Period Home Extension

Period Extensions & Design > Period Home Extension

Tag: Period Home Extension

Period Home Renovation Ideas
CategoriesPeriod Home Renovation

Period Home Renovation Ideas 

By Period Extensions Team,

Period Home Renovation Ideas

Period homes are delicately beautiful. Renovating them needs just the right balance of maintaining the structural integrity of the house, elevating the historic features, and integrating modern touches for aesthetics and comfort. 

Your period home can be renovated so you can achieve just the right mix of functionality, style, and comfort. When done right, your property value can increase significantly. Sounds like a dream right?

With this in mind, following are some period home renovation ideas to add a touch of style and pops of colour to your home.

Industrial Touches

Keep the classic period designs and colour but elevate your home with practical industrial touches with a sense of style. This is a less expensive solution in adding a modern touch to your period home.

Here are some industrial touches you can apply when renovating your home:

  • Steel Framed Doors and Windows – black-framed doors and windows will look great in contrast to your white-painted walls or brick walls.
  • Some exposed metal plumbing pipes or heater are practical and stylishly modern.
  • Copper lighting and fixtures can give your place pops of colour and a modern twist. This is a simple and effective way to modernise your space without changing the classic design and layout.
  • Use modern appliances and fixtures. This is a practical and functional way to keep the classic design while keeping your home updated with modern technology. Period homes do not have to function as a period home.
  • Use practical industrial accessories that are both functional and stylish like stylish metal racks or copper hanging bookcases.

Showcase Classic features

By highlighting one or two features of a classic period home, it gives it an updated look. For example, keeping the beams exposed and highlighted by painting the ceilings white or any light neutral colours.

By updating the paint job, you highlight the beams. This can make the features pop and the house look new but keep the classic feel.

Period Home Renovation Ideas

Classic Design, Modern Colours

If you love the classic look all throughout the house, play with colours to make your house pop. Adding bold or strong colours on small, strategic places can make a big difference to the aesthetics. 

Classic With Modern Touches

Don’t be afraid to mix modern and classic. Pick a single spot where you can add a modern twist. For example:

  • Use metal sheets or corrugated metal for one side of your outside wall. 
  • Use modern doors and windows. 
  • Inject life into your classic home by using a charcoal-stained larch facade.
  • Keep it exciting by using automated, remote-controlled windows and sliding doors.

Make It Functional

Make the space more functional by making your spaces usable. For example:

  • Add more bookshelves to your walls.
  • Put chairs and ottomans on corner nooks so they can be used as reading nooks.
  • Convert your attics into a children’s study or playroom. 
  • Put a study table in a spacious corner.

Use Sleek, Modern Glass Designs

Adding a sleek glass partition or adding an all-glass extension to a very classic home can look great when planned right. Adding a super modern addition can work well with your period home as long as you keep it simple and streamlined. The contrast can be breathtaking.

Period Home Renovation Ideas

Free Up Some Space

Most period homes have curves, birches, wood lining, and many finishes. Free up more space by taking them out and using a more streamlined design. Take out the bulky cabinets and put in more practical storage.

Black & White Bathroom

Keep a modern surprise up your sleeve for your house guests. Imagine your friends coming into your beautiful classic period home and being pleasantly surprised when going into your powder room or bathroom.

A black and white bathroom or a sunny, beach-themed one can be a wonderful contrast to your classic design.

Use Modern Storage to Your Classic Design

Use modern shelving and storage spaces. Add soft accessories that are practical and serve as design elements. For example, you can use rattan or colourful fabric storage accessories or automated drawers.

Use Modern Tiles

A small modern touch like tiles for your splashbacks can change the look and the vibe of the whole space. When dealing with a period home, it is important not to ruin the design integrity of the house. Choose subtle but classy modern additions.

Renovating your home is not an easy job on so many levels. Achieving that dream design is hard work. However, it can be achieved. It is crucial that you seek professional help when renovating your home.

A renovation project can be a money pit if you trust the wrong contractor. And doing it yourself can potentially do more damage than good.

Period Extensions & Designs is a trusted industry leader in period home renovations. You do not want to trust your home to anyone else. We deliver award-winning, premium home renovations across Melbourne.

When it comes to innovation and setting the standards, we are here to help! We are ready to support you from the design stage to completion. We are here for you!

Give us a call today on 03 9882 5255 or message us through our contact form.

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension
CategoriesHome Renovation

Is A Permit Needed When Adding A Small Extension To A Home?

By Period Extensions Team,

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension

Are you planning to add a small extension to your home or carry out a small renovation? If so, please continue to read on for some important information.

Before conducting any type of home renovation, it is especially important that you not only ensure that the necessary building inspections are carried out but that you also secure a building permit.

However, depending on the significance and scale of the construction, having to secure a building permit may not be necessary. 

What Is A Building Permit?

Before we discuss whether a permit is necessary for adding a small extension to your home, it is best to understand exactly what a building permit is.

A building permit is issued by a registered building surveyor acknowledging that the plans and documentation submitted by your contractor have satisfied the relevant Building Regulations.

A building surveyor provides authority for building works to commence and is required for most new home builds, extensions and renovations.

Permits are essential because they ensure that your construction projects comply with all the local safety, health, and structural requirements and standards to ensure the general safety of not just yourself, but of others too. 

Moreover, permits are required for you to collect insurance in the event that your construction project is unsuccessful or suffers from unforeseen circumstances (for example, if a fire breaks out). 

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension To Home

Do All Types of Construction and Renovation Projects Require A Permit?

The simple answer: no. If you are conducting a project for minimal replacements or repairs, then you or a professional contractor can perform repairs and replacements without needing to apply for a permit.

For example, you may not require a building permit if you are making changes to the interior if it doesn’t alter the structure of your home such as:

1). Repairing or maintaining a part of your home
2). Remodelling your kitchen or bathroom
3). Replacing windows
4). Installing a wood heater

However, permits may be necessary for larger-scale projects that alter the structure of your home. Listed below are some scenarios in which a building permit may be required:

1). Adding an extension to an existing building
2). Changing the structure of a building
3). Installing a fence higher than 2 meters
4). Placing a shed bigger than 10m²
5). Constructing a swimming pool which is at least 300 mm deep
6). Installing a bay or corner type window which involves having to change the wall’s structure so that it fits

Therefore, if your construction project involves having to alter the structure and shape of the property in question, then chances are that you may need to secure a building permit.

Is Permit Needed When Adding Small Extension To Home

What Else Do I Need To Know About Securing Building Permits?

Before you get a building permit, it is important to identify first whether or not your project will need a planning permit.

A planning permit gives the builder authority to build/modify land that is subject to Council Regulations. 

Your local council is responsible for issuing a planning permit. If your project requires a planning permit then it must be obtained before you obtain a building permit. 

Applying for a building permit usually follows the following steps: 

  • Obtaining the necessary plans and documentation
  • Choosing a building surveyor 
  • Filling out a building application form
  • Paying the fees associated with the scope of the project. 

As a tip to help you out, when securing a building permit, it is important that you hire an experienced contractor who can help assist and guide you through this application process.

This can often be tricky for the homeowner so having someone familiar with the process will definitely be a big help.

Final Thoughts

Building permits are necessary for projects that involve changing the structure of the property in question. As such, because adding an extension, big or small, changes the structure of your home, you will need to secure a permit for this.

However, you don’t need to be intimidated by this! If ever you need guidance through the process, there are many experienced contractors who can help you fulfil all the necessary steps before you proceed with executing your construction project. 

If you are looking for an experienced and trustworthy professional to help you out with each and every step of your home renovation, look no further than Period Extensions & Designs.

Whether you need help with the design or the actual renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Should Build Extension On Period Home
CategoriesHome Renovation

Should I Build An Extension On My Period Home?

By Period Extensions Team,

Should Build Extension On Period Home

There are two main reasons people build home extensions on their period home in Melbourne – necessity or to add value. However, the most common reason people build an extension on their house is the basic need for space.

When you have a growing family and your space is becoming cramped, it is time to extend. Or, maybe you are planning to start a family so are thinking ahead?

Then, of course, we all know that a home extension can improve your house aesthetically and increase the market value, so can also be a worthwhile money-making exercise.

Whatever the reason may be, there is no doubt that a home extension adds value to your property.

Things to Consider Before Building an Extension

  • Budget – Building an extension can become a money trap if you do not plan ahead and set a budget. How much are you willing to spend on an extension? Is it enough for the extra space you want to add? Do some research so you can make an accurate estimate or consult with a builder or contractor so you know what to expect and can set an accurate budget.
  • Timeline – Do you have a deadline for the project? Do you need the extra room before your baby is due? It is important to set a timeline and plan the project around it.
  • Scale – How big is the new space you are planning to add? This is important because your timeline and your budget mainly depend on the scale of the project.
  • Do You Need to Move Out During the Build? – This is important because having some ongoing construction happening in your current home can be a major inconvenience. Therefore, you may need to actually move out so the construction crew can work without any disruptions and you can stay out of the way. However, staying in a hotel or temporary accommodation for months on end means more money spent.
  • Other considerations – Building an extension means you may need some additional work done on your plumbing, heating and electricity. This will then add to your long-term ongoing expenses so you need to check if you have enough room in your monthly budget for the additional utility expenses.

When you have ticked all these boxes, then it’s time to go to work.

Should I Build Extension On Period Home

The Design

Are you extending your kitchen, adding an extra room on the second floor, or adding a family room? The design depends on what space is actually available.

This will affect your timeline and budget. It will also help decide if you will be building on or off-site.

Will your extension compliment or contrast the main building? While most people go for a cohesive design that will blend in naturally with the existing house, a complete contrast can work well too.

Building Permits and Regulations

When carrying out the design phase of the project, there are certain building regulations and permits that may be required.

Furthermore, here are some other factors you need to keep in mind:

  • Structural Integrity
  • Ventilation
  • Fire safety
  • Damp proofing
  • Other specific factors

A professional builder will have a thorough understanding of all the permits and regulations required and can save you a lot of time by handling this process for you.

They can also take care of the other factors noted above such as structural integrity and ventilation.

Project Management

Managing a build requires great organisational skills, patience, high levels of problem-solving and decision-making skills.

This is a huge undertaking and isn’t really suited to the average homeowner, particularly if they don’t have any sort of experience with building and renovating.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended to utilise the services of an experienced professional to help with the designing and construction of any renovation you are planning, particularly where a period home is concerned.

Should I Build Extension On Period Home

Insurance

Consult your current insurer and check if they can cover the build. The home and the renovation must be covered before you start construction.

Most of the time, your contractors will have insurance. However, you need to make sure you check there are no loopholes and potential issues with the policy coverage.

Have Fun

Enjoy the process. Let this build be a fun, learning experience. Building projects like an extension is usually stressful for home-owners. It doesn’t need to be. Stick to the plan and have fun doing it.

Finishing Touches

The best part of any build is the furnishing and decorating. You have a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Keep it clean, classy and functional.

Final Thoughts

Whatever your budget is, make sure you come up with an overall cohesive design that you’re happy with. After all, you are the one who has to live with it.

Designing your extension is critical to the overall outcome so you don’t want to leave it to chance. If designing is not your strong suit, hire a professional to do it.

Furthermore, if you don’t have much experience in building or extensions, the best way to tackle the project is to hire professionals who have a proven track record of success.

If you are planning on adding an extension to your period home, then look no further than Period Extensions and Designs.

Please call us today on 03 9882 5255 or contact us through our contact form and let us help you design and build your dream period home extension.

Add to cart
DOWNLOAD OUR

TOP TIPS FOR RESTORING YOUR HOME

With over 20 years in the business, we’ve seen and done it all. Download our FREE GUIDE to restoring your period home today.