Hi all, thinking about whether we want to renovate or move. Currently live in a brick single-story 3 bedroom house, but 1 bedroom is a dedicated office and we would like 4 dedicated bedrooms.

As shown in the "quick sketch" image, we have an existing double carport, we would like to fill that entire blue "extension area" in with a double garage and family room connected to the house. We would also like this part to be double story, with 3 bedrooms & playroom on top. We live on a corner block with a big front yard.

Questions:
1. We are in Melbourne, eastern suburbs, can you see any potential issues getting permits for such an extension? Since we are on a corner I would imagine windows in those directions shouldn't be much of a problem.

2. If possible, what would estimate for the construction of the structural aspects, including slabs, tile roofing, plaster walls & ceilings and stairs - but excluding painting, fittings, carpet

3. Does a second story add significant cost, compared to the same total area on single story?

4. Is building up always cheaper than building down? We could probably dig out under the carport instead and have the second story under ground, but it seems like it would be more work.

Before


After


Thanks!
Attached Thumbnails



Read the full thread at RenovateForum.com...