Auckland Builder Tips for a Smooth Second Storey Extension
In Auckland where section sizes are shrinking, and inner city living is at an all time high demand, a second storey extension is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of and expand your home without compromising losing any valuable outdoor space. Depending on the suburb, second story extensions can deliver up to a 40–70% ROI. The suburbs which yield the largest ROI are highly sought after areas such as; Mt Eden, Grey Lynn, Remuera, and North Shore suburbs like Milford, Takapuna, Albany and Castor Bay. With decades of construction experience, a team of skilled and qualified Licensed Building Practitioners, and more than 100 years of legacy plastering expertise, we deliver high quality home extensions from concept to completion.
Whether you're planning a second storey extension, a second floor extension, or a full home extension Auckland project, the right planning and the right qualified Auckland builder make all the difference. Below, we share our top tips for ensuring your second story extension project runs seamlessly.
Why Consider a Second Storey Extension?
A second storey extension is ideal for Auckland homeowners requiring additional space but don’t want to move or sacrifice their backyard. As trusted Auckland builders, we see families choose a second storey extension or second floor extension because it adds significant value to the property, mitigates costs of purchasing a larger property as well as creates space for a potential master suite addition. Second story extensions work really well on compact Auckland sections and can support modern open plan living.
A second storey extension is also a smart alternative when house extension cost is a concern. Instead of extending outward, building upward often reduces excavation, foundation work, and overall disruption.
To understand how to best add value in your house renovation, read our blog; How Renovation Companies in Auckland Can Add Value to Your Property.
Second Story Planning Tips From Experienced Auckland Builders
1. Start With Structural Engineering
As house renovation builders Auckland homeowners trust, we work closely with engineers to ensure your home can safely support a second storey extension.
Every second storey extension or second floor extension begins with a structural engineering assessment. Before you add a second storey, you’ll need to evaluate the foundation strength, load bearing walls, roof structure as well as framing conditions.
2. Understand Building Consent and Resource Consent
If you’re embarking on a second story extension, you will need to understand resource consent requirements, Auckland Council will require building consent for all second storey extensions as well as resource consent if your design affects height to boundary rules. You will also need to ensure second story extension design meets compliance with fire safety and seismic standards. Whilst you are in the planning phase, read our blog for a few tips to help you understand what's ahead for your renovation journey. What to Know Before Starting a Home Renovation in Auckland's Housing Market.
3. Consider House Extension Costs From the Beginning
House extension cost varies depending on a multitude of factors, including the size of the second storey extension as well as any structural engineering requirements and scaffolding. Your building materials, including cladding and roofing choices as well as staircase installation. Plumbing and electrical upgrades will also need to be factored into your costings, and we take care of all subtrades, so you only need to deal with one party. The final finishing touches which will impact costs will be internal plastering and external plastering and house painting finishes. We provide perfectionist plastering and painting services for the inside and outside of your time.
As transparent Auckland builders, we provide detailed renovation cost estimate breakdowns so you understand costs for every stage of your second storey extension.
To understand how to save costs during your second story extension, read our blog; Cost Saving Tips From Builders North Shore.
Design Tips for a Seamless Second Storey Extension
Match Your Existing Home
A quality second storey extension should look like it has always been part of your home. As experienced extension builders Auckland homeowners rely on, we ensure your new level matches your existing; cladding, roofing, windows, architectural style and colour palette. With our team of perfectionist house painters, we will colour match your existing colour. However, we may recommend a full repaint if there is existing sun damage.
With over 100+ years of plastering experience ensures your exterior plastering blends seamlessly with your original home. To understand how to ensure your new renovation should seamlessly match with your old surfaces, read our blog; Plastering and Rendering for Renovations Matching Old and New Finishes.
Maximise Natural Light in Your Second Story Extension
In a city often prone to an overcast climate, Auckland homes can benefit from maximising natural light. Enhancing natural light was not always a huge consideration with historical architecture, yet moving towards the future, a well designed, modern second storey extension can transform dark spaces into bright, modern living areas, whilst creating the illusion of additional space.
A second floor extension is the perfect opportunity to introduce a plethora of options that allow natural light to beam in such as; skylights, larger windows, balcony doors as well as featuring light enhancing design layouts such as tall ceilings and light or reflective surfaces.
Create Flexible, Future Proof Living Spaces Within your House Renovation
Understand your needs for your home today and how they may change in five, ten and twenty years. For example you may require a new home office today, but a nursery in years to come. You may need a spare room today that can adapt to a teenager hangout in the future.
Whether you want a master suite addition, extra bedrooms, or open plan living, we help you design a second storey extension that adapts to your lifestyle now and in the future. This means functional spaces that change with your growing family and changing needs.
Renovation Construction Tips From Licensed Building Practitioners
1. Choose Durable Building Materials
Auckland’s wet and coastal climate requires high quality materials for any home extension Auckland project. We recommend seeking the best materials that deliver longevity and performance, such as; durable roofing, high performance cladding, moisture resistant framing, double glazing as well as premium insulation. Investing in high quality materials now, will save from moisture ingress and headaches with replacements and repairs down the track.
2. Prioritise Weather Tightness
A second storey extension requires precise workmanship around all areas including; flashings, junctions, roofing transitions, window installation as well as the internal plastering and exterior plastering. Our team is composed of Licensed Building Practitioners across multiple trades, with decades of experience, so you can trust your second story extension is in the very safest of hands. Our experienced plastering team ensures your second floor extension is waterproof and weather tight and finished to a perfect standard.
3. Minimise Disruption During Construction
As experienced Auckland builders, we plan your second storey extension to reduce disruption to your life. We maintain safe access, protect your home, and keep you informed at every stage.
A second storey extension is one of the most rewarding home improvements you can make. With the right Auckland builders, the process can be smooth, efficient, and hassle free. West & Sons Construction brings Licensed Building Practitioner expertise, 100+ years of plastering experience, and full end to end construction services to every second storey extension and home extension Auckland project we complete.