As a complete construction layperson, I have been wondering what additional costs would arise if only the ground floor is built initially and the upper floor is added later.
The situation is as follows: A couple wants to build a house but is unsure whether they want children or if having children will even be possible. The idea is therefore to fully plan the house including the upper floor (structural engineering, plumbing, etc.) but to build only the ground floor with a flat roof at first. If it becomes clear that they will have children, the house would be extended by one story.
As a layperson, I imagine that the flat roof would later be removed and leveled to create the floor slab for the upper story. Accordingly, the staircase opening must be planned from the start. I see challenges mainly with adapting the heating system—it would likely be undersized and would need to be replaced. Plumbing and other conduits could already be installed in advance since the layout for both the ground floor and upstairs is planned.
Is it really as simple as the layperson imagines? Roughly speaking, what additional costs can be expected compared to building the upper floor right away?
The situation is as follows: A couple wants to build a house but is unsure whether they want children or if having children will even be possible. The idea is therefore to fully plan the house including the upper floor (structural engineering, plumbing, etc.) but to build only the ground floor with a flat roof at first. If it becomes clear that they will have children, the house would be extended by one story.
As a layperson, I imagine that the flat roof would later be removed and leveled to create the floor slab for the upper story. Accordingly, the staircase opening must be planned from the start. I see challenges mainly with adapting the heating system—it would likely be undersized and would need to be replaced. Plumbing and other conduits could already be installed in advance since the layout for both the ground floor and upstairs is planned.
Is it really as simple as the layperson imagines? Roughly speaking, what additional costs can be expected compared to building the upper floor right away?
H
HilfeHilfe27 Sep 2016 15:24I believe the additional financial effort for such a project is not proportional. It would be better to build two fully finished floors and rent out one upper floor.
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daniels8727 Sep 2016 15:43A flat roof may not be the best choice here. Perhaps a low-pitched gable roof would be better, then dismantle the roof structure and rebuild it on the upper floor. However, everything needs to be carefully planned, including the structural engineering and other technical aspects.
K
Knallkörper27 Sep 2016 16:02Probably completely uneconomical due to the logistical effort alone. Setting up the construction site twice. During the renovation, the house is uninhabitable. All tradespeople have to come twice and will charge for it. Permits or planning permissions must certainly be obtained for both stages, including the preparation of all necessary documents such as structural calculations and energy performance certificates. Additionally, the costs for building and dismantling a roof, which alone will probably amount to 50,000 euros.
... A new extension means obtaining a building permit / planning permission and ending up with a construction site again. Forget the naive idea. You can plan a low-pitched gable roof that provides space for two comfortable and sufficient rooms and a bathroom. At first, there is no need to finish it. Alternatively, you can do it later or turn it into a multipurpose room right away.
Thank you very much for the responses.
We would be willing to pay a certain extra cost for that. However, I do not want to rent out any part of the house, neither the ground floor (since then I would lose the garden or have to share it) nor the upper floor, because then people would be moving around above our heads again. Aside from that, you never know how tenants will behave 😉
Yes, two building permits / planning permissions would be required.
I think we will continue with the option you, ypg, suggested, not to finish the upper floor or attic. Unless the structural engineer can provide us with a fairly accurate estimate of the additional costs and the amount suits us.
We would be willing to pay a certain extra cost for that. However, I do not want to rent out any part of the house, neither the ground floor (since then I would lose the garden or have to share it) nor the upper floor, because then people would be moving around above our heads again. Aside from that, you never know how tenants will behave 😉
Yes, two building permits / planning permissions would be required.
I think we will continue with the option you, ypg, suggested, not to finish the upper floor or attic. Unless the structural engineer can provide us with a fairly accurate estimate of the additional costs and the amount suits us.
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