Many of us are choosing to build an extension to our homes rather than selling and moving due to high property prices and the high expense of relocating. In case you haven't made up your mind yet, it's worth considering if you'd be better off remaining here and remodelling, or selling.
Remaining in a neighbourhood you've come to enjoy is a major perk of constructing a home addition. Things you can bank on, like the quality of the local public school system and the availability of familiar shops and restaurants, are also important.
You can customise the extension's design to your preferences and incorporate any features or fixtures you'd like.
Why Should You Consider Home Extensions?
If you want more space, why not just sell your current home and buy a bigger one? We present four compelling arguments in favour of constructing new wings onto existing homes:
- You don't have to change where you live if you're happy with it.
- Don't settle for "okay"; make the adjustments you've been thinking about.
- It's possible that adding on to your home would be cheaper than buying a new, larger one.
- You can have sentimental ties to your existing residence and be reluctant to move.
Keep in mind that moving requires a significant financial investment and substantial amounts of time and energy. You should start the process of finding a new place to live by listing your current residence on the market. You will have to spend more money if you want to move up to a larger house from a smaller one. When you factor in the cost of moving, bank fees, and other associated expenses, it is possible that the cost of extending a home is lower than the cost of relocating.
What Is The Cost Of A Home Extension?
Architectural planning and assessment specialists Archicentre Australia estimate that the per-square-metre cost of adding on to an existing structure might range from $1,900 to $3,600.
This estimate is based on the premises that "excellent access to your site and no substantial structural renovations are necessary." The vast variation is due in large part to factors such as the scope of the work, the materials selected, and the builder hired.
You should know that a brick veneer expansion will cost less than a timber frame extension, and that a double brick extension will cost the most. Check out our range of dual occupancy builder for your dream house.
The following items should be added to the above construction expenses if a wet area is to be included in the extension:
- Laundry: $6,000 – $15,000
- Bathroom/en-suite: $12,000 – $28,000
- Kitchen: $15,000 – $40,00
You should expect to pay as much as twice as much if you plan to add a second story to your home, as this would require stairs, structural work to the existing building, and roof work.
However, some argue that "bigger works can attain a more inexpensive price per square metre," which might not make sense at first but is typically the case.
Professional fees including those of a land surveyor, soil report, and structural engineer may also be included in your total estimate. Therefore, it's a good idea to add a 10% to 20% buffer to your budget in case of any unforeseen expenses, such as the discovery of asbestos in your ceiling.
Other House Extension Costs To Consider
Roofing, exterior and interior cladding, windows, insulation, and doors are the fundamental components of a home addition, but there are other costs to think about, such as:
- Air conditioning and heating
- A kitchen or bathroom will incur additional fees.
- You should expect higher costs for high-quality materials and fixtures.
- Amounts owed to the city for plan creation and inspection costs
- After the new space is finished, it will be furnished.
Waterproof outside walls are the basis for most home additions. Since they lack furniture, window coverings, and electrical fittings, when they are completed they will not be move-in ready. There is also the expense of plumbing and kitchen/bathroom fit-outs to consider if those amenities are desired. To what extent will you have to spend on a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
The average cost of a bathroom renovation is:
- A budget bathroom costs between $2,500 and $15,000.
- $15,000 to $25,000 for a medium-sized bathroom with mid-range fixtures.
- $25,000 or more for a high-end bathroom
When doing bathroom renovation, the old bathroom must be torn out. However, there will be other costs to consider if you are planning a house addition that includes a bathroom, as the builders won't have to remove any existing fixtures to make room. The plumber, for instance, may be tasked with laying pipe and sewage lines. New wiring, lighting, and electrical outlets will need to be installed, which will require the services of an electrician. These factors can push the total cost of a bathroom renovation up towards the upper end of the scale. Planning for a new look for your house? Look no further! Home Builders is here to help in your dual occupancy builder Melbourne.
Renovations to a kitchen typically cost:
- A budget renovation should cost between $10,000 and $22,000.
- A mid-range kitchen costs between $22,000 and $35,000 to build.
- Spending more than $35,000 on a luxury kitchen
In the kitchen, the price will not involve demolition, but will include new fixtures and wiring in place of the old ones, just as it did in the bathroom. Before hiring kitchen installers, plumbers, and electricians, it's impossible to determine how much money you'll need for a new kitchen, but it will likely cost more than renovating an existing kitchen.
Remodelling a bathroom or kitchen is more expensive than most additions to a house. Where else might you put that extra room if your current kitchen is too cramped? Consider how you can make the area seem larger. If your kitchen isn't already open plan, you can make it feel bigger by installing larger windows or removing a wall.
It's possible you'll want to add a bathroom to your home addition, but how big should it be? An attached bathroom may not be necessary if you already have a spacious bathroom. Potentially ideal for the addition, as the price is much lower than that of a standard-sized bathroom.
What Can I Build For My Budget?
Instead of moving or building a new home from the ground up, it may be more cost-effective to expand the one you already have. Here are some essential tips for making the most of your home renovation project before we get into some recent projects, their costs, and the scope of their work.
Determine Your Needs
Consider whether you want to add more general living space or a room with the a specific purpose, like an extra bedroom, before you start the extension process. The creation of a workable brief and design are the first steps, and they can be facilitated by giving careful thought to your desired outcomes for the completed addition.
Set A Brief
Think about how your property will react to the addition after you know your motivations and how you want to use the increased space. You should pay special attention to figuring out how you can make the most of the available space and natural light.
Working With Talented Designers
You can get the most out of your home remodelling project with the help of an architect or skilled designer, but you can also do it yourself if you come up with blueprints, hire a structural engineer, and hire a good builder to fine-tune the specifics.
Assess The Opportunities
You should have an idea of how you want your home to look and function before meeting with your designer. Be adaptable and open to new ideas; you never know what can happen.
Think About The Rest Of The House
A home addition project will provide useful square footage, but it will be most effective if you return to first principles and think about how you plan to use the area. The most effective plans typically involve rearranging the home's layout and performing other kinds of renovations.
Cost Vs. Value
When considering a home addition, it's tempting to get carried away by all the exciting possibilities, but it's important to take a step back and consider the financial impact. If this is your lifelong home, you may have different objectives, but in general, you shouldn't invest more money in a home improvement project than the project will add to the home's final value.
Start by looking into comparable home sales in the area, and then use the extension value calculator provided by the Office of National Statistics to get a ballpark estimate of the increase in value.
Understand The Planning Guidelines
Permitted development (PD) rights may exempt you from filing a formal planning application. However, your PD rights may be limited if your home is located in a protected area or if the land on which you plan to build an addition is on a protected list.
Make A Project Schedule
Although it is to be expected that there may be some hiccups along the way, a well-organised plan should, for the most part, come together without much difficulty and require only minor adjustments as you move forwards.
Protect Your Project
Insuring the expansion project adequately will safeguard both the new construction and the existing structure from any mishaps that may occur during the renovation.
Hire Expert Builders
Be as specific as possible when soliciting bids for the scheme so that bids may be compared fairly. If you provide potential contractors only a rough blueprint, some of them may try to over-specify in order to make up for their lack of experience, while others may quote low in order to make up for it with hidden fees. It's important to keep in mind that there's a reason why busy construction companies charge more.
Efficient Management
When managing a project, it's important for the manager to maintain strict control, regardless of whether the work is being done in-house or by outside experts. Maintaining quality while keeping up with your demands is their responsibility.
How To Save Money On House Extensions
It's important to remember that there are other expenses beyond the construction costs associated with a home addition. Counting the expense of an extension is essential if you don't want to go over budget. Start with a complete cost analysis, leaving no stone unturned, and remember to factor in:
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Painting
- Furnishings
- Excavation work
- Curtains or blinds
- Exterior painting if needed
- Heating and air conditioning
One of the primary determinants of the price tag associated with a house addition is its footprint. Think about whether you truly need 80m2 of more space, or if a smaller addition would be more manageable financially. Depending on the quality of the inclusions, a 60m2 addition can save anywhere from $20,000 to $75,000, which is enough money to cover the cost of most, if not all, of the furniture, drapes, and other inclusions.
Converting a garage into liveable space is more affordable than building an addition. Garage conversion expenses can range from around $7,500 to $20,000, which is higher than the average cost of a house addition, but still less expensive than building an addition from scratch.
You can avoid reducing the size of your yard by converting your garage into living space. Yet, depending on the regulations in your area, you may not be able to convert a garage without also possessing a second garage or carport.
Reducing Or Managing The Expense Of Your Project
If you need help with a building project, consulting a reputable architect is a wise investment.
You can achieve your extension's primary goals with their assistance while keeping inside the budget. In order to help you maximise your financial resources, they will provide you advice on how to spend money wisely and will point out areas where you may be spending needlessly or wasting money.
Get at least three to five estimates from reputable construction firms (your architect should be able to assist you in creating a tender list) before beginning any work.
If you want to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises with the building contract, your architect can help you out with that, too. They can check the contractor's progress to make sure it's being done as planned.
Shop Around.
Designers and builders can frequently take advantage of special trade pricing. Alternatively, if you want to save money by doing some of the work yourself, Construction Supplies Online is a great place to shop because it offers wholesale pricing to regular people. For flooring, wall coverings, and fixtures for the kitchen and bathroom, you should check them out immediately.
Getting Home Extension Quotations
Be sure to thoroughly examine all bids received from regional builders upon request. Do they incorporate digging holes and demolishing walls? If not, they are costs you'll have to bear. Some companies who construct additions to homes will provide estimates that cover all costs. In the event that one quote is significantly greater than another, these additional charges could be to blame. Home Builders has the best range of dual occupancy builder services to help you create your dream house.
If you're not sure what's included in the quotations you're getting from builders, you should ask them. Everything relevant should be included in the quote. If that doesn't happen, it could be because one builder is trying to undercut the others in order to win your business. Yet, you should be aware of what is and isn't included from the get-go to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.
What Permits And Approvals Are Need For A House Extension?
A home extension, or any other major structural renovation, requires permits and approvals from the local municipality.
You should find out how much they will cost in your area and factor that into your plans. Your house addition may require the following permissions, approvals, and permits:
- Building permit
- Demolition permit
- Town planning approval
- Development application (DA)
While your architect and/or builder will likely handle this for you, it's important to have a basic understanding of what's needed and how much it can cost. While considering applications for permits, local governments pay special attention to endeavours that:
- Change the appearance of a home significantly
- Invade the privacy of your neighbours
- Change a heritage-listed structure
A "complying development" is an easier approval process that can be provided within 10 days to allow for the rapid completion of certain building projects.
If your project consists solely of interior renovations, you probably won't need planning approval, but it's a good idea to double-check with the local council while you're doing preliminary research.
Are House Extensions Worth It?
It can be more costly to move to a larger home than to add on to your current home. It's not just the cost of the house that will increase, though; there are other costs to consider. Most likely, these will consist of the following:
- Moving costs
- Conveyancing
- Marketing the home
- Real estate agent’s commission
- Possible repairs or renovations
- Cleaning and/or styling your home
When all of the costs are considered, adding on to your home is typically a more cost-effective option than moving. It is also simpler because you do not have to leave your house while the construction is taking place in order to carry out your regular responsibilities. If you ever make the decision to sell your property, the addition to the house can boost its worth by as much as it cost you to build it. Extending your home makes financial sense and can improve your sense of security at the same time.
Extending a building is a lot of work and money, so don't do it unless you're prepared. Establishing a starting point for the project's cost and obtaining estimates from several contractors are the first steps.
Just give yourself a little wiggle room. This will guarantee that any unanticipated costs caused by problems or delays with materials are covered.
While constructing an extension, you might do so for a reduced cost. You might, for instance, elect to handle tasks like painting the interior yourself. One of the most effective ways to cut costs when adding on is to do as much of the work as you can by yourself.
FAQs About Home Extensions
Interior Finishing
It's one of the more expensive materials used in construction. Finishes Interior a house can be the most expensive because of the variety of materials required to create them. Still, they can also make all the difference between a home that seems built cheaply and one that looks luxurious.
A loft conversion is typically simpler, cheaper, and more realistic for most homeowners than an extension, which can boost a home's value and provide much-needed living space. It's also the finest way to boost your home's worth.
No matter how modest the budget is, a well-planned home addition can transform a cramped dining area into a functional workspace. Natural light can be improved, existing portions of the house can be linked, and the overall design can be enhanced by adding an extension.
You're under no obligation to hire an architect. Your choice. To their credit, some homeowners manage to complete substantial renovations and additions to their homes without the aid of an architect. Others hire one for relatively simple tasks like remodelling a kitchen or bathroom.
A home improvement loan is one possible source of money for such an undertaking. Paybacks on a home improvement loan might be adjusted to accommodate major life events. In addition, this loan doesn't require collateral in the form of a car or house.
Conclusion
Instead of selling and moving, many homeowners are adding on. If you're happy where you are, you don't have to move; building onto your home may be cheaper than buying a new, larger one; you may have sentimental attachments to your current location and be reluctant to relocate; relocating requires a significant financial investment, time, and energy; and moving costs more. Archicentre Australia estimates adding costs $1,900–$3,600 per square metre. Include laundry, bathroom, kitchen, and roof costs if the extra space will be utilised for wet activities.
Melbourne multi-family builders specialise. Luxurious kitchen remodels average $35,000. However, eliminating walls or installing larger windows can make a bathroom or kitchen appear larger for less than other home improvements. Decide if you want more living space or a specific section before adding. Consider your property's response if you know why and how you want the extra room.
Additional charges include flooring, lighting, painting, furnishings, excavation, curtains, blinds, outside painting, heating, and air conditioning. Good architects can convert garages for less than expansions. Get three to five estimates from reputable construction businesses before starting work. Building Products Online covers flooring, wallpaper, and plumbing fixtures. Home Builders provides excellent dual occupancy builders.
During your preliminary research, ask the local government about construction costs. Relocating costs more than expanding. Extending a home boosts its value but is easier and more expensive than buying a new one. Contractor estimates set project budgets. Try to work alone.
Content Summary
- Many of us are choosing to build an extension to our homes rather than selling and moving due to high property prices and relocating expenses.
- Remaining in a neighbourhood you've come to enjoy is a major perk of constructing a home addition.
- If you want more space, why not just sell your home and buy a bigger one?
- We present four compelling arguments that favour constructing new wings onto existing homes: You don't have to change where you live if you're happy with it.
- Don't settle for "okay"; make the adjustments you've considered.
- Adding on to your home would be cheaper than buying a larger one.
- You can have sentimental ties to your existing residence and be reluctant to move.
- You should start finding a new place to live by listing your current residence on the market.
- You will have to spend more money to move up to a larger house from a smaller one.
- The following items should be added to the above construction expenses if a wet area is to be included in the extension: Laundry: $6,000 – $15,000 Bathroom/en-suite: $12,000 – $28,000 Kitchen: $15,000 – $40,00 You should expect to pay as much as twice as much if you plan to add a second story to your home, as this would require stairs, structural work to the existing building, and roof work.
- Roofing, exterior and interior cladding, windows, insulation, and doors are the fundamental components of a home addition, but there are other costs to consider, such as Air conditioning and heating. A kitchen or bathroom will incur additional fees.
- You should expect higher costs for high-quality materials and fixtures.
- However, there will be other costs to consider if you plan a house addition that includes a bathroom, as the builders won't have to remove any existing fixtures to make room.
- Home Builders is here to help with your dual occupancy builder in Melbourne.
- Remodelling a bathroom or kitchen is more expensive than most additions to a house.
- Consider how you can make the area seem larger.
- Consider whether you want to add more available living space or a room with a specific purpose, like an extra bedroom, before you start the extension process.
- Think about how your property will react to the addition after you know your motivations and how you want to use the increased space.
- You should pay special attention to how to make the most of the available space and natural light.
- You can get the most out of your home remodelling project with the help of an architect or skilled designer, but you can also do it yourself if you come up with blueprints, hire a structural engineer, and hire a good builder to fine-tune the specifics.
- It would be best to know how you want your home to look and function before meeting with your designer.
- However, your PD rights may be limited if your home is in a protected area or the land on your plan to build an addition is on a protected list.
- It's important to remember that there are other expenses beyond the construction costs of a home addition.
- Counting the expense of an extension is essential if you don't want to go over budget.
- Converting a garage into a liveable space is more affordable than building an addition.
- You can avoid reducing the size of your yard by converting your garage into a living space.
- Consulting a reputable architect is a wise investment if you need help with a building project.
- Alternatively, suppose you want to save money by doing some work yourself. In that case, Construction Supplies Online is a great place to shop because it offers wholesale pricing to regular people.
- Home Builders has the best range of dual occupancy builder services to help you create your dream house.
- If you're unsure what's included in the quotations you're getting from builders, you should ask them.
- A home extension, or any other major structural renovation, requires permits and approvals from the local municipality.
- It would be best to determine how much they will cost in your area and factor that into your plans.
- Suppose your project consists solely of interior renovations. In that case, you probably won't need planning approval, but it's a good idea to double-check with the local council while you're doing preliminary research.
- Possible repairs or renovations Cleaning and styling your home When all costs are considered, adding to your home is typically more cost-effective than moving.
- While constructing an extension, you might do so for a reduced cost.
- One of the most effective ways to cut costs when adding on is to do as much of the work as you can by yourself.