Going Up

[Jon]

This is probably a bit beyond the scope of this forum but I will put it to the team.

The wife has decided that we need another bedroom or two and that we are either moving or going up. The house is a single story brick/veneer project home, about 6 years old.
I heard that the price for going up is around $1000 per square metre.

Are there any tricks, traps, horror stories or happy endings that we should know about when making the decision? I would probably do some of the internal joinery and painting etc. to save money and as an excuse to buy some more toys/tools and maybe even labour for the builder.

Thanks,
Jon

[DarrylF]

My dad & I built a granny flat out the back of their house a few years back. Saved over half the original builders quote - we did almost all of the work ourselves, including laying the slab.

Second story and an addition to a house you're trying to live in means I'd get a builder to do the framing, cladding, trusses & roofing - finish it to the stage where you no longer need tarps to keep the rain out http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

I think most/all of us with a basic level of knowledge could do all the interior fitout plus exterior painting etc.

Plasterwoork is easy enough - just buy from a specialist and they have all the project sheets etc. Gear like lifts for ceiling boards and sanders can be hired. A friendly electrician might let you do the roughing in as long as he specs the job and does the connecting & testing.

Fitting the doors is easy enough - especially if you buy them pre-hung in the frames. Trims & skirting is dead easy.

Buy as much as you can from specialist suppliers who supply the trade - doors from a door specialist etc.

Do a little research on the web and insulate as well as you possibly can - including the walls. Do more than you think you'll need - might cost a few hundred extra, but you'll never regret it.

It's mostly a question of time. The more time you have to devote to it the more money you'll save and the better you'll feel about the finished job. Go for it.

[Iain]

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