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Building an extension for my mother-in-law

I love my mother-in-law but I never planned on living with her permanently. I have been enjoying her living with us now that we have kids but I feel like we all need some extra space so I am getting a granny flat built at the back of our block. This should allow us to have some extra space to make sure everyone has the privacy that they need whilst we can still be a family. This block has some tip on the process of building a granny flat including how to choose a contractor and how to get the council approval for the build.

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Building an extension for my mother-in-law

Second Storey vs. Ground Floor Extension: Which Is the Best Choice for Your Home?

by Chloe Cooper

Building a structural extension is an excellent way of expanding the living spaces in your home. However, their functionality depends on your ability to choose the right design. Should you construct a ground floor or second storey extension? Choosing between these two designs can be difficult since both choices promise additional interior space for varying uses. As you consider your options, here are three factors to help you make an informed choice.

Available outdoor space

How much space do you have to build a sideways extension? Ground floor additions eat into your existing outdoor space, leaving you with little or no room in your backyard. A ground floor extension only makes sense if you have enough land to build it on. The space should also allow you to execute your floor plans without making significant compromises. 

If you don't have viable land for a ground extension, construct a second storey addition. Because this addition extends upwards, it does not consume any ground space, making it an excellent choice for homes with no spare land for construction. It is also suitable for homeowners who want to preserve their outdoor space for other projects such as landscaping.

Purpose of the extension

What's the purpose of your home extension? Would you like to expand the living areas, or do you need extra bedrooms? The purpose of the addition can help you choose the best design for the structure. If you want to extend your living spaces by adding an extra living room or kitchen, a ground floor extension would be ideal. 

Conversely, if you need additional bedrooms, building upwards would be preferable. Besides allowing you to have extra bedrooms, a second storey design would also create enough space to extend your living areas into the second floor. Since floor space isn't an issue, these additions provide room for extra bathrooms, a kids' playroom or a home office.

Cost factor

Home extensions can cost a lot of money to build. However, some designs are costlier than others. To construct a ground floor extension, you need to carry out excavation work to grade the land and build a foundation. You may also need to demolish sections of the structure. These extra jobs can significantly increase your project's cost.

Second-storey constructions can be costly too. If you have an old home, you may have to strengthen the foundation to prevent the house from settling due to the extra weight. Also, you need to consider the cost of tearing down and replacing the roof. Before choosing a design, assess the costs of each option against your budget.

Consider these tips when choosing between a second storey and ground floor home extension. For professional help, consult your contractor.

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