having the space in the roof is one thing, but a whole other exercise converting ceiling structure into floor structure and getting the structure down to the ground, supported etc...even more complex on smaller jobs, not to mention finding space for stairs which typically involves collateral knock-on effect to lower level layout.......best you arrange a consultation/visit from an architect to discuss the practicalities a realities of costs involved........these things are usually possible, but ultimately dictated by costs.........

In regards to the process, as architects we begin with several design stages (& if required Planning/DA) and then eventually move into working drawings once a design has been finalised and refined. There is a bit of a process involved and typically fees/costs will be ballpark anywhere from 5-15% of the construction cost of the project, depending upon the scale and complexity. On smaller jobs like this the % fee will be at the higher end of the scale and if it's too small often an hourly rate or fixed/packaged fee basis is the only way to render services

Hope this gives you a bit of an idea, but best to do some homework and speak directly to a few local design professionals/architects to get some idea of what their process and fee structures are, because ultimately everyone operates and services projects differently...

Good luck Cheers PD :)

some years ago we did an attic conversion into the roof of our then Federation house with the help and advice of our wonderful very experienced builder we ended up with two QB rooms with a long study chill space with large bean bags on the landing, our teenage kids loved it, as did we. For so little spend we ended up with a 5 bedroom house for a family of five.

siriuskey was very lucky. Adding two bedrooms into a cavernous attic space above a Federation home is a lot more straightforward than adding it into a roof space in a much smaller unit keeping the neighbours and owners corporation happy. Less area and volume to play with, plus the problem of which downstairs room is compromised for a stairwell (which would take up about half a bedroom in space).

There are lots of examples in Houzz of poorly considered first floor additions where the location of the new stairs has seriously compromised the functionality of one of the downstairs rooms, and in most two bedroom units there isn't a lot of spare space to play with.

I had an enquiry about a month ago for a similar home for a first floor addition, and I suggested that the owner may be better selling his two-bedroom unit and putting his renovation budget towards a larger house, as this type of extension on a small footprint is tricky and expensive.

Best of luck with your considerations,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

Have an initial meeting with a building designer, design experienced draftsman or an architect to discuss if its feasible. I've been requested numerous times to provide plans and documentation for attic conversions of existing roof space and majority are not.... They just lack usable habitable space once flooring, access and building codes are all considered.

Feasibility study first and this study should include discussing it with the owners corporation as they may reject it outright.

100% Retro & MB.........yep siriuskey was likely fortunate on a number of fronts where the various factors aligned appropriately.......definitely a completely different kettle of fish achieving it in larger scale scenarios where you have the swing room..........we've utilised roof areas similarly on a number of projects but they have had the scale and also the opportunity to easily get the structural support in place in the throws of a lower level renovation anyway....... similarly I've explored/discussed potential with people who want to try and utilise subfloor space or dig down to a basement to achieve expanded living amenity.......whilst it's always spatially "possible", when you stack the numbers up more often than not it not as simple as it seems, and certainly not a cheap option....

But every scenario should be analysed individually & you need to have particularly experienced and accurate professional advice when considering this type of alteration work

Good luck!

We were lucky to have a very experienced professional builder working with us for our attic space which was very successful . But agree with Retro with the smaller unit and having to get approval from the body corp. it would be so much better to look at buying a bigger 3 bedroom place, or the unit next door that you could open into via a doorway. If it's affordable for you this is a great way to get a bigger home without moving. cheers

We are lucky in that out art deco unit is nearly 100sq and is much like a semi. We are planning along with our next door neighbour.... just 2 units on each level - so i don't think they'd appreciate us buying them out! they love the location, building and block as much as we do. We already have verbal support form the other owners. appreciate all your comments! :)