Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Feb 09, 2012 10:39 am Hi everyone, Been following for awhile but just joined today. My partner and I just bought a 2 x 1 brick cottage in the Western suburbs and while the rest of the house is fantastic, the kitchen and 'dining' room (not much of one) are just beyond awful. I don't know how the current owners lasted for five years with the existing kitchen because it truly looks like it is in its original state (35+ years old) with cupboards hanging off the walls, old chimney alcove, no storage space, etc. It is TINY! Anyway, my husband and I would like to build an extension to include an updated kitchen, 2nd bathroom and 3rd bedroom/office. It's likely that the current kitchen and dining area would need to be demolished, along with an outdoor toilet and laundry, to accommodate the extension. Now, we completely understand that the cost of extensions is very high, particularly in WA so we're willing to make any changes necessary to keep costs down. In fact, we're happy to just literally have a the extension built (the shell) with walls finished, but we can work progressively on the bathroom and bedroom ourselves over time (when finances allow). The main issue is just having the kitchen completed, and we're willing to choose basic options that can be upgraded. We don't however want to only build an extension for a new kitchen, since it seems like a bit of a waste when we know we will need more room in the future. So, my real question is whether this is possible on a $100,000 budget? We're probably looking at a 75 sqm total extension. Does that sound about right for what we require? This is a home that we want to grow into for many years to come (i.e. having a family, etc.) Any and all suggestions on cutting costs, choosing a builder, cliffs to jump off of, are all very much appreciated! Re: $100,000 Home Extension? Possible? 2Feb 10, 2012 11:48 am At a figure of $1333 per m2 for an extension, even if it didn't include a kitchen upgrade I'd say NO you can't. If you are able to owner built the renovation and only pay for Electrician, Plumber, other things that require a license to complete, you might be able to do it. 3yrs ago we got a quote to add 109mq and it was $250k+ without a new kitchen and only included basic range fittings, no floor coverings and no site works. Kitchens can be on e of the most expensive if you have a complete solution type company come in and do the job. Does the work you want done in the kitchen require the other work to be done before the kitchen? Re: $100,000 Home Extension? Possible? 3Feb 10, 2012 12:50 pm Well the plan was to put in a third bedroom/office in the place of the current kitchen, and a second bathroom in the place of the current dining area. Both the existing kitchen and dining area are very small, and are located in the 'sleepout' back section of the house. This would need to be demolished before any work could take place. The problem we're facing is that if we decide to renovate (rather than extend) the existing kitchen (which would be a bit of a logistical nightmare, the renovating that is), we would not want to move the kitchen during an extension at a later date. So it ties our hands a bit at future plans since we know we definitely want to build a 2nd bathroom and third bedroom. We have family members who are architects and plumbers, so can cut costs that way, but I don't think $100,000 will stretch that far regardless. That sucks! Hope it all works out. Good to move away from steel anyway for all your reasons, but it's also thermally poor. 16 17724 In Qld it is a requirement that a builder must have a cost breakdown, for building a home to the same specification, with the same inclusions and the same finish. So ask… 1 1681 yes it is possible but watch for noise transmission, decouple as best you can. Maybe wider top and bottom plates with 70mm studs to allow the cabinet to be recessed fully 1 6610 |