What You Need to Know Before Making Second Storey Additions to Your Home
Looking for a practical way to increase your living space? Adding a second storey to your home is one of the many solutions worth considering. Building up is usually beneficial if you don't have a lot of ground or yard space on your property to make your home extensions. However, second-storey extensions can be complex and expensive. For this reason, you will have to make several considerations to make the project a success. Therefore, if you have home renovation plans that involve adding a second level or storey, here are four crucial things you need to know first.
Building Regulations
Always check with your local council before making any renovations to your home, especially those that entail modifying its structure. There could be some building codes or restrictions (like height restrictions) that you may be required to comply with, so it would be best to check with your local council first. Ensure you obtain all required permits before you proceed.
The Foundation
The foundation is one of the most crucial components to consider when making a second-storey addition to your home because besides being the part of your home that supports the entire structure, it can also be one of the most expensive parts of your home remodelling project. For this reason, it's imperative to conduct a foundation assessment to ensure that it's structurally sound to support the extra weight of an additional level. Therefore, consult an engineer to assess your foundation's condition and determine whether reinforcing it will be necessary.
Heating And Cooling Systems
Adding an extra living space into your home could mean that your existing heating and cooling systems won't be sufficient for your home because increased living space generally translates to more heating and cooling demands. Therefore, adding heating and cooling systems to your house renovation plans can go a long way in helping you determine the amount of work needed and the potential costs involved, which is ideal for your budgeting needs.
Alternative Living Space
It would also help to think about an alternative living space when making second storey additions for your home. Planning for this comes in handy when aligning your costs for the project. In most cases, the construction may not significantly get in the way of your daily living. Depending on the work being done, some of it may be isolated in specific areas of your house. For instance, if you are only adding a second storey above your garage, you may not need to move out of your home. However, if the work is quite extensive, living through the build may not be practical and can get uncomfortable and unsafe. Therefore, it'd be best to think of a temporary living solution until the work is done.
For more information on home additions, contact a remodelling contractor in your area.
