Extended Flexibility

Sunday Times, Home Magazine, 22nd March 2009

A bit of creativity has given the owners of this Mt Hawthorn home extra space without having to add an upper level.

Clever design has enabled this character home to be extended without the addition of a second storey. On a small 455sqm block, the owners thought they needed to build up in order to increase the size of their Mt Hawthorn home.

When the owners initially contacted Dale Alcock Home Improvement to renovate their home, they asked for a second storey as they wanted two extra rooms to be added to the two they had.

But the renovators were able to draw up a plan that extended the home without the new level. This also helped them stay within the budget.

Dale Alcock Home Improvement added an open-plan lounge and dining area landing out to the back yard giving the owners the option to convert the original lounge at the front of the home into a bedroom.

The new study added at the back could also be converted to a bedroom, if the family continued to grow.

"The clients liked their home and the area but were not happy with the space they had," building designer Steve Kemp says.

The owners can now keep an eye on the kids playing in the back yard while relaxing in the new living/dining area.

The double doors leading to the back yard complement the original character of the home.

"We matched all the doors and windows to the rest of the house so the extension is seamless," Steve says.

He says the style of the original living area was "very '70s" and outdated.

"There wasn't a lot of light coming through because of the patio in front," Steve says.

Dale Alcock Home Improvement knocked down the back veranda and patio to extend the home.

They also raised the ceiling in the new open-plan lounge and dining area.

"The new floor plan works better for the family, and give them more options," Steve says.

Jarrah timber floors were used in the extension.

"All the materials we used matched the existing home to retain its character," Steve says.

A new carport was also added to the property.

"The owners used a small metal patio roof at the front of the home as a carport before the renovation," he says.

"It detracted from the character of the home so we added a free standing carport which enhanced the look."

Steve says the owners are happy with the flexible floor plan as they have more space and more options without having to move from the area.