Second story on federation home

[Lukegmyles]

Hi all, my first post. I'm in the process of buying a single story federation style house in mount lawley WA that is in dyer need of some love. For a start the main living area and kitchen has a maximum ceiling height of 2.1 meters and I'm 195cm tall so there is only 15cm from the top of my noggin to the ceiling. So first things first that needs to be raised. My idea is to add a second story above the kitchen and living area and I want to keep it in character with the style of the house. Has anyone had experience with federation additions, and advice on costs, builders, tips, pitfalls etc?

COPIED FROM THE G'DAY FORUM

[barney118]

start with council to obtain existing plans if possible, that way you can figure out your existing footings, however more info needed, Is it sitting on a slab,piers, what can you tell from under the house. Type of wood, spans between piers etc, existing roof colorbond or tiles? new roof colorbond or tiles.

[Black Cat]

Why buy a house that clearly does not meet your immediate needs? Renovation is not something to rush into or you make serious mistakes in design that become apparent later as you use the place. Ideally you would live in a place for 12 months before even contemplating starting work on it.

If you are committed, then definitely start of to find out about it. If it is federation it will be on piers, or possibly even just perimeter dry laid walls in stone. Raising a new level will probably require considerable additional structural reinforcement.

A photo or two would help as well.