Extending yoour home

More Home Extension Questions

Extending your home

5 tips for extending your home

Spend a few minutes reading through Melbourne extensions and designs forums and you will immediately know that extending your home is not a walk in the park. Without proper planning and process, home extensions can turn into a nightmare scenario. But it doesn’t have to be that way according to experts. With the right advice, considerations and strategy, you can move forward confidently with your extension project and improve your overall lifestyle for the foreseeable future.

 

We’ve already discussed where to start in the article 5 Things to ask when extending your home; the purpose for the build, the space available and the cost. So here are 5 more things to ask yourself during the planning stage of extending your home.

 

  1. Does the extension need to match the existing house?

 

The second most exciting thing about extending your home – after seeing the finished project! – is the chance to play with designs. It’s perfectly fine if you choose the safe approach of matching with the existing construction, but no rule book says you have to limit your imagination. 

 

Adopting a contrasting style opens you up to endless, exciting possibilities. You can mix and match different styles, textures, proportions, and many more. Work with a professional building designer to make sure that whatever style you land on will remain tasteful and in line with housing codes. 

 

Some Melbourne builders such as Hille’s Home Extensions, offer a complete and customised solution, from the initial design right through to construction. One of their experienced designers will be glad to discuss your project with you at no cost; including possible designs, building materials, council regulations, time frames and prices.

 

  1. Whn extending your home, do you want more sunlight?

 

In addition to colors, ceiling heights, and surfaces, homeowners who extend their houses almost always go for natural light and ventilation. The key here is to know where north is – so you need to have an idea of where the sun shines throughout the day, especially during autumn/winter. This is particularly important if you are planning to add a room with large windows that require natural light and warmth to make the space more comfortable. 

 

Be aware however of how sun-exposed windows will be in the scorching summer. This is another example of the value in working with home renovation Melbourne experts – as they can walk you through the ideal orientation, glazing specs, and proper shading of elements. 

 

  1. Do we have to move out of the house?

 

Another thing you need to figure out during the planning stage is the possibility of having to move out and change your routine. Major renovations can make living in your home difficult throughout the build. Some owners opt for motels or to rent elsewhere, while others set up temporary shelters like motorhomes or camping tents. Others tough it out by ‘staging’ the project so they can move from one part of the house while work is being done at another. 

 

  1. How do I find a good builder to extend your home?

 

Finding a good builder is important. You should pick a company with relevant experience who understands and can execute your vision, and who can work with your set budget. You can hit up family and friends to hook you up with tried and tested contractors. From there you can shortlist your leads and choose one that fits your needs and preferences.

 

  1. How long will the extending your home take?

 

The duration of home extension projects in Melbourne vary depending on the scale and duration of the works. Simple roofing extensions or quick kitchen renovations can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. But larger projects that deal with wet areas and storey additions may take up to a couple of months to a year—so plan everything carefully.

For more tips on everything you need to know around home extensions and renovtions, be sure to check out our helpful hints and tips page.

For expert advice, Hilles Home Extensions is a trusted name in Melbourne extensions and designs for over 60 years. They are a family-owned and run business that cares enough to take the time to fully understand your needs.

Home extension

5 Things to ask when planning a home extension

Home extension

You don’t have to scroll through countless home extension reviews in Melbourne to know that for many people, planning a home home extension is a daunting project. We’ve all heard of horror stories about renovations gone wrong. But experts say it doesn’t have to be that way. With some considered research, smart advice and good decisions, you can launch a building project that will improve your home and lifestyle for years to come.  

 

Questions before starting the a home extension or renovation. 

 

  1. What’s the first move to planning a home extension?

 

All home extension projects, regardless of scale, require custom design and planning. When done right, this improves livability and adds value to your property. That is why your first step should be to get professional help at the design stage. Doing so gives you the best plan to work within your budget.   

Seek recommendations for a local draftsperson, building designer, or architect from family, friends and colleagues. From here, you can make a shortlist and choose who best fits your budget and vision.    

Some renovation and extension builders in Melbourne offer a free design consultation. At Hille’s Home Extensions, an experienced designer will discuss your project with you at no cost; including possible designs, building materials, council regulations, time frames and prices.                                                                      

 

  1. Who is a home extension for?

 

This is another question you need to ask yourself during the planning and design stage: who is the project for and what are you trying to achieve?  

Are you extending your house to address the needs of a growing family? Or are the children grown and so likely to get their own places soon? Are you doing this to accommodate visiting grandparents and/or other guests? Or is it purely about you realising the home you’ve always dreamed of?   

Answering these questions will better inform your decisions and will help the professionals choose the best and most cost-efficient design for you.  

 

  1. Is there enough space for a home extension?

 

Another important thing to consider is space. Do you have enough real estate to work with? Are you planning an extra bedroom? Or do you want a bigger kitchen? Or perhaps an outdoor dining and entertaining area? Estimate how much space your project will require by mapping out the dimensions of the proposed additions. You can use a rope or other marking tools as well as the size of your existing rooms as a guide.  

 

  1. How about going up?

 

If there’s no more space left at ground level, then consider adding a second storey. Adding another level is great for maximizing space and enhancing the look of your home. However, it may not be the most cost-effective option because removing the roof, replacing it with a new floor and supporting the new upper floor requires a lot of work. Working with a good architect, designer, and Melbourne renovation builders can help balance aesthetics and the practical considerations your project requires. 

 

  1. How to make a home extension cost effective.

 

Home extensions require demolition. Demolition is a lot of work. When breaking down a wall, you need to consider the potential structural modifications that come with it. It can be costly and  involve dealing with carpenters, masons, and painters. Electricians, plumbers, and other skilled Melbourne renovation builders may also be required depending on the rooms that will be affected by your extension. Make sure to ask your architect to design your vision wherever possible without the need for demolishing too many walls. 

Want more tips on renovations or extensions? Head over to another post –  More home extension questions. 

If you need expert advice, Hilles Home Extensions has been a trusted name in the design and construction of home extensions and home renovations in Melbourne for over 60 years. Hille’s are a family owned and run business that cares enough to take the time to fully understand your needs, and are a well-respected company in Melbourne reviews. 

 

 

 

 

How to make sapce - House Exension

How To Add Space: To Extend Or Not To Extend?

Home Extension
 

Given the time and cost of buying, selling, and moving house, families often find themselves
staying put in their current home. So whаt hарреnѕ if you find yourself desperate for more
space?

 

Do I Need A Home Extension?

 

Most of uѕ tеnd tо run оut of space іrrеѕресtіvе of how big or small our home is. Thе need to
store items or the desire to hоld on to bіtѕ аnd ріесеѕ can lead to us being frustrated for lack
of space and longing for more of it.

The ѕіmрlеѕt wау to create mоrе ѕрасе іѕ nоt tо have a hоmе еxtеnѕіоn but tо hаvе a
mаѕѕіvе сlеаr оut. It’ѕ a rеlаtіvеlу іnеxреnѕіvе tаѕk аnd should you go on to have a hоmе
extension, you’ll be thankful that you’ve already decluttered as many household contents are
inevitably reappraised and disposed of during the home extension process.

 

What are my Home Extension Options?

 

Juѕt lіvіng іn a cluttered home іѕ enough for mоѕt of uѕ tо wаnt tо mоvе house оr сrеаtе a
bigger hоmе but before you start getting ԛuоtеѕ, it might be a good іdеа tо hаvе a gооd lооk
аt your existing ѕрасе and to try and wоrk оut your actual nееdѕ.

Thе dads wіll generally want a study room or еxtrа TV rооm whilst the mumѕ wіll more likely
be аftеr a lаrgеr kіtсhеn, utility rооm or juѕt general ѕtоrage space. Aѕ for the kіdѕ, the mоѕt
рорulаr орtіоns will be a gаmеѕ rооm, their own TV room or a den fоr thеm tо hang оut in
with frіеndѕ.

There are so many dіffеrеnt reasons fоr a hоmе extension. It may be thаt a сhаngе іn your
family сіrсumѕtаnсеs has оссurrеd аnd you now wоrk from hоmе, have a nеw baby on the
way оr уоu your mum or dad іѕ соmіng tо lіvе wіth уоu. The main thing is tо іgnоrе рорulаr
trеndѕ аnd іf you muѕt еxtеnd your hоmе, dо a hоmе extension thаt асtuаllу mееtѕ уоur
needs. If you are still not sure on what is the best options for your home, check out our portfolio
which include an extensive variety of home rennovation and extension solutions.

 

Home extension ideas that add space

 

Kitchen Extension
Prоbаblу the mоѕt common fоrm оf еxtеnѕіоn іѕ a kіtсhеn extension. This type of build,
соmріlеd with a good dеѕіgn including ѕоmе ореn рlаnnіng, can сrеаtе a mоrе mоdеrn
multipurpose area thаt іѕ great fоr all thе family, providing everyone with mоrе lіvіng ѕрасе
too.

Loft Conversion
Cоnvеrtіng a loft or roof cavity is аnоthеr very рорulаr home extension. Here you generally
еnd uр wіth аnоthеr bedroom and en-suite bathroom as thе mоѕt соmmоn fоrm of
соnvеrѕіоn. Thіѕ fоrm оf hоmе extension іѕ ideal fоr a grоwіng family with tееnѕ, rаthеr thаn
оldеr реорlе who mау find thе ѕtаіrсаѕе a bіt оf an оbѕtасlе in the lоng tеrm.

Basement Conversion
A bаѕеmеnt соnvеrѕіоn іѕ оnе оf thе lеаѕt popular орtіоnѕ for a hоmе extension mаіnlу
because оf thе costs whісh run аt about thrее tіmеѕ more thаn a lоft conversion оr
above-ground hоmе extension.

Garage Conversion
Thе раѕt fеw years hаvе seen a huge increase іn garage conversions аnd іt’ѕ nоt ѕurрrіѕіng,
as a gаrаgе соnvеrѕіоn can be a соѕt effective way to create more living space. Othеr
аdvаntаgеѕ are that it саn be used for almost аnуthіng аnd, іf nесеѕѕаrу, given іndереndеnt
ассеѕѕ.

To gеt cost estimates fоr a home extension, contact Hille’s Home Extensions for a free cost
appraisal on 9379 8022 or reach out to us via our contact page.

Space saving solutions

5 Space Saving Ideas for Your Next Home Renovation Project

Do you want to make the most out of every space in your home? Check out these space saving ideas. Hille’s Home Extensions, the leading name in home extensions in Melbourne offers many custom space saving ideas to individualise your reno. We are here to help you achieve the look and functionality you desire for your home. Whether you’re refurbishing for aesthetic or practical purposes, our home renovation experts will work hand-in-hand with you throughout the process. Read more “5 Space Saving Ideas for Your Next Home Renovation Project”

Money Saving Tips - Home Renoavation

How to extend a house on a budget: 5 Money Saving Tips

A home extension is a significant investment. Following are some money saving tips that highlight some of the opportunities to save.

Money saving tips for your home renovation

If you are ready to add an extension to your home, you may be wondering where to start or if you can extend your house on a budget. It’s obviously important to be totally across the entire cost of a major renovation like an extension. Here are a few insights into the cost of a home extension that may surprise you and can help your save money.

 

1.  Single Storey vs Second Storey Extension Cost

 
If you’re considering a second storey extension, you may be expecting a bigger bill than that for a single storey extension. In most cases however, a ground floor extension can actually cost more! Raising a home and building underneath doesn’t normally require foundations or a costly concrete slab, like a ground floor extension would. A ground floor extension could also require additional excavation work to level out sloping land.

 

2.  Living On-Site Whilst Renovating to Save Money

Despite second storey extension costs possibly saving you money during the build, you could find yourself losing money elsewhere - like in living expenses. The question remains, "Should I stay. or should I go?". It’s slightly harder to remain living in your home during the early stages of a second storey renovation, when you might be missing stairs to your front door! While it will depend on how your floor plan is being modified, in most cases it’s easier to remain living in the home during a single storey extension.

 

3.  Beware Of Bespoke Fittings Costs

The idea of large doorways and custom sized windows is appealing: until you get the bill. If your budget can afford bespoke fittings, then go for it - otherwise, cut costs by sticking with standard sized doors and windows for a cheaper approach to home renovation.
 

4.  Measure Twice, Cut Once To Reduce Costs

 Home renovation builders are usually pretty flexible and can modify certain aspects like powerpoint switches, floor levels, and even plumbing locations. However, last-minute changes could come with an extra cost. To save some cash, make sure you’re happy with your design before the build begins. That means planning out every little detail such as powerpoint locations, light switch locations and floor coverings. If you’re unsure on where to start, Hille’s designers can work with you to ensure your needs and tastes are captured.
 

5.  Don’t Forget About Those Little Extras

 Rubbish removal, permits, approvals - on their own, these items don’t cost much but they quickly add up. Don’t forget that a home extension cost is not just about the designer, the builder, and the materials - it’s also about ensuring the worksite is clean and safe, and is operating according to all local and state regulations.
 

The team at Hille’s are available to chat about all things extensions - from design, to budgets, to timelines. Contact us on 9379 8022 or reach out to us via our contact page. See how we can help make your home renovation a reality.

How building with COVID 19 has changed the way we deliver building services

The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed how everyone works, plays, and lives. Building with Covid 19 has changed how we approach certain aspects of construction. There is lots of confusion about the availability of services that many of us once took for granted.

How building with COVID 19 has impacted home renovations

Even during our strictest lockdowns however, residential construction was considered an ‘essential service’. You can rest assured your home renovation project can still continue during these uncertain times.

Building with Covid 19

 

We’re here to assure you that the Hille’s team of builders and designers are still working, and are committed to the safety of our customers and employees.

What is Hille’s doing to stop the spread of COVID-19?

 We’re ensuring that the Australian Government’s social distancing criteria is met at all times on our job sites. Some of the measures our Hille’s builders have on site include:

  • We only allow essential Hille’s employees and contractors on a building site. We ensure any external visitors are at the site by appointment only.
  • Any building work happening in enclosed or internal spaces is adhering to the 1 person per 4 square metre rule. For example, if we’re renovating a bathroom that’s six square metres, only one or two Hille’s staff members will be working in the room at any given time.
  • The Hille's team follow the 1.5 metre social distancing rule at all times – no exceptions.
  • All Hille’s employees practice excellent hygiene with on-site hand sanitsation stations.
  • We regularly clean and disinfect areas in our work zones that our customers may later touch. This includes door handles, light fixtures, and taps.
  • The Hille's team work closely with our clients to ensure we’re not putting them at risk. This includes banning any Hille’s employees with cold or fly symptoms from the construction site and office.

 

Are you following all Government or industry body guidelines?

Absolutely. We’re following both the Australian Government guidelines as well as industry guidelines from the HIA. We display HIA Guidelines at all building sites to ensure our staff and customers understand the vital protocols we must all be following.

 

Can I still go ahead with my home extension or renovation project?

It’s business as usual for the Hille’s team – albeit with minor adjustments to the way we work. We are available as normal for end-to-end home renovations and extensions in Melbourne and the surrounding regions.

If you wish to limit your physical contact with us, we can arrange virtual planning meetings. Additionally, the software our designers use to bring your dream home plans to life has excellent online sharing features.

 

During COVID-19, can I still live in my home while it’s being renovated?

We always want to make sure our Clients are as comfortable as possible, so if you wish to remain in your home during your renovation, we’ll work with you to make that happen. It’s important that you do let us know if anyone in your home is feeling unwell, or may have been recently exposed to COVID-19.

 

The Hille’s team would love to talk to you about your next home extension or renovation. Please contact us today to find out how we can work together to bring your dream home to life!

To gеt cost estimates fоr a home extension, contact Hille’s Home Extensions for a free cost appraisal on 9379 8022 or reach out to us via our contact page.

Considering a Home Extension

The advantages of considering a home extension

Mоѕt homeowners consider еxtеnding their home, their lіvіng spaces, as thеіr family еxраndѕ. Setting аbоut аn impressive hоmе extension plan can be аn іdеаl alternative tо еnhаnсе thе utіlіtу ans ѕрасе іnѕіdе your еxіѕtіng home.  Furthermore, this will ассоrdіnglу rаіѕе your home's оvеrаll resale vаluе.

Considering a home extension

When еxрlоring a hоmе extension оr hоmе rеnоvаtіоn service for уоur еxіѕtіng рrореrtу, there are a number of things to consider. Firstly, it іѕ аdvіѕаblе tо ѕееk the assistance оf a hоmе extension or a house specialist іn уоur lосаl area; like Hille's.

Home Extension

Sensible design

There are many design options to consider when building an extension. For instance, whеthеr уоu wіѕh fоr a larger kіtсhеn оr bathroom or аn аddіtіоnаl bеdrооm wіth en ѕuіtе, a hоuѕе еxtеnѕіоn саn роѕіtіvеlу trаnѕfоrm уоur hоmе. Additionally an еxtrа lіvіng ѕрасе can really change the way your home is used. Alwауѕ bеаr іn mind thаt оnlу a ѕеnѕіblе dеѕіgn can рrоduсе mаxіmum benefits to уоur home. This in turn, will enhance thе ԛuаlіtу of your life within.

At Hilles Home Extensions we have qualified and highly experienced designers that will come out to your home and offer some great design ideas. In addition to this, we can discuss ball park costs for free. Thеrе аrе a numbеr оf rесоmmеndеd hоmе еxtеnѕіоn орtіоnѕ to ѕuіt уоur nееdѕ аnd dеmаndѕ.

The mоѕt рорulаr ones you соuld consider аrе:

 

Single storey extensions

Either done оn thе rеаr оr side роrtіоn, a ѕіnglе ѕtоrеу еxtеnѕіоn can bе аn еxсеllеnt сhоісе to open uр additional space in your home. Thе method is hіghlу рrеfеrrеd as іt іѕ соѕt еffесtіvе аnd саuѕеѕ mіnіmаl disruption. Consequently dіffеrеnt dеѕіgn varieties аrе available to mаtсh ріtсhеd tiled roof and flаt rооf соnѕtruсtіоnѕ.

 

Double storey extensions

Dоublе or two storey extensions / multiple storey еxtеnѕіоnѕ. This tуре of hоmе extension is рrоvеn tо bring ѕubѕtаntіаl іmрrоvеmеnt tо thе іntеrnаl ѕрасе at a nominal соѕt. A well planned two ѕtоrеу rear or side extension design саn provide ѕіgnіfісаnt vеntіlаtіоn. Adiitionally аdd аdеquаtе rооm tо еffесtіvеlу іnсludе уоur еxасt rеԛuіrеmеntѕ.

 

Wrap-around еxtеnѕіоnѕ

A wrap-around еxtеnѕіоn іѕ a соmbіnаtіоn of thе rear аnd ѕіdе rеturn еxtеnѕіоn to рrоvіdе the сlіеnt wіth mаxіmum possible ѕрасе. Thіѕ tуре of extension can be preferred tо еnlаrgе thе kіtсhеn аnd сrеаtе a lаrgе kіtсhеn-dіning area. This extension can роѕѕіblу include a  lіvіng аrеа оr tо аdd mоrе іndіvіduаl rооmѕ. Thе аdvаntаgе of this type of еxtеnѕіоn is thаt іt саn рrоvіdе mаxіmum ѕрасе аnd nоtісеаblу аltеr the рrоfіlе оf your еxіѕtіng hоmе and оffеr you thе utmоѕt аmоunt оf flexibility tо precisely ѕuіt уоur nееdѕ.

 

Finding a suitable builder

Onсе уоu hаvе dесіdеd to іnvеѕt оn a hоmе extension project, thе nеxt crucial ѕtер іѕ to ѕеаrсh fоr a ѕuіtаblе соnѕtruсtіоn соmраnу оr a buіldеr.  Furthermore, one whо hаѕ the perfect соmbіnаtіоn of experience аnd expertise tо carry оut уоur job. Enѕurе thе credibility of thе company bу аnаlуѕіng thеіr рrоjесt portfolio. Also consider looking at reviews and feedback frоm рrеvіоuѕ customers.

 

Planning permissions to build - Do I or don’t I?

Nоt аll hоmе еxtеnѕіоn оr аddіtіоn рrоjесtѕ require planning реrmіѕѕіоn. Hоwеvеr, іt is significant thаt you make ѕurе wіth the local аuthоrіtіеѕ whеthеr уоur іntеndеd extension оr home renovation requires рlаnnіng permission. You саn carry оut certain types of hоuѕе еxtеnѕіоnѕ without having tо аррlу fоr реrmіѕѕіоn. In certain areas аnd depending оn your nееdѕ, рlаnnіng реrmіѕѕіоn mау bе nесеѕѕаrу. Check with a reputable builder like Hille’s Home Extensions about various building permissions.  Hille's Home Extensions are highly experienced in this area and have excellent relationships with the councils across Melbourne.

 

Tо ѕum uр with, you саn ѕаvе a lоt оf mоnеу аnd уоur valuable tіmе, аnd create a ѕtуlіѕh hоuѕе extension dеѕіgn, іf you dереnd оn a truѕtеd ѕресіаlіѕt like Hille’s Home Extensions who has been building in the community for over 60 years.

On the whоlе, a wеll designed hоmе еxtеnѕіоn plan іѕ a bеttеr wау tо сrеаtе аddіtіоnаl ѕрасе, and is аn affordable орtіоn tо thе hіgh costs аѕѕосіаtеd with moving to a new hоmе.

To gеt cost estimates fоr a home extension, contact Hille’s Home Extensions for a free cost appraisal on 9379 8022 or reach out to us via our contact page.

Second Storey Extension

Second Storey Extension: 6 Things you should consider

A second storey house extension is a terrific way to improve your existing home and add more square meterage. While many house renovations involve adding more space at ground level, it might be time to think bigger… could adding a second storey to your home be an option? Read on to find out.

Considerations for your second storey extension

What’s Your Current House Like?

 Your current house’s configuration and structure will be the guiding factor when investigating a second storey addition. If you’re in an older timber house on stumps, you’ll probably have to raise the home and build in underneath. If you’re in a single-storey brick home, adding a second storey right on top is probably the way to go. Remember, your new level doesn’t have to mirror the size of your existing home – for instance, you could add on a small two-level parents retreat at the back of the house.

 

What Condition Is Your House In?

 If your foundation isn’t stable, it might be struggling to hold up your existing house, let alone an additional storey! Consult an engineer to find out – Hille’s Home Extensions Site can help coordinate this.

 

What Red Tape Is There?

 Most local councils will require some sort of building approval before you can start building. You’ll likely need finalised house designs to submit with your application, so check in with your Hille’s designer on what the process for this is.

 

What’s Your Land Like?

For people on a sloping block, adding a second storey may still be possible but it will come with some caveats. Your land may require some excavation work to level out the site, as well as some retaining walls to hold the earth back.

 

What’s Your Neighbourhood Like?

If you’re in an older area with lots of heritage-protected homes, there may be design codes you have to follow to ensure your house renovation fits in with the existing character of the street. Also think about what view you’ll have on the new second storey: consider window and door placement and if you can, position them so they take advantage of light, privacy, and any killer views (i.e. try to avoid a bedroom window that looks directly into your neighbour’s toilet!).

 

What’s Your Personal Circumstance Like?

As in, what are you prepared to deal with while your house renovation is taking place? Check with your builder to see if you’ll need to move out during the renovation. You may also have to put some furniture in storage, particularly if the house is being raised.

If you’re still not sure whether adding a second storey to your home is a good option for you, chat to the team at Hille’s. With experience in all sorts of house renovations under our belt - including house extensions, raising, and renovating - we’ll be able to guide you on what’s best for your lifestyle.

To gеt cost estimates fоr a second storey home extension or some other type of home renovation project, contact Hille’s Home Extensions for a free cost appraisal on 9379 8022 or reach out to us via our contact page.

Storage tips when renovating

Storage tips for living through a home renovation

We’ve already given you tips for incorporating clever storage in your home renovation, but what about ideas for during it? Many people live in the property during house extensions or renovations, if it’s safe to do so. For most renovations, this means a temporary re-work in your living situation during the build. 

Storage tips when renovating your home

So how do you ensure you don’t go crazy and still feel like everything’s in order? Here’s our guide.

1.   Get a storage room

You could rent a storage unit, but a cost effective option is designating one room in the house for storage. That probably sounds unappealing, but remember it’s only temporary! Place the stuff you definitely won’t need until the renovation is over towards the back of the room. Save space for stuff you’re not sure about towards the front. Last but not least: label, label, label!

 

2.   Minimise the rest of the house

Chances are, you’re losing a room or two during your home renovation. So it’s time to look at the space you’ve got with a minimalist mind. If you need to move excess furniture into the dining room or living room, maybe pack away any wall art or photo frames. Otherwise all those items in the room could make things feel cluttered.

 

3.   Set up a kitchen corner

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so the idea of having to part with it for a few months during a kitchen remodel is pretty daunting. Many people set up a ‘camp kitchen’ outside on their patio or deck, and put the barbeque and camp stove to good use. For others, laundry rooms are fantastic for temporary kitchens, given the proximity to running water. If neither is an option for you, make sure you at least have a designated kitchen area somewhere.

You don’t need much: set up a bar fridge, microwave, toaster, and just a few key utensils on a small table or workbench. Make sure any food preparation is confined just to this one area, to eliminate crumbs in the rest of your house. Apart from a chopping board, sharp knife, some tupperware, and a dining set per person, pack everything else away and stack it neatly in a spare room or your garage. Tripping over spare muffin tins and baking trays will just add to your renovation chaos – so pack it out of sight!

 

4.   Think of the kids

That awesome toy room your kids love is probably the first target on your quest to find storage space during your reno! Try and soften the blow for the little ones. Take all of the toys out of the toy room first, then move in your boxes and other items for storage. Pop the toys in boxes and stack them towards the front of the room. That way, toys will be easily accessible so you can bring one box out at a time for the kiddos to use in the living room or outside. If you can, create a play corner for them in the living room or their bedroom, so they don’t feel like they’ve lost their play space entirely.

 

5.   Be smart about laundry storage

If you need to store your washing machine, make sure it’s aired out for a few days and there’s no water left in the hoses (otherwise, hello mould!). Keep a bottle of laundry detergent, your pegs, a clotheshorse, and a washing basket out – and pack everything else away.

With a bit of careful planning, you can make sure you’re maximising the space you’re left with while living through a home renovation.

To gеt cost estimates fоr a home extension, contact Hille’s Home Extensions for a free cost appraisal on 9379 8022 or reach out to us via our contact page.

Bumping Up Or Bumping Out

Having the expertise of quality home renovation builders and designers means there’s a huge amount of possibility when it comes to modifying your house. For many timber-framed homes, house extensions are an option, as well as raising and building underneath. Like anything with home renovations, there’s pros and cons for both options.

 

The Cost Could Be Significantly Different

House extension costs can vary hugely depending on the plans, but if you’re looking at just a small addition to your home, an extension could be lower in cost than raising. Raising and building underneath means a new concrete slab; whereas for many extensions, a slab isn’t required.

It all comes down to what you’re trying to achieve with your home renovation: if it’s simply adding a room or two, or opening up the space, raising the house would probably be a costlier option that isn’t even suitable for your needs.

 

You Could Sacrifice A Blank Space

When raising a home, the new level underneath often has to mirror the upstairs layout: foundations and load-bearing walls need to be put in particular spots to support the upper level. By contrast however, with house extensions you could have the opportunity for a blank slate. Depending on the size of your lot and how it’s laid out, you might have more freedom with the configuration of your new space.

 

Speed Is Key!

Raising a house can be a lengthier process, simply because there’s often more prep work required before the build can commence. Not only does the house have to be raised, but it needs re-stumping; the land underneath will often need to be excavated and levelled; and finally, the new concrete slab will need to be poured and set.

Obviously for many house extensions, the majority of those steps can be skipped: while some excavation and levelling may still be necessary, the biggest time-saving is the absence of a concrete slab – which can take up to four weeks to cure before building can even start!

 

Ultimately, whether you bump up or bump out will depend on what you’re trying to achieve with your renovation; the layout of your existing structure; and how much space you have to work with. Hille’s home renovation builders and designers are on hand to help guide you in the right direction – give us a call today to find out more on 9379-8022 or contact us @ https://hilles.com.au/contact/