5 inspiring Ideas for Second Floor Extensions

15 May 2017
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


If you need more living space, you may want to consider building a second-floor extension. This is especially helpful if you don't want to sell your home and move to a new neighbourhood. For inspiration, check out these ideas.

1. Consider a Two-Floor Extension

Instead of just adding an extra floor to your single-story home, consider building an extension outward and making that extension two stories tall. Then, you can enjoy extra space on the ground floor and a new second floor.

There are all kinds of ways to configure this, but many people use the ground floor of the extension for extra lounge space, a new dining room or a larger kitchen, and they use the upper area for extra bedrooms and bathrooms.

2. Use the Extension to Create a Shaded Outdoor Area

If you don't want to reduce the outdoor space available in your lot, you may want to consider putting in a second-floor extension over an outdoor patio. Essentially, the extension will jut out from the house and connect to your existing first floor. Then, the area underneath the extension can serve as a shaded outdoor dining or lounging area.

3. Make a Sleeping Loft

If your budget doesn't allow for a whole new extension, you may just want to work with what you have. For example, if you have a space under the eaves, you may want to refinish that area and turn it into a sleeping loft.

You can connect it to the rest of your home with a spiral staircase, and if you like, you can open one side of the loft. Imagine vaulted ceilings over part of your living room and then, the rest of that attic area turned into an open-sided loft. Depending on your needs, that loft can be a master bedroom or a small sleeping area for guests.

4. Make Living Spaces Over Garages

Second-floor extensions don't just have to be added over living spaces. You can also add them over garages or even over a barn or sturdy outbuilding. These extensions can be connected to your main home, but they can also be a great way to add separate living quarters for your mother-in-law, a lodger or anyone else.

5. Work With a Professional

Finally, to generate more ideas, contact a professional with experience with first and second floor extensions. They can let you look through their portfolio for ideas, and they can customise plans for your needs.


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