Explore the possibilities with a second storey addition
Looking to add more space to your home without losing your backyard? A second storey addition could be the perfect solution. Whether you need extra bedrooms, a home office, or a completely new master suite, building upwards allows you to maximize your living area without sacrificing valuable outdoor space.
Beyond space, a second storey addition offers countless benefits, from improved views and enhanced natural light to the opportunity for complete customization. It’s also a smart financial move, often costing less than relocating to a larger home while providing a significant return on investment. And with modern materials and design techniques, you can make your home more energy-efficient, reducing long-term costs.
Whether you want to future-proof your home for a growing family or create a personal retreat, a second storey addition is a flexible and innovative way to make your home work for you.
Talk to us to explore your options and unlock your home's full potential with a vertical expansion!
Key considerations for a second storey addition
Not all homes, even brick ones, are designed to support the weight of an additional level, making a comprehensive evaluation by a structural engineer essential during the planning phase. In many cases, reinforcement and bracing of the external walls are required before construction can begin on the second storey. This process can be intrusive, particularly for homeowners who plan to remain in the property during the renovation, as it may involve significant disruption to the existing structure.
Building a second-storey addition typically involves higher costs compared to other renovations due to the complexity of the work. The existing roof must be removed to construct the new floor, requiring full scaffolding and shrink wrap for protection. Additionally, extra structural reinforcement and bracing are often necessary to support the added weight. This process can leave significant openings in the exterior walls, which will need to be properly restored to ensure the integrity and appearance of your home.
A successful second-storey addition seamlessly integrates with your home’s existing architecture while enhancing its functionality. At MyHome Renovations, we collaborate with you to create a design that complements your home’s style and meets your family’s needs. Whether you're adding bedrooms, a bathroom, or a new living space, we ensure the floor plan is efficient and aesthetically pleasing, providing a cohesive look and feel that elevates both your home’s appeal and practicality.
When adding a second storey, understanding height-to-boundary regulations is essential. A two-storey home can cast a larger shadow, potentially impacting your neighbours and breaching other local zoning laws. At MyHome Renovations, we navigate these restrictions, ensuring your project design complies with any height limits and setbacks. Our team manages the consenting process for you, so your second-storey addition is both seamless and compliant, without unnecessary delays or neighbourly concerns.
Building a second-storey addition is a significant project. Construction typically takes a minimum of 6 months to complete with every phase requiring careful planning and execution. While it’s a major undertaking, the end result—additional space, enhanced functionality, and increased home value—makes the investment of time and effort well worth it. At MyHome Renovations, we ensure the process is smooth and efficient from start to finish.
Incorporating energy-efficient and sustainable building practices can reduce long-term costs and increase your home’s comfort. Consider insulation, double glazing, solar panels, and passive design principles to optimize natural light and heat. Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems also contribute to long-term property value.
The Process of building a second storey addition
1. Consultation & Project Scope
We visit you at your home to discuss your ideas and determine what options are the most likely to work with your allocated budget.
2. Concept Design & Cost Estimate
After meeting with one of our designers, a concept design will be created with the aim of balancing your wants with your budget. A cost estimate is developed to give you an understanding of the costs to build your concept design.
3. Building Consent Drawings
Once the final design has been agreed on, the detailed construction drawings will be produced.
4. Fixed Price Quote
On completion of the building consent drawings, a fixed price quote can be developed for your project. We need to know all the intricate construction details to ensure your quote is as comprehensive and accurate as it can be.
5. Contract
A contract, based on the fixed price quote and including a comprehensive scope & specification is put together for you to sign. It will ensure tight cost control and minimise the risk of a budget blow-out.
6. Council Approval & Permits
We handle all the necessary paperwork and all relevant approvals and consents are organised.
7. Construction
Time to sit back, relax and watch the transformation start to take place. Ensure you keep up-to-date on the build schedule and project financials via our 24/7 online project management software.
8. Final inspection & handover
The final building inspection with the council is arranged and your newly renovated home is ready for you to settle into.
Case Studies of Second Storey Additions by MyHome
Looking for inspiration? Explore some of the stunning second storey additions we've had the privilege of working on.
Greenlane Transformation
Extra Space in Sandringham
Going Up In Onehunga
What our clients have to say...
Every room in our house was touched in some way, apart from our family bathroom, but Kris and his team enabled us to remain in the property while the renovation happened around us.
We pretty much stuck to the fixed price quote (with the exception of a few unforeseen costs due to the age of the house, and our own variations along the way), and it was right on time (which considering it was 2020/2021 is rather impressive!). The app MyHome uses was brilliant at keeping us informed as to when things were going to happen, and when key decisions needed to be made. We knew exactly where we were the whole way through.
Ian & Jodie Gallagher
Ground level extension - Onehunga
We wanted certainty that the team (we selected) could deliver on time and on budget, and Kris and the team absolutely delivered to the plan. They provided the perfect balance of listening to the things we weren’t willing to compromise on and offering good suggestions on how we could do some things better.
They were incredibly respectful, and we really enjoyed seeing them every day. What’s funny is we almost miss them now they’re gone! We couldn’t be happier with the results.
CELINE GILBERT
Internal alterations - Mt Eden
MyHome renovated our property on time and on budget. Amazing communication, lovely team and a perfect finished product. We spent a long time changing our minds in the planning process and they were incredibly patient and insightful. A lovely family business.
Isabella van Heusden & Ben Lynch
Remodel - Ellerslie
When we started on our renovation, we didn't want to become one of those horror stories, but we didn't know how to avoid it! Kris and the team took us in hand, steered us the right direction, made sure we could actually afford to build what we'd planned, took care of consents and gave us a fixed price. They're lovely to deal with and operate with the kind of communication and integrity so rarely seen in the building industry.
Helen Steemson & Keren Phillips
Internal alterations - Chatswood
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