We design, engineer, and build first floor additions for homes across Sydney. Second storey extensions that double your living space without losing your garden. Structurally engineered, not just stacked on top.
In Sydney, land is everything. Extending outward eats into your garden and outdoor space. Going up gives you double the floor area while keeping your yard, your setbacks, and your outdoor living. But a first floor addition is the most structurally demanding residential project there is, you're putting an entire new level on an existing house that wasn't designed for it.
METCON builds first floor additions with full structural engineering from the outset. We assess the existing structure, design the load path from the new level through to the ground, and strengthen or modify the existing home where needed.
Whether it's a full second storey on a single-level home or a partial upper-level addition for bedrooms and a bathroom, the engineering comes first, then the architecture wraps around it.
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth a free site visit. We will tell you straight what your site needs.
When side and rear setbacks leave no room for a ground floor extension, going up is the logical solution.
A first floor addition typically provides bedrooms, bathroom, and often a second living area or study above.
If you've invested in landscaping and outdoor living, a first floor keeps all of it intact.
Many Sydney homes have foundations that can support an upper level with appropriate engineering and strengthening.
If others on your street have gone up, it's a good indicator council and site conditions support it.
In hilly or harbourside areas, a first floor can capture views that significantly increase property value.
Wondering if your home can support a first floor? Send us photos and we'll give you an honest assessment.
From partial upper-level rooms to full second storey builds, we handle every type of first floor addition.
A complete upper level matching or exceeding the ground floor area. New bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces with a properly integrated staircase.
Adding rooms over part of the existing ground floor, typically bedrooms and bathroom above the living areas. Less cost, less disruption, targeted space.
Internal staircase integration is critical. We design the stair location, structural opening, and access flow to work with both existing and new levels.
Most single-storey homes need structural modification to support an upper level. We engineer and install new footings, beams, columns, and bracing.
Adding a first floor often means reworking the ground floor layout. We coordinate both levels into a home that flows properly.
New roof framing, roofing, insulation, and weatherproofing for the upper level. Properly tied into the existing structure below.
A selection of recent first floor additions projects across Sydney.
View all projectsEvery first floor addition follows our structured five-step process. The existing structure drives the engineering, we assess it first, then design around it.
We inspect your home's existing foundations, walls, and framing to understand what it can support. This assessment is the foundation of the entire project.
Structural engineers design the load path for the new level. Architects create the floor plans, elevations, and integration details. Both work together.
We manage the DA or CDC submission including plans, engineering, shadow diagrams, and any neighbour notifications. Followed through to approval.
Construction is staged, structural modifications first, then framing, roofing, and fit-out. We protect the existing home throughout and keep you informed.
Final inspections, compliance certificates, and full documentation handover. Your home is now two storeys, properly engineered and certified.
Structural engineering, council approval, construction documentation, and compliance certificates. A first floor addition that adds genuine value.
Going up is the hardest thing you can do to an existing home. We've done it hundreds of times. Structural assessment, engineering, council approval, and construction, all managed by one builder.
We assess existing foundations, walls, and framing before designing anything, not after.
Every first floor addition is structurally engineered for the specific existing home beneath it.
Meteora Constructions Pty Ltd, fully licensed in NSW with all required insurances.
DA and CDC approvals managed from plans through to determination. We handle the process.
We protect and maintain your existing home throughout the build. Dust, weather, security, all managed.
Hands-on Sydney building experience going back to the 1970s.
Real reviews from homeowners, strata and builders.
I called three builders and METCON were the only ones who actually came to look at the site before quoting. Honest pricing, no surprises.
We got three quotes. METCON was not the cheapest but was clearly the most thorough. Worth every dollar.
They handled the DA, the engineer, and the build. We didn't have to chase council once. Massive wall, done in under two weeks.
Straight answers from the builder. Anything else, just ask.
It depends on the scope. Typical durations:
We provide a detailed project timeline with your quote so you know exactly what to expect.
In many cases, home extensions and granny flats can be approved through a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), which is faster than a full DA.
This depends on factors like your property's zoning, heritage overlays, flood mapping, bushfire risk and the scope of the work.
We handle the approval process and can advise you on the fastest path to getting your project started.
In most cases, yes. For smaller renovations like bathrooms or kitchens, you can usually stay in the home.
For major structural works, first floor additions or knock-down rebuilds, you may need to move out temporarily. We will advise you during the planning stage and do everything we can to minimise disruption.
Every METCON quote is fully itemised and includes:
There are no hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay, unless you request changes to the scope.
We cover the full scope of residential work with one licensed team.
Back to Residential ConstructionPlain-language guides from our team on the questions we are asked most.
We build first floor additions across Sydney, from terraces in Balmain to family homes in Castle Hill and everywhere between.
A few exterior photos, the existing floor plan if you have one, and a note on what you're hoping to achieve. We'll tell you whether your home can support a first floor and what the process looks like. No obligation.
