Small home extensions are a great way to add extra living space to your home without having to move house. They can also be a cost-effective way to add value to your property. let's start with defining a small extension.
A small extension is typically defined as an addition to your home that does not require planning permission in Australia and is less than 40 square meters in size. That said, there are a few things to consider before embarking on a small extension project.
The first thing to think about is what type of extension you would like. Would you like a single-storey or double-storey extension? Would you like to extend outwards or upwards? Once you have decided on the type of extension you would like, you need to consider the purpose of the extension. Is it for extra living space, such as a new kitchen or dining room? Or is it for something else, such as a home office or extra bedroom?
Once you have decided on the purpose of your extension, you need to think about the budget. Small extensions can range in price from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the size and complexity of the project.
If you are planning on selling your property in the near future, it is important to consult with a real estate agent to get an idea of how much value a small extension may add to your home.
The most important thing to remember when planning a small extension is to consult with a professional builder or architect to ensure that the project is carried out safely and to a high standard. Small extensions can be a great way to add extra living space and value to your home, but it is important to do your research and plan carefully before starting any building work.
There are many different types of small home extensions that you can choose from, so it is important to carefully consider what you need and want from your extension before making any decisions.
One of the most popular types of small home extensions is a single-storey extension. Single-storey extensions are a great way to add extra living space without having to move house, and they can also be a cost-effective way to add value to your property. One of the great things about single-storey extensions is that they can be designed to blend in with the existing architecture of your home, or they can be designed to make a statement.
Another popular type of small extension is a double-storey extension. Double-storey extensions are a great way to add extra living space and value to your property, but they can be more expensive than single-storey extensions.
The best home extension for your home could depend on the type of home you have as well. your home could be a detached house, a terraced house and semi-detached.
A detached house is a house that is not attached to any other houses, while a terraced house is a row of houses that are attached to each other. A semi-detached house is a house that is attached to another house on one side only. Let's have a look at the best small extension ideas for each different type of home;
Detached houses:
For detached houses, the best type of small extension is typically a double-storey extension. This is because detached houses usually have more space to work with, so a double-storey extension will not look out of place. Double-storey extensions can be used to add extra living space, such as an extra bedroom or bathroom, or they can be used to add value to your property.
Terraced houses:
For terraced houses, the best type of small extension is typically a single-storey extension. This is because terraced houses are usually smaller than detached houses, so a double-storey extension would not look in proportion. Single-storey extensions can be used to add extra living space, such as a new kitchen or dining room, or they can be used to add value to your property.
Semi-detached houses:
For semi-detached houses, the best type of small extension is typically a single-storey extension too. This is for the same reason as terraced houses; semi-detached houses are usually smaller than detached houses, so a double-storey extension would not look in proportion. Single-storey extensions can be used to add extra living space, such as a new study or playroom.
When planning your small home extension, it is important to think about the type of home you have as well as the budget. Small extensions in Victoria can range in price from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the size and scope of the project.
for example, adding a single storey Study to your house in Melbourne could start from as little as $20,000. to breakdown the costs, an architect will first need to design the extension which could cost between $2000 to $5000. Then, once the plans are approved, the building permit fee would be around $500. The construction costs for a small extension like this would start from around $15,000. if the material used were basic and the finishes were kept simple.
If you wanted to add a double storey extension to your house in Melbourne, the costs would be much higher. The design fee for an architect could start from $5000 and the building permit fee would be around $2000. The construction costs for a double storey extension can start from as little as $50,000 but can quickly blow out to $100,000 depending on the materials used and the finishes.
for example, if the extension is made of brick and has a tiled roof, the costs would be much higher than if the extension was made of timber and had a corrugated iron roof.
You may be able to extend your home without planning permission if the extension meets certain criteria. For example, in Victoria, you can extend your home by up to:
- 9 square metres if you're a single storey dwelling
- 14 square metres if you have a double storey dwelling
If your extension exceeds these limits, you will need to apply for planning permission. In other states like New South Wales, you may be able to extend your home by up to:
- 20 square metres if you're a single storey dwelling
- 40 square metres if you have a double storey dwelling
It's always best to check with your local council before starting any work on your home extension. This way you can be sure that you're meeting all the necessary requirements.
Small home extensions in Melbourne can provide extra living space at a fraction of the cost of a traditional home extension. In addition, small home extensions add value to your property and are typically less complicated and time-consuming to build than a traditional two-story extension. However, it is important to consider all aspects of Small Home Extensions before starting construction, such as cost, design, planning permission, and council approval. Small home extensions can be a great way to add extra living space to your home without breaking the bank.
At the end of the day, the decision to build a Small Home Extension is a personal one that should take into but if you are unsure about Small home extensions, you can always contact an architect or building designer to get more information. SD Built is a Home Extensions Specialist in Melbourne with over 10 years of experience. we can help you with your Small Home Extension project from start to finish, including design, planning permission, council approval, and construction. Contact us for a consultation.
