Have you ever had a birds-eye view of Adelaide?

For a place that is said to be the driest city, in the driest State, on the driest continent on Earth – it is amazingly green.

Looking across the tree-tops of your local suburb really changes your perspective about where you live.

In fact, it’s a world-away from the hustle-and-bustle below.

So here’s the thing.

How amazing would it be, to bring some of that into your daily life?

Well you can, simply by extending up instead of out.

A few short stairs is all takes to unwind and relax in your own oasis at home.

Adding elevated space to your home is guaranteed to improve your lifestyle.

Here are some other key advantages of building a second storey addition.

Preserve yard

• Increase living space without using up precious yard space
• Retain a great sized yard for family activities
• Room for further improvements e.g. pool or alfresco area

Stunning views

• It’s hard to put a financial value on the lifestyle advantage of capturing a great view
• The value added to your home is definitely worthwhile
• Take advantage of an awkward block

More space

• Another floor could potentially double your living space
• A growing family can live comfortably

Same place

• Gain more living space without the hassle of moving
• No need to leave a great location you love

Add value

• A second storey addition will add value to your home
• Especially if you’ve also preserved good-sized outdoor space
• Good marketing tool if ever you need to sell

Save money

• Building up creates financial leverage i.e. the overall property value increases at a rate greater than the value of the addition itself
• People are surprised to learn that in many instances, adding a second storey can be more cost-effective than building outwards

Redesign space

• Improve and personalise the flow of the house e.g. bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs, common living areas downstairs
• Make the home more universal if ever you need to sell

Make changes

• Save money by simultaneously improving the ground floor, while it is being altered to support the new second storey addition

More privacy

• An important aspect of lifestyle is privacy
• Living above the roofline can greatly improve privacy

Better lifestyle

• Adding elevated space to your home is guaranteed to improve your lifestyle

Adding a second storey to a house is a smart choice.

Need a new perspective?

Adding a second storey to a house is not as scary as it sounds

6-star energy rating

SHI has the skills and experience to design a home with less reliance on heating and cooling appliances.

This family has now reduced their ongoing household costs, by building a 6-star rated energy-efficient extension.

Importantly, we can achieve a 6-star energy-efficient home without compromising on quality, practicality or visual appeal.

25-year structural warranty

SHI has a long-standing partnership with its suppliers and trades people.  We design and build sustainable home extensions by carefully sourcing and using the highest quality, environmentally sound products.

That’s why this family scored a 25-year structural warranty on their new extension.

Love your location, not your home?

Let’s talk

We’re like family to generations of South Australians who have used us time and time again to improve their lifestyle.

Why?  We’re creative people who build awesome homes.

Since 1980 we’ve been South Australia’s most trusted home improvement company specialising in home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions.

For more inspiration view our Gallery of stunning home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions here:  INSPIRE ME

Already got an idea? Call now (08) 8277 6655

The cost of second storey additions is a wise investment

What are your house extension plans?

Don’t pay for building plans

We will do it for free

Please consider the following before spending 000s on an architect

Did you know that many people are disappointed to learn the budget estimate they were given with their expensive plans were totally incorrect?

In fact, many of these plans can’t be used at all.

With Southern Home Improvements you will never be disappointed.

We will design and build your new lifestyle – no headaches.

Over the many years we’ve been doing this, we’ve talked with lots of people who are disappointed to learn the budget estimate they were given with their new extension plans from an architect were incorrect.

In most instances, they were heavily underquoted.  In our opinion, this is because architects are not builders and consequently struggle to accurately cost the full building process.  To avoid disappointment and wasting 000s of dollars, we recommend not getting your plans drawn and costed by an architect.

For peace of mind, use someone that provides a full project management service according to your budget and plans.

A lot of people still come to us with plans that have been drawn by an architect, draftsman or a building designer.

We are always amazed too hear what they have paid, sometimes several thousand dollars, to get these plans organised.

Unfortunately, we need to change these plans so much it would actually be much easier for everyone to throw them away and start fresh.

In our honest opinion after many years of doing this, building draftsman and architects do not understand the true cost of building and in the majority of cases it costs a lot more than the client’s original budget.

At Southern Home Improvements we do the following:

• Sit with the clients at their home and listen to their needs
• We look at the home to explore the best and most practical and economical way to meet all their needs within their budget
• We liaise with engineer and council to obtain building approval and we supervise all work to achieve the best result at the least time possible

Adding rooms to a house is a smart choice.

All the extensions we design and build, we consider them an entry for best extension of the year.

Building on to your home is not as scary as it sounds

6-star energy rating

SHI has the skills and experience to design a home with less reliance on heating and cooling appliances.

This family has now reduced their ongoing household costs, by building a 6-star rated energy-efficient extension.

Importantly, we can achieve a 6-star energy-efficient home without compromising on quality, practicality or visual appeal.

25-year structural warranty

SHI has a long-standing partnership with its suppliers and trades people.  We design and build sustainable home extensions by carefully sourcing and using the highest quality, environmentally sound products.

That’s why this family scored a 25-year structural warranty on their new extension.

Love your location, not your home?

Let’s talk

We’re like family to generations of South Australians who have used us time and time again to improve their lifestyle.

Why?  We’re creative people who build awesome homes.

Since 1980 we’ve been South Australia’s most trusted home improvement company specialising in home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions.

For more inspiration view our Gallery of stunning home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions here:  INSPIRE ME

Already got an idea? Call now 1800 232 177

The trusted name for home renovations extensions Adelaide

The cost of adding a room or adding rooms to a house is a wise investment

What are your house extension plans?

Nestled within the peacefully green suburb of Prospect only 5 minutes from the city, this vintage cottage is brimming with loads of character.

So it was no surprise this family did not want to leave the area and wanted to add value in the longer term. But their timeless period home was in desperate need of seamless modernising with elegance and glamour.

Described as one of the nicest places to live in Adelaide with grand homes on big blocks, Prospect has a reputation not to be tampered with.

Changing a home in a prestigious location will make anyone nervous and cautious.

That’s why for this family it was reassuring to know the person shaking their hand was the owner of the business, with 36 years’ experience improving homes around the many different suburbs of Adelaide.

We do this every day and realise you don’t.  Since 1980 several generations of Adelaide families have asked us the same question:

‘I love my location, but my home needs updating – can you help us?’

Experience counts for many things.  Perhaps most importantly what people love is someone who can design high-quality, generously sized extensions for a fair price.

The finished extension has more than doubled the size of the home and its lifestyle features. We even helped them gain finance approval for the project.

Achieving this whilst keeping the culture of the local area is the experience factor shining through in this project.

Our friends at Prospect have now settled into a better way of life without the hassle of moving.

This extension was completed early, allowing the owners to move back home and start enjoying their new lifestyle well ahead of schedule.

Adding rooms to this house was a smart choice.

We’re sharing this project with you because it captures the true essence of what it means to efficiently and sustainably improve your home in the world’s most liveable city.

Here are the details:

Our canvas

This home is a character cottage with original features to the front of the house and a rundown lean-to at the rear of the property which is servicing as a kitchen area and bathroom.

Customer’s request

Demolish the back lean-to and create more living space and a new kitchen by extending the rear of the home.

Result

Adding long-term value, the finished extension has more than doubled the size of the home and its lifestyle features:

• Large kitchen
• Large meals and living areas flowing from kitchen
• Family bathroom
• Separate laundry and WC
• Study room
• Ensuite with custom vanity and large shower
• Large WIR accessed from one of the existing bedrooms, creating master suite

The kitchen boasts extensive cabinetry storage space, stone tops and island bench with power provision.

Quality fixtures and finishes were used throughout including final fix of the kitchen appliances was included.  A GPO was included to the living room floor for owners’ convenience.

Other luxury features include:

• Western Red Cedar windows
• Large sliding door
• Timber flooring
• Colorbond CGI wall cladding
• Comfort Plus glazing

The site created some challenges in the access to the rear from the street due to established vegetation and narrow drive. A large significant tree to the rear garden required protective fencing around during the build due to closeness of the extension to ensure damage was avoided.

Prospect Home Extension 3

Prospect Home Extension 2

Prospect Home Extension 4

Prospect Home Extension 1

Prospect Home Extension 5

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Building on to your home is not as scary as it sounds

6-star energy rating

SHI has the skills and experience to design a home with less reliance on heating and cooling appliances.

This family has now reduced their ongoing household costs, by building a 6-star rated energy-efficient extension.

Importantly, we can achieve a 6-star energy-efficient home without compromising on quality, practicality or visual appeal.

25-year structural warranty

SHI has a long-standing partnership with its suppliers and trades people.  We design and build sustainable home extensions by carefully sourcing and using the highest quality, environmentally sound products.

That’s why this family scored a 25-year structural warranty on their new extension.

Love your location, not your home?

Let’s talk

We’re like family to generations of South Australians who have used us time and time again to improve their lifestyle.

Why?  We’re creative people who build awesome homes.

Since 1980 we’ve been South Australia’s most trusted home improvement company specialising in home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions.

For more inspiration view our Gallery of stunning home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions here:  INSPIRE ME

Already got an idea? Call now 1800 232 177

The trusted name for home renovations extensions Adelaide

The cost of adding a room or adding rooms to a house is a wise investment

What are your house extension plans?

Despite only being a short trip from the city, Adelaide’s southern coastline is a world-away from the hustle-and-bustle.

Hallett Cove is one such coastal community that provides for the mind, body and soul.

Local residents say they can’t imagine living anywhere else.

No wonder so many people moved to the area in the 70s and 80s and do not want to leave the seaside culture.

However, many of these neat brick family homes are now tired, in need of modernising and upgrade.

This was the case for our foodie family and it was no surprise they did not intend leaving Hallett Cove.

Every location in Adelaide has its own reputation and changing a home in a suburb with a strong seaside culture is a big decision that needs to be managed properly.

Experience counts for many things, especially when such a large makeover is planned.

That’s why for our foodie family it was reassuring to know the person shaking their hand was the owner of the business, with 36 years’ experience improving homes around the many different suburbs of Adelaide.

Perhaps most importantly what people love is someone who can design high-quality, generously sized extensions for a fair price.

We do this every day and realise you don’t.  That’s why since 1980 several generations of Adelaide families have asked us the same question:

‘I love my location, but my home needs updating – can you help us?’

The finished extension has more than doubled the size of the home and its lifestyle features.

Achieving this whilst embracing the seaside culture of the area is the experience factor shining through in this project.

Our foodie family at Hallett Cove have now settled into a better way of life without the hassle of moving.

Adding rooms to this house was a smart choice.

We’re sharing this project with you because it captures the true essence of what it means to efficiently and sustainably improve your home in the world’s most liveable city.

Here are the details:

Our canvas

This is a modest 3 bedroom neat brick property typical of the Hallett Cove area with an elevated location, owned by a family of food lovers who enjoy cooking together.

Customer’s request

Redesigning the kitchen as a larger space with improved functionality and creating outdoor entertaining and socialising space that is easily accessed was very important for the owners.

Elevated views of the ocean were also a must.

The design brief for this open plan extension includes:

• Redesigning and enlarging the kitchen
• Creating new outdoor entertaining space
• Extra ensuite bedroom and personal retreat space
• Take advantage of and maximise exceptional ocean views
• Full renovation makeover of existing living areas

Result

The finished extension has more than doubled the size of the home and its lifestyle features:

• The kitchen and dining space was increased by removing an internal dividing wall
• The new kitchen features a large island bench and extra pantry storage located under stairs
• A large tiled alfresco area accessed directly from kitchen separated with wide sliding doors
• Spacious second storey retreat with direct access to new balcony area
• Second storey master bedroom with 2-way ensuite

Balcony

Above the alfresco area is a large balcony with spectacular wide-span ocean views.

The new balcony is covered by a gable end roof supported by full height rendered piers.

A privacy screen wall protects the entertaining area and a frameless glass balustrade on the remaining sides allows unrestricted views.

Internal renovations throughout the home include:

• Timber staircase from main entry area leading to the upper level
• Double stud wall installed between the bedroom and ensuite allowing for a cavity sliding door as access
• Dividing wall in the master bedroom providing backdrop to the bed and 2-way access to large walk-in-robe
• Lining of existing vaulted ceiling
• Exposed brick walls and gyprock in family and lounge rooms
• Installation of engineered beam to support the upper storey wall

Other luxury features include:

• Water supply to fridge
• New pantry storage
• BBQ area with gas point and wet bar provision on balcony
• Floor to ceiling tiling in new ensuite
• Large end shower with full length tiled niche and frameless screen
• High spec fittings and high light window above mirror directly in line with vanity
• LED downlights installed throughout
• External rendered finish

Hallett Cove Home Extension 2

Hallett Cove Home Extension 3

Hallett Cove Home Extension 4

Hallett Cove Home Extension 5

Hallett Cove Home Extension 6

Hallett Cove Home Extension

Building on to your home is not as scary as it sounds

6-star energy rating

SHI has the skills and experience to design a home with less reliance on heating and cooling appliances.

This family has now reduced their ongoing household costs, by building a 6-star rated energy-efficient extension.

Importantly, we can achieve a 6-star energy-efficient home without compromising on quality, practicality or visual appeal.

25-year structural warranty

SHI has a long-standing partnership with its suppliers and trades people.  We design and build sustainable home extensions by carefully sourcing and using the highest quality, environmentally sound products.

That’s why this family scored a 25-year structural warranty on their new extension.

Love your location, not your home?

Let’s talk

We’re like family to generations of South Australians who have used us time and time again to improve their lifestyle.

Why?  We’re creative people who build awesome homes.

Since 1980 we’ve been South Australia’s most trusted home improvement company specialising in home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions.

For more inspiration view our Gallery of stunning home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions here:  INSPIRE ME

Already got an idea? Call now (08) 8277 6655

The trusted name for home renovations extensions Adelaide

The cost of adding a room or adding rooms to a house is a wise investment

What are your house extension plans?

Every suburb has its own reputation not to be tampered with.  So changing a home in a prestigious location will make anyone nervous and cautious.

We do this every day and realise you don’t.  That’s why since 1980 several generations of Adelaide families have asked us the same question:

‘I love my location, but my home needs updating – can you help us?’

Described as one of the nicest places to live in Adelaide with grand homes and big leafy streets, it was no surprise this family did not intend leaving Hazelwood Park.

However, their timeless period home was in desperate need of modernising with elegance and glamour.

Experience counts for many things, especially when such a large makeover is planned for a character home with original period features.

That’s why for this family it was reassuring to know the person shaking their hand was the owner of the business, with 36 years’ experience improving homes around the many different suburbs of Adelaide.

Perhaps most importantly what people love is someone who can design high-quality, generously sized extensions for a fair price.

The finished extension has more than doubled the size of the home and its lifestyle features.

Achieving this whilst keeping the culture of the area is the experience factor shining through in this project.

Our friends at Hazelwood Park have now settled into a better way of life without the hassle of moving.

Adding rooms to this house was a smart choice.

We’re sharing this project with you because it captures the true essence of what it means to efficiently and sustainably improve your home in the world’s most liveable city.

Here are the details:

Our canvas

A grand Eastern suburbs Tudor character period home retaining many original features but in desperate need of modernising and extending to meet the owners’ needs.

Customer’s request

The design brief for this open plan extension was for new:

• kitchen
• meals and dining area
• family room
• outdoor entertaining area
• extra bedrooms
• additional bathroom

Result

The finished extension has more than doubled the size of the home and its lifestyle features:

• Large custom Alby Turner kitchen opens to the new living area with stone tops, island bench and extensive pantry storage cupboards
• Separate laundry to the side of the kitchen with new external access door
• Generous family room with large sliding doors to access external entertaining area
• Large under main roof tiled alfresco with flush ceiling and brick piers
• 2 additional double bedrooms with robe provision
• Large full bathroom with island bath, walk in shower with frameless fixed panel screen,
• Separate WC and powder vanity area

The internal renovation to the existing home included gutting and converting the original kitchen area, to create robe provision to adjacent double bedroom, large linen area and extending the original hallway through to the new extension.

The front master bedroom was also renovated with WIR and en suite, including a walk-in shower with frameless screen and installation of a skylight.

Other luxury features include:

• Custom vanities with stone tops, high spec fittings and tiles were used throughout
• All new windows and sliding door are top of the range UPVC double glazed
• Top of the range timber look floor tiles throughout
• In floor GPO point
• Gas BBQ point, power and wet bar provision
• Strip grate, tiled niche and both drencher shower rose and hand shower

Hazelwood Park Home Extension 2

Hazelwood Park Home Extension 3

Hazelwood Park Home Extension 4

Hazelwood Park Home Extension 5

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Hazelwood Park Home Extension 7

Hazelwood Park Home Extension

Building on to your home is not as scary as it sounds

6-star energy rating

SHI has the skills and experience to design a home with less reliance on heating and cooling appliances.

This family has now reduced their ongoing household costs, by building a 6-star rated energy-efficient extension.

Importantly, we can achieve a 6-star energy-efficient home without compromising on quality, practicality or visual appeal.

25-year structural warranty

SHI has a long-standing partnership with its suppliers and trades people.  We design and build sustainable home extensions by carefully sourcing and using the highest quality, environmentally sound products.

That’s why this family scored a 25-year structural warranty on their new extension.

Love your location, not your home?

Let’s talk

We’re like family to generations of South Australians who have used us time and time again to improve their lifestyle.

Why?  We’re creative people who build awesome homes.

Since 1980 we’ve been South Australia’s most trusted home improvement company specialising in home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions.

For more inspiration view our Gallery of stunning home extensions, home additions, home renovations and second storey additions here:  INSPIRE ME

Already got an idea? Call now (08) 8277 6655

The trusted name for home renovations extensions Adelaide

The cost of adding a room or adding rooms to a house is a wise investment

What are your house extension plans?