Project: Adding an extra level to a home

Building up: Second storey dream renovation with fantastic views

We met Peter and Lisa at the Wellington home show. They had stopped to have a chat with us about a 100 square-metre second level they wanted to add to their split level home. By the end of the conversation we were invited to quote for their exciting extension project .

Peter who is a senior engineer had designed the plans and knew exactly what he wanted and his standards were high. There were 42 pages of plans and 192 pages of specifications.
The house as it is now with a second level and expansive balconies added

The quote was provided as per design requests and initially it was understood that it would exceed their budget. Knowing the budget up front helps a lot and in this case we were able to present a few scenarios where with some tweaks to design and materials, savings could be made. Peter and Lisa took this advice, made some changes which meant the project now came in on budget and we were awarded the contract.
A before picture of a house with a large deck
A large house with a wooden deck and stairs
The original house - a cramped three-bedroom seventies home

The quote was provided as per design requests and initially it was understood that it would exceed their budget. Knowing the budget up front helps a lot and in this case we were able to present a few scenarios where with some tweaks to design and materials, savings could be made. Peter and Lisa took this advice, made some changes which meant the project now came in on budget and we were awarded the contract.
A large building is being built with scaffolding around it.
The new upper level starts to take shape

We were heading into winter so it was important to protect the existing home at all times from the weather. The home was emptied out for the duration as the existing lower levels had to either be altered or strengthened throughout. The exception was the kitchen; it was brand new and had to be protected to the max.
A large building with scaffolding around it is being built.
Finishing off - the end is in sight!

The roof was removed first providing access to building the 2nd storey floor. Framework was added and placed up on the floor by a crane including part of the roof framing. Progress was not quite going to plan due to the weather, it was one of the worst winters in Wellington - wind of up to 100 kph, sleet, light snow, hail and the lots of rain. The client was informed at all times with bi weekly time lines in writing. Peter and Lisa also visited the site nearly every day as they found it exciting to view progress on their dream home.
A white house with a blue sky in the background
The home from the exterior now looks like a brand new modern home which is nearly true

From the front door right around to the back corner across the south end is new. As for the interior, internal stairs were added, going from the basement garage up two levels into a very nice seating area with views up into the Hutt Valley and right around to Wellington city.
A man and a woman are standing in a 2 story house looking out a window.
Peter and Lisa love their new enlarged view

The home has four new bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs all with great views and down stairs the two existing bedrooms were converted into a TV room/ playroom for the children.

Over all a great outcome was achieved and Peter and Lisa are happy with their dream build.
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