Second storey additions when done wrong can be a nightmare. Blown-out budgets, missed deadlines, and months of living in a half-built disaster zone. I’ve seen it happen too many times — and trust me, it’s not pretty.
Yet, for many homeowners, it becomes an unfortunate reality despite the fact most of these delays, unexpected costs, and frustrations can be avoided.
The good news is, with the right builder and a well-structured plan, your second storey addition can be smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable.
Here are four key considerations to keep your project on track:
1. Choosing the Right Builder
A second storey addition isn’t just slapping on an extra room — it’s working with your home’s existing structure, reinforcing foundations, and making sure the whole thing doesn’t come crashing down (literally). If your builder isn’t experienced with these types of projects, you could be in for a rough ride.
Here’s what you should look for in a builder:
- Experience in second storey builds – Ask for examples of similar projects they’ve completed.
- Clear communication – A good builder should explain things in a way that makes sense, not bury you in jargon.
- Reliable project management – Look for a team that sticks to schedules and keeps things moving.
Tip: When interviewing builders, ask how they handle unexpected issues. Their answer will tell you how organised they are.
2. Planning Everything Before Construction Starts
One of the biggest reasons builds drag on? Starting before everything is in place. If your designs aren’t locked in or your permits aren’t approved, you could find yourself in a stop-start nightmare.
To give you an idea, I’ve seen homeowners make last-minute changes to their design, thinking it won’t be a big deal. But shifting a staircase after framing has started? That single decision pushed one project back by weeks, impacting framing, electrical, and even council approvals.
The lesson? Lock in your plans before work starts and stick to them.
3. Ordering Materials Early to Prevent Delays
A lot of people think their builder is going to handle everything seamlessly, but that’s just not how it works. While good builders do their best to manage schedules, material lead times, and subcontractors, there are always factors outside their control.
The truth? If you want your project to stay on track, you need to take an active role in planning and communication.
Without proper planning, your project could come to a grinding halt because a crucial element isn’t available on time.
For instance, I once saw a job delayed for six weeks just because a specific type of timber wasn’t ordered early enough. That’s six weeks of waiting, paying trades who can’t move forward, and watching your unfinished home collect dust.
My advice? Don’t assume your builder has it all covered. Instead, you need to ask, “What are the long lead-time items for this build, and when are we locking them in?”
4. Designing with Structural Considerations in Mind
Good design isn’t just about making things look nice – it needs to be functional. And if your builder doesn’t have in-house design capabilities, you could be in for a world of pain.
I’ve seen builds where staircases ended up under support beams (which means you’d have to duck every time you walked upstairs), and plumbing that had zero drainage fall, leading to expensive rework. These mistakes don’t just cost money — they can bring your entire build to a standstill.
Still, even with a well-designed second storey, your project will only stay on track if it follows a realistic timeline.
Bottom Line: Strategic Planning Makes All the Difference
A second storey addition is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Get it right, and you’ll add massive value to your home. Get it wrong, and you’ll be stuck in a money pit. The difference? Good planning, smart decisions, and the right team. Do your research, lock in your plans, and work with pros who know what they’re doing.
