adpapa Editor
29 March 2021
If one could simply list upfront estimations and quotes for all home improvement services like a menu, this blog would end here. However, this is far from the reality and there is a plethora of factors that need to be accounted for.
That’s why we try to break down all the elements that you need to consider before understanding the true cost of a second storey addition, or any other additions/extensions for that matter.
Why Build a Second Storey Addition?
Before we jump into the numbers, let’s consider the benefits of a second storey addition.
It’s custom designed for you, fit for your current lifestyle
The best part of renovating your home is that it accommodates for your ever changing lifestyle. Whether you have a growing family or you’re looking to make use of the ground floor space in a more functional way, adding on a second storey gives you the flexibility to gain extra room without having to relocate to a larger home. In that case, you’ve already saved $100,000’s+ purely from not having to move.
What Are the Costs Involved in Building a Second Storey Addition?
As a guide, let’s consider the following costs:
- The size of the site for building cost
- Site conditions (sloping block? limited access?)
- Luxury additions or special requests
- Architect fees & Interior Design
- Consultant Fees
- Time & quality of the build
- Permits & Approvals
As you can see, adding a second storey addition is far more than paying the builder for his time and effort.
Set a Budget
You are aware of how much you are willing to spend and if you do decide to build a second storey addition, it is vital that you are upfront about your budget with your builder. There is nothing worse than a poorly built home and going over budget.
Just remember:
You can have it good
You can have it cheap
But you can’t have both at the same time
Choosing the Right Builder to Build Your Second Storey Addition
As homeowners, we’re all precious about our home and feeling comfortable in our space. After all, the majority of us do not have the luxury of unlimited time and money. Therefore, it is incredibly important to research well before taking the plunge.
Hiring the wrong builders and designers is only a recipe for disaster, costing you thousands later down the track to fix the mess. How does one avoid this? How do you know who the ‘cowboy builders’ are? And finally, how do you know that you’re getting the best price for what you are after?
You can be surprised to know that only 1 in 10 residential builders in Australia are best practice builders. That’s right – you have to worry about 9/10 builders that do not follow a ‘client-centric’ process, meaning you, the client will be on the back burner.
Also, price is not the best guide when it comes to choosing the best builder for your second storey addition.
Why?
- The cheaper builder may cut-down costs by using cheap materials.
- The cheaper builder may be inexperienced and has given you an inaccurate quotation.
- The cheaper builder has not spent the time to research the cost of materials and sub-contractors.
Why Do Builders Charge for A Building/Renovation Quote?
Got a quote from a builder without a design? That is described as an estimate – not a quote. Actual quotations from builders can be 30 pages long. Not what you expected from the original question – how much does it cost to build a second storey addition?
Builders have to add up every brick, timber and hour that is involved to ensure you have an accurate quote.
Therefore, if your builder charges you for an accurate cost analysis and quote, it is far better to spend a few thousand upfront than getting hit with $10,000’s over budget.
Building Your Dream Second Storey Addition with Spannenberg & Sons.
As a family owned and operated business since 1971, we have heard countless stories of regret from poorly built additions and extensions. We value the time and effort it takes to produce quality work. Leave your second storey addition in the hands of true professionals, Spannenberg & Sons. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
