Story addition, rear extension, basement underpinning…there are so many types of home additions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! The first question you should ask yourself is this: why do you need more space? Our Advisors narrowed it down to the 5 most common reasons their clients have chosen to take on a home extension project, and have suggested the best type of addition to fit that need.
1 – Another bedroom for a new bundle of joy
A big change that often brings clients to us is the arrival of a new baby, when their house is already at max capacity. This is popular reason for a home addition. Luckily, a newborn doesn’t have to mean a new house! If your home already has a second floor and a garage, you can simply opt for a room addition above the garage.
If your home is only one storey, consider a second storey addition. Though it is quite a large and expensive renovation, the square footage of your home would double, with will add value to it and allow you to stay in your neighbourhood long-term.
2 – The kids are growing up and you’re stepping on each other’s toes
As they grow, teens need space and privacy, and so do we! The simplest solution is to finish the basement. This allows for additional living space or even an additional bedroom, away from the rest of the house. A storey addition is also a viable option, for the same reasons listed above. To help get you some more privacy from your growing kids, a lateral or back extension can be a great way to create your dream master suite. Say goodbye to sharing the bathroom with your teenagers and guests!
3 – Aging parents move in
If the time comes for you to lend a hand to your aging parents, you may need more room to do so. In this case, a basement apartment conversion is a great option. With a separate entrance, it allows for privacy and separation, while also adding an income suite to your home, which can be a great selling feature if you sell your home in the future. A storey addition, with or without a separate entrance, is also a possibility. However, this type of income suite is rarely seen in suburban homes.
4 – Add on to stay in the city
In urban centres, duplexes and triplexes were often built narrow and long, with small, closed rooms. Instead of renovating each unit, it is possible to convert the building into a single family home. This type of conversion is a massive undertaking, with the space likely uninhabitable during the length of the renovation. During the renovation, the house will be striped to the studs, with floors reconfigured to connect to one another, making it impractical and unsafe to live in.
5 – Lack of space in common areas
Architects of older construction often did not prioritize open concept floor plans, meaning that many old homes are segmented into many small rooms. If your older kitchen is small and you don’t have a formal dining room a lateral or rear extension can be a viable solution. Lateral and rear extensions can be done on foundation, piles or slab. If you chose an addition on foundation, you can maximize your addition by also extending your basement. It’s normal to feel you are lacking in space if your home has a closed floor plan. It’s an easy fix, however, if you hire an interior designer, whose expertise can help you reconfigure it to your needs.
Now that you’ve gotten a better idea of what type of home addition may fit your needs, you can start planning.
Looking for Home Renovation, Home Extensions Melbourne? We have been providing exceptional, budget-friendly renovation services for many years all over Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Contact us for affordable services.
If you are at Doveton, below is the best way to visit us.
HBK Constructions – Home, Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations
50 Fitzgerald Road
Hallam VIC 3803
(03) 7038 3595
