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Planning to Build Up? Read This First!

As your family grows and expands, it’s all too easy to find that your living space no longer works for you. And if you don’t want to uproot the kids by moving to another area, it’s likely that your choices for extending your property are limited by the amount of land you have available. 

Therefore, it’s no wonder that an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to extend their homes with first and second floor additions Sydney wide.

With careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to extend your living areas and give you the extra space you need. However, before choosing this option, there are several things to bear in mind. 

Put together a plan

All successful renovations begin with a thorough plan. Whether you’re planning first floor additions in Sydney or second floor additions in Northern Beaches, putting together an in-depth plan will help your building work to go more smoothly and help you to stick to your budget. 

Extending your home upwards offers many benefits, such as preserving your outdoor space and increasing the value of your property; however, it needs to be done correctly. 

Be realistic and stick to your budget

When planning, it’s all too easy to get carried away by the thought of new kitchens or bathrooms, expensive lighting or gadgets. And that’s why it’s essential that you come up with a budget that you can afford – and stick to it. If you can afford everything you want, all well and good, but be prepared to compromise on some of the things on your wish list.

Set aside a contingency fund

Having a contingency fund will take care of unexpected purchases or bills that may arise. Some aspects of the building work may prove costlier than first anticipated, especially if you’re renovating an older property. And, if you don’t need the contingency fund, you may be able to have something off your wish list that you couldn’t otherwise afford. 

Don’t over-spec your property

Unless you see this property as your forever home, don’t go mad and add in all kinds of expensive fixtures and fittings. It makes sense to research the value of similar properties in the area, so that, should you wish to sell at some point in the future, it’s not going to overpriced.

Get recommendations

Adding a new floor is a job for the professionals, and you’ll want to know that the construction company you choose is experienced in building first floor additions in Northern Beaches and other Sydney suburbs. One way to do this is by asking for recommendations from anyone in the area who has had similar work done. 

Ask them about how the contractor tackled the project; whether they finished on time, how clean and tidy they were, and question their reliability and ability to stick to the agreed budget. It will pay dividends in the long run. 

Quotes, credentials and contracts

You may prefer to get quotes from several builders or just from one. However, even if your building contractor does come with recommendations, it’s always wise to check their credentials and make sure that they have the correct licences and insurances in place. And never let them start work without a written contract in place that details everything about the project from scheduling and materials to payments and contingencies. 

By taking a few precautions, you’re more likely to have a positive experience and end up with an extension that meets or even surpasses your expectations.
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