Inner West
Modern Second Storey Addition
A dated single-storey brick home transformed with a light-filled upper level adding three bedrooms and a family bathroom — all while keeping the backyard intact.
Sydney's Second Storey Extension Specialists
Second Storey Extensions in Sydney
Add a whole new level to your home. As specialist second storey builders, we design, approve and construct premium second floor additions that give growing families the space they need — without leaving the suburb they love.
More Space, Same Home
Expand your home upwards, without moving
As Sydney property prices climb and blocks get smaller, more homeowners are discovering that the smartest way to gain space is to build up rather than move out. A second storey extension transforms a compact single-level home into a spacious two-storey family residence — adding bedrooms, bathrooms, retreats and home offices exactly where you need them.
Inner City Attics has spent more than a decade helping Sydney families expand their homes vertically. From premium attic conversions to full second floor additions, building up is what we do. That specialist experience means we understand the structural challenges, the council approval process and the design opportunities that come with adding a level to an existing home.
Whether you own a Federation cottage in the Inner West, a brick bungalow on the North Shore or a semi in the Eastern Suburbs, our team designs and builds upper floor additions that look like they were always part of the house. The result is a home that grows with your family — and keeps you in the suburb you love.
Why Build Up
The benefits of a second storey extension
A second storey addition is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home and your family's future.
Add Significant Value
A well-designed second storey extension can dramatically increase your home's market value, often returning more than the cost of the build in high-demand Sydney suburbs.
Keep Your Backyard
Building up rather than out means you retain your garden, pool and outdoor entertaining space — a huge advantage on Sydney's increasingly compact blocks.
Room for a Growing Family
Add the bedrooms, bathrooms, retreats or home offices your family needs without the upheaval, stamp duty and agent fees of buying a larger home.
Stay in the Suburb You Love
Keep your school catchment, neighbours and lifestyle. A second storey lets you upsize your home without changing your address.
Capture Views & Light
Upper floors unlock district, city or water views and flood your home with northern light — something a ground-floor renovation simply can't deliver.
A Home Designed Around You
Unlike moving into someone else's floor plan, a second storey addition is designed from scratch around exactly how your family lives.
Our Process
From first sketch to final handover
We manage every stage of your second storey extension in-house, so you always know what's happening and who's accountable.
01
Free Consultation & Feasibility
We visit your home, listen to your goals and assess whether your existing structure and site suit a second storey extension. You'll get honest, expert advice on what's possible and a clear idea of budget from day one.
02
Concept & Architectural Design
Our designers develop a concept that maximises light, flow and your available space while sympathetically matching your home's character. We refine the plans with you until they feel exactly right.
03
Planning & Council Approval
We prepare and lodge the documentation for your development application or complying development certificate, managing council and certifiers on your behalf so you don't have to.
04
Engineering & Documentation
Structural engineers detail exactly how the new level ties into your existing home, including any foundation strengthening, steel and bracing required for a safe, compliant build.
05
Construction
Our licensed builders carefully lift the roof, frame the new storey, weatherproof and fit out the interior — working cleanly and communicating with you at every stage.
06
Handover & Guarantee
We complete a detailed final inspection with you, hand over your beautiful new level, and back the workmanship with our long-term structural guarantee.
Planning Approval
We handle council so you don't have to
Navigating Sydney's planning system is one of the most daunting parts of any home extension. Depending on your site, a second storey addition may proceed as a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or require a full Development Application (DA) through your local council.
Our team assesses the right pathway for your property, prepares all the required plans and documentation, and manages the submission and any council queries on your behalf. We've worked with councils right across Sydney and know how to keep your approval moving.
Engineering
Built on solid structural foundations
Adding a level to an existing home is a serious structural undertaking. Our qualified structural engineers assess whether your existing walls and footings can carry the new floor, and detail exactly what's needed — from steel beams and bracing to foundation strengthening.
Every second floor addition we build is fully engineered and certified, so your new storey is safe, compliant and built to last. Any strengthening work is identified early and included in your fixed scope, meaning no nasty surprises once construction begins.
Construction Process
Everything included, expertly built
Once approvals and engineering are complete, our licensed builders carefully lift the existing roof, frame and weatherproof the new storey, then fit out every room to a premium standard. We work cleanly, protect your home throughout, and keep you informed at every milestone. Your second storey extension includes:
Full architectural design & documentation
DA or CDC planning approval management
Structural engineering & certification
Roof removal, lift & reinstatement
New floor structure & framing
Foundation strengthening where required
New staircase design & construction
Bedrooms, bathrooms & living spaces
Insulation, plastering & premium finishes
Electrical, plumbing & climate control
Weatherproofing & external cladding
Long-term structural guarantee
Our Difference
Why choose Inner City Attics
As specialists in vertical home expansion, we bring a rare combination of design flair and structural know-how to every second storey extension.
One Team, Start to Finish
Design, approvals, engineering and construction are all handled in-house. You have a single point of accountability from your first consultation to final handover.
13+ Years Building Up
As specialists in vertical home expansion — from attic conversions to full second storeys — we understand the structural realities of building on top of an existing home.
Fixed, Transparent Scope
Detailed quotes with a clear scope of works mean you know exactly what's included. No vague allowances, no surprise variations mid-build.
Architectural Quality
Every extension is thoughtfully designed to look like it was always part of the home — never a bolt-on. Premium finishes come as standard.
Recent Projects
Second storey extensions across Sydney
A glimpse of the homes we've helped transform by building up.
Eastern Suburbs
Heritage-Sympathetic Extension
A Federation home given a second storey that respects its period character above while delivering a contemporary parents' retreat and study.
North Shore
Light-Filled Upper Level
A new staircase and landing open onto a bright new floor of bedrooms, taking advantage of elevated district views and abundant natural light.
FAQs
Second storey extension questions, answered
How much does a second storey extension cost in Sydney?
Second storey extension costs in Sydney vary widely depending on size, complexity and finishes. As a general guide, most projects start from around $350,000 and can exceed $600,000 for larger, high-specification additions. Because every home and site is different, we provide a detailed, fixed-scope quote after a free on-site consultation so you know exactly what your investment covers.
Is a second storey extension cheaper than moving house?
For many Sydney families, yes. When you factor in stamp duty, agent commissions, legal fees and removalists — often $80,000 to $150,000 in transaction costs alone — extending your existing home can be far more cost-effective than upsizing. You also avoid leaving the suburb, schools and community you love, and the finished result is designed entirely around your family.
Do I need council approval for a second storey extension?
Almost always, yes. Second storey extensions typically require either a Development Application (DA) through your local council or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) through a private certifier, depending on your site and the scope of work. We manage the entire approval process for you — preparing the plans, lodging the application and liaising with council or certifiers from start to finish.
How long does a second storey extension take to build?
Most second storey extensions take approximately 4 to 7 months on site once construction begins, with design and approvals taking a few months beforehand. Timelines depend on the size of the addition, council approval times and weather. We provide a clear program at contract stage and keep you updated throughout.
Can I live in my house during construction?
In many cases, yes — particularly where the ground floor remains largely undisturbed. There will be periods, such as when the roof is lifted, that require careful weatherproofing and may be disruptive. We plan the build sequence to minimise the impact on your daily life and will advise honestly if a short-term move out is recommended for comfort or safety.
Will my existing foundations need strengthening?
Sometimes. Whether your foundations and existing walls can carry a new upper level is determined by a structural engineer during the design phase. Where strengthening is required, we detail and include it in your scope and quote — so there are no surprises. This assessment is a core part of our engineering process.
What Sydney suburbs do you service?
We build second storey extensions and home extensions right across Sydney, including the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, North Shore and greater metropolitan area — suburbs such as Marrickville, Newtown, Leichhardt, Balmain, Ryde, Bronte, Randwick, Drummoyne and beyond.
Ready to add another level to your home?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and let our specialist second storey builders show you what's possible for your home.