Advice and a point in the right direction

[garfield]

G'day all,

I know this is the place to get answers and always get help.

My house is driving me nuts!! I have two young children that know exactly when mum and dad sit down for Quiet time and scream the house down I want another room built on to the house as like a rumpus room type thing.

I want to build an extension, but don't know whether i should go with the trusty Queensland room - or a fully brick, clad extension. Cost is a real worry as i want it to be cheap but not nasty, This is my problem I don't know where to start looking or the things or company's to look out for and keep away from.

I'd love to do a lot myself to save a quid if i can but don't know what my limits are. I was thinking if i went with the Queensland room type set up I'm worried about when it rains 1. the noise it apparently generates and 2. the amount of times I've heard of them leaking.

I have heard that coulorbond roofing that is connect under the roof tiles and insulated is apparently OK?

any tips or advice is much needed and appreciated

Cheers
Geoff

[garfield]

No help anyone

[pawnhead]

It's a bit of a vague question.

Queenslanders look cheap IMO. A proper extension with a skillion roof looks a bit better, but nothing beats an integrated design that compliments the original structure and roof line, if you've got the budget.

If you posted some pics, or a sketch of roughly what you're wanting to achieve (floor area, floor plan, positioning), and how much you're prepared to spend, then you may have someone chime in with pricing or design ideas.

I think you have to start with a more defined idea of exactly what you want (in relation to the existing structure and floor plan, whatever that looks like ), or hire a draftsman to give you some ideas.

I'd start by doing a quick measure up of your house, then sketch a floor plan to scale. Decide how big an extension you want, then find the best place to put it. Take a few pictures of your house, and where you want the extension, then post it up. You'll need to think about all that anyway, and you're more likely to get a response that way.

[rhancock]

G'day all,
I want to build an extension, but don't know whether i should go with the trusty Queensland room

What's a Queensland room? and why do we look cheap?

[pawnhead]

Queensland room
Basically a patio that's been enclosed in aluminium windows, or just flyscreens, generally with a flat colourbond roof and no ceiling or plaster anywhere. They are almost always tacked on to save a few $, rather than being designed as an integral part of the house. Generally, the old outside walls and windows are left 'as is' as well, so it implies the cheapest way to grab an extra room, and IMO they look like it as well.

[rhancock]

Gosh, how strange! And why are they called Queenslanders? Cos we're cheap and easy to put up? )

[pawnhead]

I'm not sure, but it could have something to do with a Queenslander having wide wrap around verandas that are easily enclosed I suppose.
A lot of people used to do that, but now they generally restore them to their original charm.

[Make it work]

Queensland room
Basically a patio that's been enclosed in aluminium windows, or just flyscreens, generally with a flat colourbond roof and no ceiling or plaster anywhere. They are almost always tacked on to save a few $, rather than being designed as an integral part of the house. Generally, the old outside walls and windows are left 'as is' as well, so it implies the cheapest way to grab an extra room, and IMO they look like it as well.

Great Description John.

Geoff, this type of structure would be difficult to heat or cool which would limit the functionality.
Really you need to identify your needs, balance them against the budget. Obviously the more you do the more you can have but then that has to be balanced against available time and your own abilities...in other words much thinking and discussion with your other half.

Once you work out your needs, the pieces start falling into place

Cheers
Alan