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Adding Value to Your Home: Exploring Construction Types

Types of construction | Cheapest way to extend a house

In the quest to enhance the quality and value of our homes, the construction world presents a plethora of options. Today, we will journey through four popular construction types: first floor additions, ground floor extensions, alterations and renovations. 

 

First Floor Additions

First floor additions involve adding an entirely new level to an existing single-storey home. This provides significant added living space and can effectively double your usable floor area. A well-executed first floor addition can boost your property’s market value substantially. However, such projects come with a few challenges. They often require considerable time and financial investment, making them the priciest option among the four. Residents may also have to temporarily relocate during construction due to the substantial structural changes involved. 

 

Ground Floor Extensions

Ground floor extensions expand the footprint of your home horizontally, often creating an open-plan living area or extra rooms. This option generally increases property value as it provides additional living space without altering the fundamental structure. Ground floor extensions typically cost between $1,500 to $2,500 per square meter. While these projects may cause some disruption to your daily routine, residents can usually stay in their homes during construction, making this a more feasible option for families. 

 

Alterations

Alterations involve changing the internal layout of your home without adding to the floor space. They can significantly improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. Alterations may involve creating an open plan living area, removing or adding walls, or moving rooms. Costs vary greatly depending on the scale, but minor alterations can start from as low as $20,000. As with ground floor extensions, residents can typically stay in their homes during construction. Although alterations may not directly increase the floor space, a well-designed alteration can enhance the home’s usability, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

 

Renovations

Renovations involve upgrading the existing structure and fixtures of a home. This can range from simple cosmetic changes like repainting and reflooring, to more complex projects such as upgrading the kitchen or bathroom. Renovations, if well-executed, can dramatically improve the look and feel of your home and consequently, increase its market value. Costs can vary widely, from as low as $10,000 for minor cosmetic changes to upwards of $100,000 for extensive remodels. The disruption level is also variable, depending on the scope of the renovation. 

In all these projects, choosing the right construction team is paramount. That’s where Wal Robbins steps in. With years of expertise in delivering high-quality first floor additions, ground floor extensions, alterations, and renovations, Wal Robbins ensures your home improvement project is executed with precision and to your complete satisfaction. So why wait? Add value to your property today. Contact Wal Robbins and experience the expert touch in home construction.

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Expand Your Living Space with First Floor Additions: A Guide for Homeowners

CASTLECRAG additions

As families grow or lifestyles change, the need for additional living space becomes increasingly important. One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to expand your home is by investing in a first-floor addition. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of first-floor additions, what to consider when planning, and how a professional builder can help make your dream space a reality.

Benefits of First Floor Additions:

  1. Increased Living Space: First and foremost, a first-floor addition provides much-needed extra living space, which can be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as a new bedroom, office, or entertainment area.
  2. Enhanced Home Value: A well-designed and executed first-floor addition can significantly increase the value of your home, making it a smart investment for the future.
  3. Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to moving to a larger home or constructing a new building, first-floor additions are generally more affordable and less disruptive to your daily life.
  4. Customization: A first-floor addition allows you to tailor the new space to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring it seamlessly integrates with the rest of your home.

Planning Your First Floor Addition:

Before embarking on a first-floor addition project, consider the following factors:

  1. Zoning and Building Regulations: Check with your local council to ensure your planned addition complies with local zoning and building regulations. This may include height restrictions, setback requirements, or other constraints that could impact your project.
  2. Structural Integrity: Have a professional builder or structural engineer assess your home’s existing structure to determine whether it can support the additional weight of a first-floor addition.
  3. Design and Aesthetics: Work with an architect or designer to create a plan that integrates the addition with the existing style and layout of your home. Consider factors such as rooflines, window placement, and exterior finishes to ensure a cohesive design.
  4. Budget: Establish a realistic budget for your project, taking into account the cost of materials, labor, permits, and other associated expenses.
  5. Timeline: Discuss your project timeline with your builder, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the estimated duration of construction and any potential disruptions to your daily life.

Choosing the Right Builder:

Selecting the right builder is crucial for the success of your first-floor addition project. Consider the following when choosing a builder:

  1. Experience: Look for a builder with a proven track record of successfully completing first-floor additions. This will give you confidence that they have the necessary skills and expertise to handle your project.
  2. Communication: Choose a builder who communicates effectively and is responsive to your needs. This will help ensure a smooth construction process and minimize any potential issues.
  3. Licensing and Insurance: Verify that your builder is licensed and insured to protect yourself in the event of any problems or disputes during the construction process.
  4. Portfolio and References: Review the builder’s portfolio and ask for references from previous clients. This will give you a better understanding of the quality of their work and their ability to meet deadlines and budgets.

A first-floor addition can be an excellent way to expand your living space and enhance the value of your home. By carefully considering your needs, working with a professional builder, and planning your project thoroughly, you can create a beautiful and functional addition that meets your family’s needs for years to come.

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The current construction climate

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Government launches HomeBuilder grant of $25k for builders and renovators

HomeBuilder grant

From today until 31 December 2020, HomeBuilder grant will provide all eligible owner-occupiers with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. Construction must be contracted to commence within three months of the contract date.

HomeBuilder is a response to industry downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, and looks to assist the residential construction market by encouraging the commencement of new home builds and renovations this year.

The time-limited, tax-free grant program is available for building contracts until 31 December 2020.

To access HomeBuilder, owner-occupiers must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

  • You are a natural person (not a company or trust), aged 18 years or older and an Australian citizen.
  • You meet one of the following two income caps: $125,000 per annum for an individual applicant based on your 2018-19 tax return or later; or $200,000 per annum for a couple based on both 2018-19 tax returns or later
  • You enter into a building contract between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020 to either: build a new home as a principal place of residence, where the property value (house and land) does not exceed $750,000; or substantially renovate your existing home as a principal place of residence, where the renovation contract is between $150,000 and $750,000, and where the value of your existing property (house and land) does not exceed $1.5 million.
  • Construction must commence within three months of the contract date.

Owner-builders and those seeking to build a new home which will be used as an investment property, or renovate an existing home which is an investment property, will not be eligible for HomeBuilder. 

You don’t need to be a first home buyer to access the grant, however HomeBuilder is not available for investment properties. Your State or Territory revenue office will require certain documents to process your application, and these can be found on their relevant sites. 

Download the full HomeBuilder fact sheet, or contact us – we’d love to help with your next build or home renovation.