Building a second storey to your home is a fantastic way to gain extra bedrooms, a stunning new master suite, or a family-friendly upstairs retreat. However, without a smart plan, building a second storey could end up with clunky layouts, stifling rooms, or stairs that throw your whole home off balance.
A well-designed second-storey addition should feel like it was always part of the home. Flowing naturally. Enhancing comfort. Elevating your home’s value — not dragging it down with awkward layouts or ‘heat-trap’ rooms nobody wants to use.
That’s why it’s so important to get it right from the start, by following these 5 steps building a second storey:
Step 1. Get The Layout Right From The Start
A poorly planned second storey can turn your dream project into a costly hassle. Picture stairs dumped in your living room or tucked at the back, forcing you to trek through the house to get upstairs. Or rooms that roast in the sun because nobody thought about where it hits. We’ve seen oddities like an ensuite you could only reach through a wardrobe—yep, it happens! These mistakes create awkward, uncomfortable spaces that hurt your home’s flow and value.
The fix?
Clear, upfront chats with your builder to ensure the design matches your needs and budget. Discuss what can and can’t be done. Make sure your goals and lifestyle desires are reflected in the new plans.
Step 2: Visualise The Flow And Usability Of Your New Space
The best second-storey additions blend so well, you’d swear they were part of the original build. Without this, your home can feel like a patchwork, with an obvious add-on that screams “afterthought.” It starts with understanding what you need — maybe an extra bathroom, a two-room parent’s retreat, or three bedrooms and a breakout zone. If the design ignores your existing structure, you risk instability and a disjointed look.
The fix?
Pinpoint your needs and budget, and ensure the design ties into your home’s framework for strength and style.
Step 3: Consider Your Home’s Orientation And Climate
Nobody wants an upstairs that feels like a sauna. Second stories catch more sun, so poor planning can leave bedrooms blasted by morning rays or living areas baking in the afternoon, making them spaces you avoid. We’ve seen homes where upstairs rooms were so hot, family’s rarely used them.
The fix?
Position rooms to stay shaded, use local breezes for natural airflow, and consider layouts like a master bedroom to catch cool evening breezes, keeping it comfortable without constant aircon, saving on energy bills.
Step 4: Make Sure Your Second-Storey Addition Is Both Aesthetically Pleasing And Increases Your Home’s Value
Don’t buy the myth that any addition equals more value — shoddy designs can lower your home’s worth. We’ve seen additions so poorly planned they scared off buyers. Partnering with designers who vanish after the plans risks costly errors.
The fix?
Work with builders who are in it for the long haul, delivering a seamless, stunning space that lifts your home’s market value.
Step 5: Building a Second Storey Addition With Confidence
A second storey is a big opportunity, but it hinges on smart design. Focus on your needs, budget, home’s structure, sun, and breezes, and team up with builders who sweat the details.
Our team at Edwards Family Homes stays with you from first sketch to final nail, giving you the confidence that every detail, from sunlight to stairs, is perfect.
Ready To Plan And Build Your Dream Second Storey Addition?
If you’re ready to take the next step and would like to speak with a professional builder at a time that suits you, book a discovery call now using our online booking calendar. You can talk to our team (obligation-free), and we can answer any questions about your project or the build process.
Not Ready To Speak With A Builder Yet?
That’s okay! Doing as much research as possible during this stage of your home addition journey will save you from making some big mistakes.
Download our free guide here:
Your Guide To Extending Your Home
This guide will provide the correct information to help you avoid some critical mistakes homeowners make throughout the planning process.
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