House Extensions Brisbane
If you love your location but have outgrown the house, a well-designed extension can give you the space you need without starting again somewhere else.
B Ward Constructions builds ground-floor extensions, upper-level additions and major home transformations across Brisbane. We focus on making the new work feel properly connected to the existing home, structurally, visually and practically.
Extensions We Build
Rear and side ground-floor extensions
Upper-level additions
New bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas
Kitchen, dining and indoor-outdoor living extensions
Queenslander raises and under-house build-ins
Master suite additions
Garage, studio and home office additions
Laundry, utility and mudroom extensions
Decks and covered outdoor areas integrated into a larger extension
Designed to Work With the Existing Home
An extension is more than extra floor area. The structure, roof, floor levels, drainage, waterproofing, services and finishes must all connect correctly. The layout also needs to improve the way people move through and use the original home.
Early investigation and coordinated documentation are important. Brodie provides practical construction input and works with the appointed designer, engineer, surveyor, planner and certifier to understand how the proposed extension will be built.
Our Extension Process
1. Initial brief
We discuss why you need more space, the rooms you want to add, what should change in the existing home, your timing and the level of finish you are aiming for.
2. Site and existing-home review
The property is reviewed for access, slope, setbacks, floor and roof levels, structural connections, services, neighbouring buildings and likely planning constraints.
3. Survey, design and investigations
A feature and level survey is commonly required. Your designer develops the concept and drawings, with engineering and specialist reports added as needed. For older homes, available building records and targeted investigation can reduce uncertainty.
4. Planning assessment
The property and proposal are checked against Brisbane City Plan. An extension may be accepted development if it meets all applicable requirements, or it may need a development application because of the design, neighbourhood plan, character, heritage or another overlay.
5. Building approval
A licensed building certifier assesses the detailed building application. If the extension does not meet applicable siting or setback standards, a Council referral response or siting variation may be required.
6. Pricing, selections and contract
Once the scope is properly documented, we prepare pricing that identifies the included work, selections, allowances and exclusions. The programme and payment stages are documented in the building contract.
7. Pre-construction
Final approvals, certificates, engineering details, selections, access arrangements, protection and temporary works are confirmed before construction begins.
8. Construction and connection
The work progresses through demolition and temporary support, foundations, framing, roof and external enclosure, services, internal work and finishes. Particular attention is given to the junctions between the existing building and the extension.
9. Completion
After final inspections and practical completion, we review the work with you, resolve agreed minor items and provide the applicable handover documentation.
Brisbane Council Requirements for Extensions
Brisbane extensions must comply with the relevant Dwelling house code or Dwelling house (small lot) code, together with any applicable overlays and neighbourhood plan requirements. If the proposal does not meet all applicable acceptable outcomes, planning approval may be required.
Council advises that external extensions within the Traditional building character overlay will generally require planning approval. For homes built during or before 1946, extensions, renovations and associated demolition may need assessment against the relevant traditional building character design and demolition codes.
Boundary setbacks and building height must also be considered. The Queensland Development Code contains siting standards for detached houses. Different provisions can apply to standard lots, small lots and rear lots. Where a design does not meet the relevant acceptable solution, it may require assessment against performance criteria and a Council referral response.
Other approvals or permits may apply for plumbing and drainage, works affecting the footpath, vehicle access, stormwater, trees, heritage or site-specific constraints.
Ground-Floor Extension or Upper-Level Addition?
Ground-floor extension
Often suits properties with sufficient rear or side yard area. It can create a strong connection to outdoor living and may simplify access during construction. The design still needs to address setbacks, site coverage, stormwater, trees, existing services and the loss of yard space.
Upper-level addition
Can preserve more of the yard and add bedrooms, bathrooms or a second living area. The existing structure and footings must be assessed, and the project may require significant temporary support, roof removal, stair integration and weather protection. Height, privacy, character and overlooking controls may affect the design.
The right approach depends on the property, existing house, planning controls, budget and how you want the completed home to function.
Important Extension Planning Items
Property boundaries and accurate site levels
Zone, overlays and neighbourhood plan
Building height, setbacks and site coverage
Existing footing and structural capacity
Floor-level and roof-form connections
Stormwater and overland flow
Sewer, water, electrical and other service locations
Character, heritage and demolition controls
Privacy, overlooking and neighbouring properties
Construction access and material handling
Whether the occupants can safely remain in the home
Extension FAQs
Do house extensions need Brisbane City Council approval?
Many extensions require building approval, and some also require planning approval. The exact pathway depends on the design, lot size, setbacks, neighbourhood plan and overlays affecting the property.
Can you add a second storey to an existing home?
Yes, where the existing structure can be retained or upgraded to support the addition and the proposal can obtain the required approvals. Structural investigation and engineering are essential.
Can we extend a character Queenslander?
Often, yes, but character and demolition controls may affect the design and approval pathway. The property age and overlays should be checked before the design is developed too far.
Will the new extension match the existing home?
That is considered during design and selections. Some owners want a seamless continuation, while others prefer a clearly contemporary addition. In either case, the construction junctions, weatherproofing and proportions need to be resolved properly.
Can we live at home while the extension is built?
It may be possible for part of the project, depending on demolition, access, services and separation from the work zone. Upper-level additions and major structural alterations can make temporary relocation the safer and more practical option.
What information do you need to price an extension?
Ideally, architectural drawings, engineering, approvals or planning advice, specifications and selections. Early concept plans can be reviewed, but final pricing becomes more reliable as the documentation is completed.