have all heard of side home extensions on the ground floor of the house, with people often opting to add an extra room to the home. Adding a side extension on the second storey is far more complicated. This essentially involves building out and up, requiring plenty of space and a large budget. It really comes down to your individual situation. Some lots of land lend themselves to great side extensions, while others simply do not have the space, forcing you to build up. While adding a side extension on the second storey is possible, it would require a lot of structural work.

How much would a double-storey home extension increase the value of my home?

Adding a two-storey home extension can be expensive and tricky, but it also adds plenty of value to your home. The exact value depends on the size and what you design the space for. However, on average, such a build adds between 30% and 60% to your house value. If you are putting in extra bedrooms and bathrooms, you will see a better return on your value. Building up may also retain the value of your garden space.

Can neighbours veto a home extension?

Formal permission from neighbours is usually only needed when a Development Application (DA) is required. However, it is good practice to keep them onside anyway as the last thing you want is complaints to the local council. If a DA is needed, talk it through with your neighbours and see if you can get their approval.

Which permits are needed for a home extension?

Permits are needed for home extensions, but the type depends on your individual project. For example, those that are considered to be straightforward, with little impact on the land/surrounding area, complying with the relevant standards usually fall within the Complying Development Certificate. These can be approved without a DA. DA exemptions depend on the state in which you reside, with different councils also having different regulations. However, almost every piece of work requires some form of building permit, the most common one being the DA. Fortunately for you, the builder/architect you are working with (Acura Developments)  will likely be familiar with the required permits and application processes. Architects can draw up the relevant plans to submit to the council, while builders can sort out the necessary paperwork. Acura Developments can assist in the entire process

How to add a second storey to my home –

Here is a simple guide to adding a second storey to your home:

1. Budget – How much money you have will guide the process. The larger the budget, the more elaborate you can be. The smaller the budget, the more sensible you will have to be with sizing, material, and more. Talk to Acura Developments to establish your budget.
2. Architect/builder – Get your plans drawn up by either a builder or an architect (plus maybe a structural engineer).
3. Council – Receive approval if needed.
4. Schedule – Thoroughly plan a timeline for the project from start to finish. Take into account the full scope of the job, including any amount of time that you are forced to relocate. Remember, you need to plan for replacement lodgings.

How to extend your home out –

While the steps taken may not be as drastic and you may not have to leave your home completely, you should still follow this rough plan when extending your house out:

1. Budget – How much money you have will guide the process. The larger the budget, the more elaborate you can be. The smaller the budget, the more sensible you will have to be with sizing, material, and more. Talk to experts while you budget to get affordable quotes.
2. Architect/builder – Get your plans drawn up by either a builder or an architect (plus maybe a structural engineer).
3. Council – Receive approval if needed.
4. Schedule – Thoroughly plan a timeline for the project from start to finish. Take into account the full scope of the job. While you may not be forced to relocate, you may need to pack up or seal off certain rooms during the process.

Contact Acura Developments today we manage Home extensions from ideas through to completion.

Acura Developments Servicing Brisbane and the Bayside

COVID-19 and Acura Developments commitment to managing risk.

Even as Restriction are lifting Acura Developments are Managing the risks of exposure to COVID-19 for both our Client and our employees. We are stringently following all the advice and requirements outlined by Safe Work Australia Including but not limited to:

• Physical distancing
• Health checks and quarantine
• Worker hygiene
• Environmental cleaning

You can download the Building and construction industry: Minimising the risk of exposure to COVID-19 h or visit this link Safe Work Australia. A Business resource kit can also be downloaded here: Business resource kit – COVID-19 .

This is not business as usual.

We are all going through unprecedented times with COVID-19 virus threatening our very way of life. We find ourselves temporarily separated from our families and communities. Acura Developments want you know that we remain at close hand, and we are ready to help and assist with any of your requirements.