Common Hindrances in Second Story Additions and Their Solutions

A home is not made up just of walls, a ceiling, doors and windows and the family that lives there. It is actually made up of the character, the stories, the memories that family members made there. 

This is why it becomes tough for anyone to relocate to a new home when the present property starts appearing inadequate. With second story additions, however, there would be no need of relocating to any other property and you will successfully extend the living space in your home. 

However, some common issues may arise, but according to the best home extension builders Sydney, all of them can be resolved successfully without any complexities. 

Here in his post, we take a look at these issues and their solutions, but before that, here is a quick review of the benefits of second story additions.

• It can be more cost effective

• You don’t lose any garden space

• It will create natural insulation for the ground floor

• You gain a great view of the city

Challenges you may face in terms of second story additions-

The Strength Of The Foundation-

• It is very important that prior to starting the construction, you go for an inspection done by one of the best home extension builders Sydney.

• This inspection is often done absolutely free of cost and several things would be inspected in this, including the condition of the foundation.

• This is something not to be taken lightly at all because the entire weight of second story additions would be on the foundation and if it is not in the condition to bear it, the integrity of the entire building would come under risk.

Important things to consider:

• Footing

• Soil compaction

• Columns

• Plywood and steel connections

The exact location of stairs-

• In second story additions however, this is not as major issue as in the first floor addition, because the general tendency is to get stairs built, where they are in the first floor.

• But still, availability of the space would be a big question and if the area is not conducive for building stairs, you’ll have to look for some other place.

• The matter pertaining to stairs is really serious because of the specifications given by Building Code Of Australia or BCA in relation to residential stairs. 

They are –

• Not have steps taller than 190mm, or shorter than 115mm

• Have a minimum of 2 meters headroom

• Not exceed 18 steps without a landing

• Not exceed 125mm between banisters