With such a large area compared to other cities, an extensive portion of the housing one-story units could be surprising. However, a few excellent reasons people prefer building floors rather than extending.
We have compiled the top seven home improvement suggestions for you to consider if you need inspiration.
In the beginning, let’s talk a bit about why it may be more beneficial to travel “up” rather than out.
Why Should You Add a Story Instead of Expanding?
A first-floor (second-story) addition is possible to most homes for less than you imagine.
Many must understand that additional costs are typically lower than adding equivalent space through extensions to the ground floor. That is because adding an extension can save costly ground preparation and foundation costs.
Additionally, most people build the addition to retaining their outdoor area.
Because you’ve got an herb garden or want space for your children to play safe, the maintenance of your backyard garden is usually a must.
A second floor can provide stunning views, whether water, bushland, or city skylines.
In terms of the resale value of a property, many agents will inform you that a home with two floors generally has a higher resale price than a single-story house with the same amount of bathrooms and bedrooms.
1: The Children’s Floor
We begin with something familiar and practical yet so popular that it needs to get included.
As your children get older, they do not just require their bedroom. They need their floor so that they will have their own space and private space.
That is particularly the case as we witness increasing numbers of children staying home into their twenties.
For teenagers and tweens, creating a room for every child with enough space for a desk will be essential to assist them in focusing when it is time for the final exams.
As the children get older, more enormous wardrobes can be a blessing as they can reduce the accumulation of clothes in the bedroom!
A separate bathroom means less fighting in the morning, and parents can get back to making themselves ready to go without fighting for space in the bathroom in the house that is the only one.
Additionally, when designing a kids’ play area, a homeowner often opts to incorporate a place for living or a room to accommodate a separate television and gaming console.
This solution is an excellent option as your children attain their much-coveted autonomy. And they also enjoy it for the adults!
2: The Parent’s Retreat
Why shouldn’t kids have everything to do? Another well-known and intelligent option is to do the opposite.
A second story with a second story for Mum and Dad can allow you to build the dream setup of a main bedroom that includes a bathroom with a walk-in closet and a balcony, especially in the case of a beautiful view.
In light of the current situation that requires some people to operate at home, having worked from home is a growing option.
Affiliating your study upstairs with noise from the lounge and kitchen room makes sense.
Prefer a different TV-viewing area, especially when the children dominate the TV, and you’re trying to limit screen time in the bedroom.
You can let them use the living space and relax in your room in which you can relax.
3: Get the Family Together
For families with children who are younger, the idea of moving all rooms upstairs would be the most secure and practical option.
Many parents appreciate the tranquility of being close to their children and keeping the youngsters away from the doors and kitchens.
That is our most frequently used option for families who are about to be welcoming a third or second child.
4: Street Appeal
As we’ve mentioned earlier, an addition is often a way to increase the value of your property than an extension. And one reason is that a house with two levels significantly impacts when seen through the streets.
5: The Self-Contained Unit
There are numerous reasons to make an additional floor that is its own little space.
Multigenerational houses are getting more popular as well.
It could be because the adult child must relocate back to their parent’s home and sometimes with their children or parents.
In other instances, the parent is moving into their child’s house and still wants to keep some autonomy.
The self-contained layout generally comprises a kitchenette, a small eating area, a bedroom or two, a bathroom living area, and an independent entrance to the main house.
6: The Switch: Turning the Downstairs Upstairs
You reside in a place with the potential to have an incredible view, so why restrict the picture to your bedrooms?
If you’d like to take in this fantastic view whenever you’re in your kitchen and living spaces, and the most important thing is entertaining, it’s an easy choice.
Putting all your bathrooms and bedrooms at the bottom of the floor is usually necessary. Your dining, kitchen, and living areas get moved to the upper level. If space permits, they’ll be connected to a vast outdoor space that can accommodate a dining table.
Some are worried that this unusual configuration could turn off potential buyers if they decide to sell.
But, if your view is good, the idea will make perfect sense to potential buyers who visit your house for inspections.
Another thing this kind of thinking will elevate your house above the others and give it an edge over the other properties with a similar view but a more traditional design.
7: Why Do You Want to Re-Configure Downstairs
That isn’t as insane as it sounds: sometimes, the reason for constructing another story is so that you can create your ideal design. Down the stairs!
Many older houses have the original layout with various rooms in the rear, including bathrooms and a third or second bedroom.
Suppose you’ve dreamed of having an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen that opens into a deck to entertain and out to the backyard. In that case, The solution is to relocate all the additional rooms.
Next Steps
We assist you through the design and product selection process and let our experts build your dream home. You can trust the experts with Ottawa Home Pros with your next project.
If you feel that your renovation project is ready to take forward and you would like to talk with one of our design consultants, contact us by calling (613) 288-9145 or emailing us at info@ottawahomepros.com.
