"Matters for consideration when doing Additions and Alterations Works"
“I think I’d like to add a second floor to my house. And perhaps build a small study with an attached toilet on the ground floor. Mmmm, I’ll contact a contractor tomorrow, show him this picture in the magazine and tell him this is exactly what I want. Oh, I’ll also give him a budget he must work within.” ~Home-owner
Sounds familiar? It should – because these are the likely thought processes of home-owners before they embark on additions and alterations (A&A).
Unfortunately, on various counts, this is the wrong approach. With our industry experience, Meridian Homes® would like to explain why this method is headed for disaster.
A home-owner often forgets that the existing services infrastructure – like the incoming water supply, sewer and plumping pipes – may not be able to support the new extended building.
If the job involves the re-location of utility meters to the front of the house, the entire internal network may need to be revamped or renewed. If the project includes putting in another floor with a toilet, you may need to put up a water tank with ancillaries like a water heater, pumps, pipes and possibly even mechanical ventilation.
With the additional demand for water and electricity after A&A, you would need to put in place the services infrastructure right at the start
Finishes like floor tiles, timber floor finishes, plastering smoothness may differ…old and new have different standards so sometimes in a major A & A, to re-finish all floor, wall & ceiling finishes.
Roof reconstruction should be taken in its entirety and not mere roof tile replacement. Most timber structures, while may be in good condition, are at its lifespan end especially when you consider the fact that it is located in a high temperature setting. With the frequent showers (high humidity), it puts the timber used in a highly demanding environment. We strongly recommend to renew the timber structures, from purlin, to rafters to the battens to be replaced. Because of the secondary costs related to replacing a roof, like ceiling (it has to be replaced when the roof is replaced), lighting fixtures, insulation, nails, rainwater down pipe, as well as related works like scaffolding, painting and others, it is more cost effective to replace the whole roof structure (timber/and or steel) and fabric at one go…don’t second guess and don’t save on this one!!
