Adding Space to Your Home - Should You Build up or Out?

The cost of living has made life hard lately, yet life goes on.

We continue to grow in our lives.

Making your home bigger can be a necessity.

Which way is cheaper and more efficient?

Should you get second storey additions Perth or home additions Perth?

Adding a level

If your home is too small, and you need a few rooms, a second storey addition can be a great solution.

Adding a level can be better if your yard is really small.

When planning to add another storey on to your home, you need to ensure the current foundation and structure can hold the weight. It could cost more than building out if you need to add structural support, stairs, or any repairs to the first floor — plus, the cost of a place to stay during construction, since your roof will need to be removed.

There are a few options to construct a second storey — prefabricated or modular, and framing. Prefabricated or modular construction means all walls are made off site, then transported to your home for installation, with framing all the work is done on-site.

If you don’t have room in your home for a staircase, or your home will not bear the weight, you may need to add a room instead.

Adding a room

Building out can be beneficial depending on the type of room you want built or your home's condition.

Extending outward will take up space in your yard and not leave room for the pool, the garden, or play area.

Additions can be added to the front or side of the house, if you want to save space in the back.

One benefit of adding a room is that it is less invasive. A ground floor addition only requires the removal of walls it will connect to.

The bonus is, you will most likely be able to remain in your home while building a ground floor addition.

Another cheap option if you only need a little more space is to bump out the walls. This adds a few extra square feet to your home.

Finding a contractor

Do your research to determine what you need and find the right contractor.

Ask friends, family, and neighbours if they can refer someone to you. Look online at reviews, pictures, and testimonies from previous clients.

Ensure the company is up-to-date on licences, certificates, and policies related to your project.

Talk to the potential contractor about insurance to cover their employees, and your home in case of an issue, so you don’t get a surprise bill.

Discuss and come to an agreement on the level of communication and involvement you want, and they allow.

If you need more space in your home for your growing family, there are a few options.

Home additions Perth can be the cheapest and most efficient way to do it.

If you don’t have a big enough yard, second storey additions Perth may be your best bet.

Either option will allow you the space you need.