A Guide to Second Storey Extensions in Perth, WA.

Adding a Second Storey to Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide for Perth Homeowners

Adding a second storey to your home can be a transformative project, offering more living space, enhanced views, and increased property value. Whether your family is growing, you need a dedicated home office, or you simply want to upgrade your lifestyle, this guide will walk you through the process of adding a second storey to your Perth home. We’ll also highlight the benefits of this type of renovation and share essential tips for effective planning.

Benefits of Adding a Second Storey

Increased Living Space: One of the most obvious benefits is the additional living space. This can be particularly valuable in Perth’s suburban areas where land expansion is limited.
Enhanced Views: A second storey can offer stunning views of Perth’s beautiful landscapes, from the coastline to the city skyline.
Increased Property Value: Homes with additional storeys generally have a higher market value. This can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to sell in the future.
No Loss of Yard Space: Unlike ground-level extensions, a second storey doesn’t encroach on your outdoor living space.
Better Utilisation of Land: Maximising your existing property’s footprint is a smart move, especially in Perth’s growing housing market.

Steps to Adding a Second Storey

1. Initial Planning and Research

Feasibility Study: Before anything else, determine if your home can structurally support a second storey. Consult with a structural engineer or a reputable construction company like us at DT Construction WA.
Council Regulations: Check with the local council in Perth for any zoning laws or building regulations that might affect your project.
Budgeting: Establish a budget that includes design, materials, labour, permits, and contingencies.

2. Design and Approval

Architectural Design: Hire an architect to create detailed plans. This step is crucial for ensuring the new storey blends seamlessly with the existing structure.
Council Approval: Submit your plans to the local council for approval. This can take time, so it’s best to get started early.

3. Selecting a Builder

Experienced Builder: Choose a builder with experience in second storey additions. At DT Construction WA, we have a proven track record in Perth and can manage your project from start to finish.
Quotes and Contracts: Obtain detailed quotes and ensure all aspects of the project are covered in the contract.

4. Construction Phase

Preparation: The construction team will prepare the site, which might involve reinforcing the existing structure to support the new storey.
Building: The actual construction can take several months. Regular communication with your builder is essential to stay updated on progress.
Inspection and Compliance: Throughout the build, various inspections will ensure compliance with local building codes.

5. Finishing Touches

Interior Design: Once the structure is complete, focus on interior finishes like flooring, painting, and fixtures.
Landscaping and Exterior: Don’t forget the exterior. You might want to update landscaping or add new features to complement your renovated home.

Tips for Effective Planning

Early Consultation: Involve your builder and architect early in the planning process to align on vision and feasibility.
Clear Budget: Have a clear and realistic budget. Include a buffer for unexpected costs.
Detailed Contracts: Ensure contracts are detailed and cover all aspects of the build, from materials to timelines.
Communication: Maintain regular communication with your builder and project manager to avoid surprises.
Future-Proofing: Think ahead. Plan for potential future needs and ensure the new design can accommodate them.

Conclusion

Adding a second storey to your home is a significant investment, but with careful planning and the right team, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. For Perth homeowners, partnering with a trusted construction company like DT Construction WA ensures expertise and quality workmanship.

Lauchlan Allen

With a project management background from two large construction companies, I want to build Penmaes and DTC into a successful, detail-oriented and safe construction company. I enjoy camping and travelling when I can manage some time away and have recently gotten married. I grew up with an architect father who runs a very successful firm out of Subiaco. My 3 brothers and I were brought up with constant new builds, projects and outdoor sports which now doesn’t surprise me that all of us are in the construction industry. With already nearly a decade of construction experience, I continue to learn new techniques and management styles that are imperative for the growth of a construction company. We have recently just completed an incredibly remote mine camp, this was something I had never done before but am incredibly grateful for the chance. I learnt a huge amount about the necessity to properly plan each move to maximise cost and efficiency. DTC and Penmaes have great futures that I am incredibly proud of already.