Adding a second floor to your house is an exciting project, opening up various possibilities for your home. For one, it expands your living space even without expanding the building’s footprint. This new floor can contain additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or recreational areas, making it an ideal addition for growing families in need of extra room. A second floor can also increase your home’s aesthetic appeal, adding more height and dimension to the property and thus creating a more striking and grand design.
That being said, adding a new floor to your home can also be a complex endeavour. If not handled properly, you may end up spending more than necessary. To avoid issues down the line, it’s best to call on professional home builders Dunedin residents and businesses trust. For any home project you may have, you can’t go wrong with choosing SB2 Build as your partner. With our years of experience in handling home renovations, new home builds, and other light commercial construction projects, we guarantee top-quality craftsmanship that meets your requirements and budget.
To ensure that you’re fully prepared to get a second floor addition for your home, SB2 Build has compiled some key considerations to keep in mind.
1. Structural Integrity
The foremost concern when adding a new floor to a house is whether or not its existing foundations and walls can support the second story at all. Some houses weren’t built with a second floor in mind, so they might not have the specific structural capacities to support one. Insisting on adding one may result in structural damage, such as cracks sagging or even causing the foundations or walls to collapse.
Hence, it’s crucial to first have a professional evaluate your home and see if it can bear the weight of a second floor or if further construction, such as reinforcing foundations or installing steel beams, is needed. By going through this step, you’ll be able to save yourself from costly repairs down the line.
2. Cost and Budget
As with any home renovation project, the financial aspect should always be among your top concerns. After all, you wouldn’t want to delay the project when you find out later on that you’re short on budget to fund the rest of the renovation. Adding a second floor entails a significant monetary investment, so make sure you discuss the project with a trusted building company such as SB2 Build so you can get an accurate estimate of the costs.
Beyond labour and material costs, your budget should also take into account additional expenses for design, permits, materials, and potential upgrades to your home's existing systems. Preparing a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses is also advisable to minimise any delays.
3. Local Zoning and Building Regulations
Don’t forget to check with your local council as well if your building work will need consent. This ensures that any construction to be made can proceed as planned and without any interruptions. Starting a construction project without securing building consent from your local council can lead to fines, forced alterations, or even the demolition of unauthorised work. Hence, it’s much better to clarify limitations and secure necessary authorisation before you start any work to avoid additional expenses.
4. Impact on Utilities
A second floor adds new demands on your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. For instance, your indoor cooling system may struggle to regulate temperatures evenly across two floors, or your water heater may not be sufficient for additional bathrooms.
To that end, have professionals inspect your utilities to determine if upgrades are necessary to accommodate the additional floor. This may involve extending plumbing lines or installing a more powerful HVAC unit, among others. By making preparations on this front, you can ensure that your second floor’s utilities will be in good working order.
5. Design and Layout
Much planning should go into the design and layout of your second floor to make sure that it’s able to meet your family’s needs. After all, a poorly integrated second floor can look awkward and even decrease your home's value.
To ensure proper layout and design, work with an architect to come up with a cohesive plan that enhances your home’s exterior appearance and interior flow. Also, pay attention to the placement of windows and room layouts to maximise natural light, accessibility, and comfort on your second floor. Last but not least, since a staircase is essential in accessing your second floor, choosing a staircase style and placement that complement your home's layout is a major consideration.
6. Disruption During Construction
Construction work for a second floor will likely disrupt your daily routines. Depending on the scope of the project, parts of your home may even be uninhabitable, and your utilities may also be unusable for the time being. Therefore, make sure you plan ahead how you'll handle these disruptions.
Often, the best option is for you and your family to move out temporarily. If you’ll be staying, then make necessary adjustments, such as moving furniture and appliances away from the construction area. Communicate clearly with the building company you’re working with to better understand the project timeline and work out ways to minimise inconveniences.
Let SB2 Build Handle Your Second Floor Construction
Considering and addressing the points discussed above can help reduce the challenges that come with building a second floor. For a more seamless construction project, don’t hesitate to reach out to SB2 Build. We strive to make the building and renovation process as stress-free as possible for our clients by taking care of everything, even managing any subcontractors required. Contact SB2 Build today and let us discuss how to build a functional and beautiful second floor for your home.