First Floor Additions in Sydney: Expand Your Home Without Moving

Build Up, Stay Put

Expand Your Home Without Giving Up What You Love

When your home no longer fits your lifestyle, moving isn't your only option. A first floor addition, also referred to as a second-storey extension, allows you to expand upward and gain valuable space while remaining in the same home and neighbourhood you already love.

This type of renovation is perfect for families who need more room but want to keep their backyard, avoid the stress of selling, or stay close to schools and community ties. It is particularly well-suited to compact blocks in suburbs like Balmain, Bondi, Leichhardt and Coogee, where extending outward is not always practical.

By building up, you can create a home that grows with you, without compromising on location, lifestyle or land.

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Why Homeowners Choose First Floor Additions

More Space, More Possibilities, Same Address

A first floor addition offers a smart, space-saving solution for homeowners who want to stay in the home they love while adapting to changing needs. Whether you are growing your family, welcoming extended relatives, or simply seeking more comfort and functionality, building up delivers real benefits.

Preserve Your Outdoor Space

Building up means you don’t have to sacrifice your garden, yard or entertaining area. This is especially important in Sydney suburbs where land is limited and every square metre counts.

Add Bedrooms, Retreats or Flexible Living Zones

A new upper level can accommodate extra bedrooms, a parents’ retreat, a second living room or a multipurpose area for teenagers, guests or hobbies.

Stay Connected to Your Community

For many Sydney families, the location is just as important as the house itself. Building up allows you to remain close to schools, friends, work and familiar routines without starting over.

Enjoy Natural Light, Privacy and Views

Elevating your living space gives you access to more sunlight and a better outlook. It can also create separation between living zones for greater privacy and comfort.

Boost Property Value

A well-designed first floor addition can significantly enhance the value of your home by increasing floor area, modernising its layout and improving street appeal.

First Floor Additions Designed for Sydney Homes

Tailored to Suit Local Blocks, Councils and Architectural Styles

Building a first floor addition in Sydney involves more than just construction. It requires a deep understanding of local site conditions, planning controls and council regulations. Sure Space designs and manages each project with Sydney’s unique housing environment in mind.

Navigating Tight Blocks and Heritage Zones

In suburbs like Glebe, Paddington, Marrickville and Randwick, block sizes are often narrow and many homes fall within heritage or conservation overlays. Sure Space ensures that designs are appropriate for the existing structure, streetscape and surrounding homes.

Managing DA and CDC Approvals

Sydney homeowners typically need either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) before building up. Each has different requirements, timeframes and processes. Sure Space handles all the planning documentation and works closely with councils to minimise delays and simplify the approval pathway.

Experience Across the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs

Our team has completed successful first floor additions across Sydney’s Inner West and Eastern Suburbs, where planning rules can be strict and site access is often limited. We understand the details that matter and design solutions that comply with council expectations while delivering great outcomes for our clients.

Is a First Floor Addition Right for You?

Not every home needs to grow outward. In many cases, building a first floor addition is the most efficient and rewarding way to gain extra space. If any of the following sound familiar, it might be time to consider going up.

You have limited yard space but need more internal room
You love your neighbourhood and don’t want to move
Your family is growing or changing and needs new zones to live, work or retreat
Your block is in a suburb where building out is restricted or impractical
You want to improve your home’s value and liveability in one well-planned project

If several of these apply to your situation, a first floor addition could be the ideal solution.

What Can You Add Upstairs?

Design a Space That Works for Your Family Now and Into the Future

A first floor addition offers the flexibility to create spaces that suit your lifestyle today and adapt to your needs over time. Whether you are looking for more room to relax, work, host guests or simply spread out, building up gives you the freedom to customise your home.

Master Suite

Create a spacious parents’ retreat with a walk-in robe and ensuite for comfort and privacy.

Additional Bedrooms

Add one or more bedrooms to accommodate children, guests or growing household needs.

Bathroom or Second Living Area

Include a new bathroom or living space to ease the pressure on shared areas downstairs.

Home Office or Creative Studio

Design a quiet, purpose-built zone for remote work, study or hobbies away from the main living spaces.

Guest Wing or Multigenerational Layout

Offer independence and comfort for relatives or visitors with a dedicated guest space upstairs.

Our Process: From Consultation to Completion

A Clear, Structured Approach That Delivers Peace of Mind

At Sure Space, we believe a successful first floor addition starts with great planning and finishes with quality workmanship. Our process is transparent, collaborative and designed to take the stress out of home expansion.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We meet to discuss your goals, budget and what’s possible under local council rules.

Step 4: Detailed Cost Analysis

We review approved documents and provide a fully itemised proposal with no hidden costs.

Step 2: Concept Plan

Working with our architect or designer, we create a tailored concept plan based on your needs.

Got Your Own Plans? No problem. We can provide a detailed cost analysis from your approved drawings.

Step 5: Selections

You choose finishes, fixtures and fittings from our checklist to match your style and budget.

Step 7: Handover

We inspect the completed work with you and fix any issues before final approval.

Step 6: Construction

Our team builds with care and coordination, providing updates via email and your client portal.

Step 8: Post-Build Commitment

We stay involved during the defects liability period to ensure your new space performs as expected.

For more details you can visit our process page for a full breakdown.

Step 3: DA Plans and Designs

We prepare all documents and drawings for submission, liaising with engineers, certifiers and council.

Cost and Timeline Overview

What to Expect When Planning a First Floor Addition in Sydney

The cost and duration of a first floor addition can vary depending on your home’s structure, design preferences and the complexity of the build. Here is a guide to help you plan with confidence.

Typical Cost Range

The average cost of a first floor addition in Sydney is between $3,000 and $5,000 per square metre. This covers standard construction, structural work, approvals and quality internal finishes. Custom designs, premium materials or heritage-related works may increase the total investment.

Factors That Influence Pricing

Materials and finishes: High-end cabinetry, flooring or fixtures
Design complexity: Roof shape, stair placement and layout changes
Structural modifications: Reinforcing foundations or load-bearing walls
Planning requirements: Heritage overlays, bushfire zones or narrow site access

Estimated Timeline

Most first floor additions take between 4 and 8 months to complete, depending on approvals, weather, and the scale of the project. Our team provides a detailed schedule at the outset and keeps you updated throughout.

Why Choose Sure Space

Specialists in First Floor Additions and Second Storey Extensions

Choosing the right builder makes all the difference when undertaking a major home transformation. Sure Space combines expert project management, local experience and quality craftsmanship to deliver results that meet your vision and exceed expectations.

Focused Expertise

We specialise in first floor additions and second storey extensions. Our team understands the structural, regulatory and design complexities that come with building up.

Local Knowledge

From heritage overlays in Balmain to height restrictions in Bondi, we know the planning requirements in Sydney’s Inner West and Eastern Suburbs. We work with council guidelines, not against them, to keep your project on track.

End-to-End Project Management

From initial consultation to final handover, we manage every stage of your project with care and transparency. You’ll have one point of contact, clear communication, and peace of mind.

Experienced, Professional Team

Led by Master Builder Darren Long, our team brings years of hands-on building experience, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality outcomes.

A Client-Centred Approach

We value trust, honesty and long-term relationships. That means no rushed work, no surprise costs, and a focus on delivering a result that fits your family’s lifestyle.

Ready to Build Up?

Talk to Our Team About Your First Floor Addition Today

A first floor addition can transform your home, enhance your lifestyle and give your family the space it needs all without the disruption of moving. Whether you are ready to start planning or simply want expert advice, we are here to help. Call us on 02 7910 4883 or request your free project assessment to take the first step with Sydney’s trusted home extension specialists.