Current Popular Trends in Second Story Additions

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So many options exist in terms of double story extensions or second story additions. All have one goal, i.e. enhancing the living space significantly and adding more value to your property. In the beginning, the nature of the project and its size might be daunting, but the end-result will undoubtedly bring a big smile to the face of the dwellers. These additions bring a sizable list of tasks to complete, and several things have to be considered, like the purpose, the aesthetics and the functionality. In this article, we will discuss everything that you should know about these projects to help you attain a clear vision of what you will face.

WHAT IS A DOUBLE OR SECOND STORY?

This extension or addition is a two-floor extension that adds a tremendous amount of living space to any property. These additions mainly feature a ground floor and a second level floor, but this entirely depends on the shape of the property and its age. Just like the single-story or **first-floor extension**, this one also becomes desirable for homes with growing families. This extension or addition will not just provide additional space, but it is also more economical and convenient.

DOUBLE STORY IDEAS

THE UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS

This addition is basically split into the ground floor and upper floor, where the ground floor portion can be used in different ways. You can get an open-plan kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a bedroom and some open space. Other options are also offered by the home additions company, if you have something specific in mind.

The **second story addition** can be used for additional bedrooms and bathrooms, as a home, office, nursery or something similar. These extensions are ideal for families where children have outgrown their current-sized rooms.

ON A SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE

Experts from every home additions company say that semi-detached houses are a perfect candidate for second story additions and extensions. They can be integrated with a side return or wrap-around second story, and a huge amount of space can be generated. The benefit is that despite being adjoined, the area will be completely private, and a separate living space will be there. These additions are ideal when multiple generations decide to live in one single property.

ON A TERRACED HOUSE

If you live in a terraced house and think that these additions are impossible, you are wrong. Yes, it is a complicated project. But teams from every home additions company add that these houses are ideal for such additions, and the most common one is the rear-double story. This will create an enormous space downstairs, and in the second story, sufficient space would be there to accommodate a large kitchen living room, dining room or an open plan kitchen. Then, bedrooms, bathrooms, storage and other rooms can also be built.

ON A DETACHED HOUSE

This is the simplest of all kinds of second story additions projects handled by a **home additions company**. The first advantage is that it will not disturb the neighbours at all, and there are options like a rear side or a wrap-around second story design. This addition allows you to create a new structure that is large, complicated and unique while not compromising design or style.

PLANNING PERMISSIONS FOR SECOND STORY ADDITIONS

Laws say that if these extensions and additions don’t meet the permitted development laws, you will have to get a building permit. It is issued by a Registered Building Surveyor who performs an inspection and acknowledges that the plans and documentation submitted by the home additions company comply with relevant building regulations.

DO ALL KINDS OF ADDITIONS REQUIRE A PERMIT?

The simple answer is ‘no’, if your project involves minimal replacements or repairs. For large scale projects that alter your home’s structure will require a building permit. In the following scenarios, you will have to arrange a building permit.

• Adding an extension to an existing building
• Changing the structure of a building
• Installing a fence higher than 2 meters
• Placing a shed bigger than 10m²
• Constructing a swimming pool, which is at least 300 mm deep
• Installing a bay or corner-type window