Have you been contemplating about adding a floor to your bungalow?
Bungalows are a flexible, accessible, and affordable housing option. Their biggest downside? Many bungalows fall short when it comes to space.
Those who are contemplating buying or building a bungalow may ask: can you add a floor to your bungalow to expand the living space?
The answer is yes! It is possible to add a floor to a bungalow. But the task is easier in some cases than others.
If you’re thinking of adding a floor to your bungalow, these are the things you should consider.
WHAT IS THE ROOF STRUCTURE?
Most bungalows have a traditional cut terrace roof. It is often not easy to add a floor to a bungalow with this structure. Though it may cost more, it is still possible to convert the space into a floor.
The height of the roof is another important factor. To add a floor to a bungalow, the roof of the home must be at least 2.3M tall at its peak; otherwise, there won’t be enough room to move comfortably.
Heightening the roof to accommodate a floor is an option. So is replacing one or both of the roof slopes with a new structure. However, both options significantly increase the scope and overall cost of the project.
HOW WILL YOU ACCESS THE FLOOR?
In many cases, adding a floor to a bungalow will require building a set of stairs to the new living space, which could be a challenge.
Before you set your mind to building up, it’s important to assess whether you can change the ground floor to accommodate access to the floor.
DO YOU HAVE PERMISSION?
Like any major renovation, you’ll have to obtain the proper building permits before you can add a floor to a bungalow. This step could cause a snag if you don’t prepare. Permits also impact the overall cost of the project, so don’t forget to add it to your budget.
CAN YOU AFFORD TO ADD A FLOOR TO YOUR BUNGALOW?
When budgeting for a floor addition, you’ll have to account for more than building materials.
In addition to tradespeople, the project will likely involve an architect or a structural engineer. It may require work on the home’s wiring, plumbing, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. Plus, it will turn your home into a temporary building site, which could require you to pay for alternative accommodations.
The addition of a floor can be a boom to the home’s value. An extra bedroom alone could be what settles a person’s decision to buy. After all, who wouldn’t want to wake up each day in a cosy, sloped-roof hideaway?
In the end, the cost of adding a floor to a bungalow will vary greatly from house to house. The above points are important in deciding whether it’s worth the cost.