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Second Storey Additions for Multigenerational Families

In today’s ever-changing world, it’s not uncommon to see multigenerational families living under one roof. Whether it’s to share costs, provide convenient babysitting options, or leverage the strengths of different generations, more and more families are embracing the benefits of multigenerational living. One solution that has become increasingly popular in catering to growing families is the addition of a second storey to the family home. In this blog post, we’ll explore how multigenerational families are capitalising on second storey additions to accommodate their expanding needs and enjoy a host of advantages that come with this choice.

Shared Costs:

One of the primary reasons why multigenerational families are turning to second storey additions is the significant cost savings that can be achieved. The initial investment in expanding your home may seem daunting, but when you consider the long-term benefits, it becomes a wise financial decision. By adding a second storey, families can effectively double their living space without incurring the astronomical expenses of relocating to a larger home. The costs of a second storey addition can often be shared among the family members, making it a financially sustainable solution for everyone involved.

No Need to Move:

Moving to a new home can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. It often means uprooting your family, leaving behind a familiar neighborhood, and adapting to a new environment. With a second storey addition, you can avoid all these hassles. You get to stay in the place you’ve called home, maintain your connections with the community, and preserve the memories associated with your existing house. The continuity and stability that come with not having to move are especially important for children and seniors in the family.

Built-In Babysitting:

One of the many advantages of multigenerational living is the availability of built-in babysitters. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings can provide childcare when needed, allowing parents to take some well-deserved time for themselves. With a second storey addition, you can create a designated space for the older generation to stay comfortably while ensuring privacy and convenience for everyone. This arrangement is a win-win for both childcare and bonding among family members.

Leveraging Multigenerational Parenting Styles:

Each generation brings its unique parenting styles and experiences to the table. Multigenerational living allows for the exchange of wisdom, knowledge, and different approaches to parenting. A second storey addition can provide separate living spaces for each generation, which is vital for maintaining a sense of independence while still benefiting from the collective family support system. This dynamic can result in a holistic approach to childcare and child-rearing that enhances the well-being and development of the younger generation.

Build a Second Storey Addition today:

Multigenerational families are discovering the myriad of benefits of second storey additions in accommodating their growing households. These additions offer the advantages of shared costs, the convenience of not having to move, built-in babysitting, and the opportunity to leverage multigenerational parenting styles. By choosing to expand upward instead of outward, families can create a harmonious living environment that fosters both togetherness and individuality. If you’re part of a multigenerational family looking to capitalise on the benefits of second storey additions, it’s essential to consult with experts like 32 Degrees Building to help make your vision a reality. Embracing multigenerational living can bring joy, financial relief, and a stronger sense of unity to your family.



Preparing for Your Second Storey Addition: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you gearing up for an exciting second storey addition to your home? It’s a big project that promises a beautiful transformation of your living space. But before the construction can begin, there are some essential preparations you should make to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to get your home ready for the upcoming second storey addition build.

1. Clear the Ground Floor: Before the construction begins, it’s crucial to clear out your ground floor. Move any furniture, belongings, or clutter that might get in the way of the builders. Additionally, if there are any large or valuable items that you can’t relocate, cover them with tarps to protect them from dust and debris. This step is essential to provide the builders with a clean and unobstructed workspace.

2. Invest in an Air Purifier: Construction can be a dusty affair, even with the most diligent cleanup efforts. To help combat the dust generated during the second storey addition build, consider investing in an air purifier. This device will improve air quality in your home, making it more comfortable to live in during the construction process. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy living environment. It is also to be prepared for the fact that post-construction you will still have dust settling.

3. Prepare Your Garden: If you have an outdoor garden or patio area, make sure to prepare it for the upcoming construction. Remove any garden items, such as hoses, outdoor furniture, and potted plants, and store them safely. This will ensure that your outdoor space remains free of damage and clutter during the build.

4. Scaffolding Considerations: Scaffolding will be erected around the perimeter of your home as part of the construction process. To facilitate this, it’s essential to clear the area around your house. Remove any external items, including tables, chairs, and any other outdoor equipment. This not only ensures a safe construction environment but also makes the work more efficient.

5. Protect Your Personal Items: While the builders will take every precaution to protect your home, it’s wise to safeguard your personal belongings. Remove and safely store items like televisions, artwork, and decorations. Additionally, take down any pictures or artwork hanging on your walls. These precautions will minimize the risk of damage to your cherished possessions.

Preparation is key when embarking on a second storey addition to your home. By following these essential steps, you’ll create a safe and efficient environment for the construction team, protect your belongings from dust and damage, and ensure a smoother building process. With the right preparations, your second storey addition will be a seamless and exciting home improvement project. At 32 Degrees Building, we’re dedicated to helping you transform your house into your dream home. Contact us today to discuss your project and make your vision a reality!




Building Your Dream Home: Plans First or Builder First?

When embarking on a Second Storey Addition, Ground Floor Extension or Large Scale Renovation project, one of the critical decisions you’ll face is whether to start with architectural plans or consult a builder first. It’s a topic that often divides opinions, with some advocating for plans first and others for the builder-first approach. At 32 Degrees Building, we believe that choosing the builder-first approach can save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches down the road. In this blog, we’ll explore why it might be in your best interest to consult a builder before diving into architectural plans.

1. The Budget-Conscious Approach: One of the initial concerns when starting any construction project is budgeting. Will your dream design align with your financial resources? Architects are experts at creating beautiful designs, but they might not fully understand your budget constraints. By approaching a builder first, you can get an accurate quotation upfront, allowing you to make informed decisions about your project’s scope and financial feasibility.

2. Realistic Cost Assessment: Builders are well-versed in construction costs, market trends, and material expenses. When you consult a builder first, you tap into their expertise. They can provide valuable insights into cost-effective design choices and suggest alternatives that can save you money without sacrificing your vision.

3. Holistic Project Management: Opting for a builder-first approach means you’re not just receiving a quote. You’re partnering with professionals who can handle the preliminary aspects of your project, including architectural plans, engineering, and approval processes. This holistic approach saves you time, money, and the stress of coordinating various services independently.

4. Avoiding Costly Redesigns: Imagine spending a significant sum on independent architectural plans, only to discover that they don’t fit your budget or your vision needs adjustments. The cost of revisions or a complete redesign can be substantial. When you consult a builder first, they will work with you on your plans early on and provide valuable feedback, helping you avoid expensive changes later in the process.

5. Standard Preliminaries Simplified: At 32 Degrees Building, we offer a comprehensive preliminary service that covers all essential aspects of your project, such as architectural plans, surveys, BASIX compliance, environmental assessments, waste management planning, external colour scheduling, structural adequacy certificates, engineering plans, stormwater plans, Sydney Water Tap-In Approval, and assistance with the application process to Council or Certifier. Our bundled service not only streamlines the process but also offers cost savings compared to sourcing these services independently.

6. Cost Efficiency: Contrary to popular belief, obtaining preliminary services independently may not save you money. Our integrated package is designed to be more cost-effective while ensuring that all necessary aspects are handled efficiently.

Conclusion: In the pursuit of your dream home, the choice between plans first or builder first can significantly impact your project’s success. At 32 Degrees Building, we advocate for the builder-first approach, which provides you with a realistic cost assessment, holistic project management, and valuable insights to align your vision with your budget. Our comprehensive preliminary service simplifies the process and offers cost-efficiency.

To learn more about how our builder-first approach can benefit your second-storey addition, ground floor extension, or large-scale renovation, please contact us. We’re here to help you turn your dream home into a reality while keeping your project on track and within budget.




32 Degrees Building are participating in The Push-Up Challenge

32 Degrees Building are participating in The Push Up Challenge in June to support and improve Mental Health across Australia.

Our team will be completing 3,144 push-ups across each of our projects over 23 days, putting a spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021.

Not only are we supporting the health of our team and raising mental health awareness in the construction industry, we are contributing towards interventions and preventions for depression, anxiety and suicide. As a company we have set out to achieve a goal of raising $2,000. You can view our donation and team page here to keep track of the push-ups completed! https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/leanmeanpushingmachines

If you see the team trying to bust out their push-ups for the day, please shout out and support our team with words of encouragement!




NEW PRODUCT: Weathertex Weathergroove Fusion

Weathergroove Fusion is a brand new, exclusively designed architectural panel that is perfect for external and internal applications. It combines the grooves from popular Weathertex profiles to create a unique style that is trendy and stylish.

Available in two finishes, Natural and Smooth, this architectural panel retains every measure of durability and safety that Weathertex is known for. This makes it the perfect solution for those looking to add a second storey to their homes.

If you are looking for a stylish and trendy solution for the cladding of your second storey addition, then look no further than Weathergroove Fusion.

Talk to our team to see how you can incorporate this into your build.




New NCC Changes – effective from 1st May 2023

Changes are coming to the National Construction Code (NCC). Starting May 1, 2023, there will be a broad range of updates to the NCC that will impact the design and construction of Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations.

These changes are essential for ensuring that Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations are built to the highest standards of safety, livability, and efficiency.

So, what do you need to know about the NCC changes?

The changes are being implemented in two stages, with the first stage beginning on May 1, 2023. The second stage will begin on October 1, 2023, and will include further reforms relating to livable housing, energy efficiency, and condensation management.

Some of the key changes in stage one that affect Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations include updates to the following:

  • Internal and external waterproofing
  • Falls to floor wastes
  • Cladding and gutters and downpipes
  • Corrosion protection for steel framing
  • Sanitary plumbing and drainage
  • Timber framing, bracing and connections of balconies to external walls

NCC 2022 will apply to Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extension and Large Scale Renovations where construction approval applications are submitted from May 1, 2023, though how this applies can vary from state to state.




Builders you can trust

 

At 32 Degrees Building, we take great pride in our ability to deliver exceptional building solutions to our clients. We specialise in Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extensions, and Large Scale Renovations, and we are here to stay.

Our well-run operations and capable management team are two key reasons we have become a trusted name in the industry. We understand the importance of clear communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. Our management team comprises experienced professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the industry. They are passionate about their work and are always looking for ways to improve our processes and deliver better results to our clients.

We are also proud to be a profitable and financially stable company. Our solid financial strength means that we have the resources and stability to continue operating through tough economic times, which means that our clients can trust us to complete their projects no matter what.

We are the experts in Second Storey Additions, Ground Floor Extensions, and Large Scale Renovations. We understand the unique challenges that these projects can present, and we have the skills and expertise to ensure that the end result is exactly what our clients envision. We are committed to delivering a stress-free and successful project from the initial consultation to the final handover.

At 32 Degrees Building, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. Our dedication to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service set us apart from our competitors. Whether you want to add a second storey to your home, extend your ground floor, or undertake a large-scale renovation project, we are the team you can trust.

If you’re looking for a reliable and trusted builder for your next Second Storey Addition, Ground Floor Extension, or Large Scale Renovation project, look no further than 32 Degrees Building. Our well-run operations, capable management team, and solid financial strength make us the perfect choice for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your building goals.




Have you got what it takes?

With Australian borders now open and immigration accepting overseas workers again, there is no better time than now for skilled overseas trades to start applying for work in Australia.

At present, there is a skilled labour shortage across the construction industry in Australia with many companies seeking multiple trades to show up and put their hard-earned skills to use.

At 32 Degrees Building, we employ our team of trades. For us, this means that we are limiting the use of subcontractors so we can manage the quality of the work we are delivering to our clients and to avoid delays in our timelines. For our employees, this ensures they have guaranteed permanent ongoing work, weekly pay and leave entitlements.

What does it take to secure a position with our team?
– A good attitude – you must want to work
– A desire to learn and develop your skills to ensure quality outcomes
– It is essential that you arrive on time, and leave on time – pretty easy right! AND as a reward, you get an early finish on Friday’s as a bonus for your commitment and productivity achievements during the week
– For those that want it, we also offer future career growth opportunities
– You must have your own transport, we will provide your uniform
– We support skilled migration and 482 skilled Employer sponsorship.

We are currently looking to expand our divisions, and we have plenty of job opportunities available. Think you’ve got what it takes?

Click here for more information and to Apply Now 

Overseas Skilled Workers

We are an approved company for overseas migrants who are seeking a 482 visa.

Let us accelerate your migration journey to Australia faster, quicker, and smoother!

See you down under!

How do I know if my home has been built properly?

At the front of mind for the majority of homeowners entering into any building project, is the question of how to know whether the works they have started have been built with care, are within specifications and comply with the rules and regulations and have ultimately been built properly.

It is important to understand the process, stages, checks and requirements each build goes through and we’ve put together some information to help explain the process and the different stakeholders involved and their key role in your build;

These can be broken down as follows:

  1. Principal Certifying Authority (PCA);
  2. Engineer;
  3. Builder;
  4. Quality Assurance Program;
  5. Certificates;
  6. Defect Period.
  7. Statutory Warranty Period

Principal Certifying Authority (PCA)
A Principal Certifier is engaged to carry out mandatory inspections associated with a build during the construction process. They are there to ensure the structure is completed in accordance with the approved consent (DA/CC or CDC), as well as to check compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements

Generally for a second storey addition, the mandatory inspections that the Certifier will undertake during the build may look like this:
– After excavation for and prior to the placement of any footings
– Prior to pouring any in-situ reinforced concrete building element
– Prior to covering of the framework for any floor, wall, roof, or other building element
– Prior to covering waterproofing in any wet areas
– Prior to covering any stormwater drainage connections
– After the building work has been completed & prior to any Occupation Certificate being issued in relation to the building

Upon completion of mandatory inspections, completion of all works associated with the approval and final documents/certificates provided, an Occupation Certificate will be issued.

Engineer
A structural design plan is generally prepared by registered professional engineers, and, are based on information provided by the architectural drawings. They provide details for how a building or other structure will be built.
It is not uncommon for engineering revisions to occur during the build following onsite inspections by the engineer and consultation with the project manager. The engineer is there to confirm that the structure has been built in accordance with his plans and certifies the overall structural adequacy of the build. This certificate is provided to the Certifier.

Inspections undertaken by engineers may look like this;
– Prior to pouring any in-situ reinforced concrete building element
– Prior to covering of the framework for any floor, wall, roof, or other building element
– Prior to covering any stormwater drainage connections (if required – based upon the hydraulic design)

Builder
The role of the builder is to interpret the architectural drawings, structural drawings, surveys plan and all approved documentation and construct the building in accordance with these. The builder will then coordinate, schedule and oversee the multiple skilled trades to undertake each component of the build and then liaise and coordinate the inspections with the engineer and certifier during the build at critical stages to confirm compliance with the BCA and that the build is structurally sound.

There are multiple trades, suppliers and deliveries to be managed by your builder during a build. To name a few of the trades that would work on your home; carpenters, plasterers, concreters, brick layers, plumbers, welders, electricians, waterproofers, roofers, tilers, labourers, cabinet makers, showerscreen installers, glaziers, staircase installers, painters, flooring installers, insulation installers, asbestos removalists, air conditioning installers, renderers.

Your builder should be able to provide you with a copy of the timeline of your build but don’t be alarmed if dates change during your build with certain items – this is normal, given the multiple trades and deliveries happening! As long as your builder is within your contract period, you only need to focus on your finish date and ensuring that any materials you have to supply are onsite by the date communicated to you. Should you have any concerns with your finish date being on track, just reach out to your builder and their team for clarification. They are there to help.

Quality Assurance Program
As you can see the roles of the builder, engineer and Certifier do a lot to ensure your build is completed in compliance with the BCA and the approved plans, sometimes, it can be easy to overlook the minor items during the build and this is where our quality assurance program steps in. As an additional check across all of our builds, we arrange for an independent building inspector to complete a progress inspection at the Lock up and Rough in stage and a final inspection pre-handover.
This is an added layer of reassurance for us and our clients to ensure you are receiving the highest quality build.

Certificates
Following Practical Completion, certificates are provided to the certifier.
These are from the individual trades to certify their work has been completed in compliance with the Australian Standards.
Certificates required but not limited to:
– Engineering structural adequacy certificate
– Waterproofing certificate for each wet area
– Insulation certificate
– Glazing certificate
– Electricians CCEW certificate
– Smoke alarm certificate
– Plumbing certificate of compliance

Defect Period
Upon completion of your build and reaching Practical Completion, you will have a 13 week minor maintenance period. This is for the builder to attend to minor defects that would have been listed during your Practical Completion walkthrough but don’t prevent you from moving into your new space.

What happens when your defect period ends?
There are statutory warranties on your build.
This means that should any issue arise with the works on your home, you may reach out to your builder and make a claim; within six years for major defects and within two years for other defects from the date of completion.

By providing photos and videos to the builder, they can then investigate and determine whether it relates to the builder/contractor’s workmanship and attend to the defect for you. Industry guidance materials like the Fair Trading Standards and Tolerances guide can assist in determining a defect.

Dispute Resolution
Open communication with your builder goes a long way to easily resolving defects without the need to take legal action. Generally, if a builder and/or the owner are concerned with defects at the home, the builder may arrange an independent inspection with an engineer or building inspector, this then allows an impartial view and you can then discuss any concerns with your builder to work with you on. Alternatively, if there is a communication breakdown, either you or the Builder can formally request for Fair Trading to assist in dispute resolution and in most cases the Inspector will arrange to meet with you and the builder on-site to inspect the work under dispute and act as a mediator and issue an order of rectification if it’s required. If your builder is no longer operating, then you can submit a claim through your Home Warranty.




32 Degrees Building Quality Assurance Program

32 Degrees Building cares about the quality and finish of your build. Our Quality Assurance Program ensures that throughout and at the end of the build a clear picture of the quality and completeness of the construction is achieved.

Our Quality Assurance Program includes a progress inspection and a final inspection which is undertaken by an independent building inspector. The inspections we conduct are as follows:

Progress Inspection: The building consultant will thoroughly inspect frames & trusses, cavity drainage and flashings, brickwork & thresholds at the lock-up and rough-in stage ahead of the plasterboard being installed.

Final Inspection: The building consultant will undertake a comprehensive inspection of all new internal and external areas ahead of handover and before the signoff of practical completion is reached.

These reports will highlight defects (if any) that require us to attend to and upon finalisation of the Progress Inspection and Final Inspection, a Certificate is issued confirming that all Quality Assurance requirements have been met.

The abovementioned inspections are conducted in addition to the principal certifying authority (PCA) inspections and engineering inspections and will as a whole ensure that the highest quality build has been provided to you at handover.