Home Improvements that Increase the Size of a Home
If you have decided to stay where you are and add on to your home to increase the size, we offer advice on single-level additions.
27/12/2020
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When you start to run out of space in the home that you live in, you need to decide whether you want to move somewhere else and start all over again or increase the size of your existing home by adding on. A single-level addition to any home can add a lot of floor space and increase the value of a home if done properly but more importantly, can increase the living space in a home to make it more comfortable and a pleasure to live in.
As a family grows it needs more space, whether it's an extra bedroom or two for new additions to the family, or increased space throughout the home to allow for the growth. Adding on is a brilliant way to increase the size of a house and is a cost-effective solution to moving somewhere else.
Bond rates are extremely low at the moment and it's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of low interest rates to tackle any home extensions you have in mind, so let's take a look at a few design ideas that will increase the available living space in a home.
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WHAT WILL A HOME EXTENSION COST?
The current building costs, as at August 2020, ranges from R8,000 up to R13,000 per square metre if you use a reputable building contractor. However, there are hundreds of smaller, less well-known building services that can offer from as low as R5,000 per square metre, but as with everything, it depends on the quality of work at the end of the day. If you plan of doing it yourself, sure in the knowledge that you have the skills to do this type of project, you can lower the cost per square metre even further.
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There are also other factors to consider, depending on the project itself:
1. Materials - Materials used to build the structure such as brick and/or timber. You have the option to select a face brick finish or use cement stock bricks to bring down the cost only to pay additional for plastering work.
2. Roofing type - A conventional roof-truss type roof can be finished off with roof tiles, which an IBR or steel roof will require some type of insulation and soundproofing. For a smaller home addition, there is also the option of glass roofing or skylights.
3. Windows and doors - With so many options to choose from, you can look at installing traditional window and door frames, frameless glass windows, or look at the installation of bi-fold or sliding doors.
4. Finishes - Once the construction is complete, then comes the type of finishes you want to be installed. This can include a variety of floor tile materials, laminate floors, etc., and even the option for underfloor heating if you are adding on a bathroom or master bedroom.
All the above factors affect the price of a build and need to be considered when asking for quotations from building contractors.
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WHERE TO START WITH A HOME ADDITION
If you are seriously considering an addition to your existing house, the first place to begin would be to get in touch with an architect or architectural designer. These guys will be able to let you know if the project is feasible, based on market values in your area, and the approximate cost. It's also a good idea to work with someone who knows what they are doing and can advise on the most cost-effective options based on your wants and needs. They will also have plans drawn up for submission and approval by your local town planning department.
If you are taking the DIY route, getting in touch with an architectural draughtsman for drawing up and submitting plans for approval will be the first step.
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MANAGING THE BUILD
When closing the deal with a construction company, it's in your interests to find out who will be managing or overseeing the project. Will the project be managed from start to finish? Who will be on site as the work proceeds? Who will be your point of communication if the build is not going according to plan?
For the do-it-yourselfer, managing the project will be up to you. Make sure you know the steps involved, the procedures to be adhered to according to National guidelines and can make the time available to ensure that everything goes as planned.
DESIGNING A HOME EXTENSION
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When it comes down to designing your home extension, you will first want to make sure that you have enough space. Sometimes even a small space can provide enough area to substantially add extra to your existing floor space. Take this add-on kitchen and dining space for example.
The footprint of the new extension is 6 metres wide x 4 metres deep. That's approximately the same amount of space as a double carport, and you can fit a lot into that.
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Design an extension in such a way that it is added on to existing walls, as this will greatly reduce the overall cost of the structure. Look at how you can make use of or break through existing walls for a smooth, seamless flow from old to new.
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The style of any new extension or addition should blend with the existing structure. Too much of a deviation or modification in the design will only serve to highlight the fact that it is an add-on and not part of the existing structure.
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