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Need ideas for space under elevated house

We have a multi level house which has a lot of vacant space beneath the floor levels which is prime real estate for innovative use.. We had considered screening some of the sides to enclose the area for some shelter from rain and weather, however I'd like to know what other DIYers have done in similar areas of their homes?

We are hoping to complete the landscaping within the next 6-8 weeks depending on rain, but hoping to hear what other people have in mind for a unique space and a way to capitalise on the space we've got & come up with a plan 🙂

Happy to hear ideas - thanks!

JR.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @jruss

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about ideas on what to put under your elevated house.

This is a fantastic opportunity to reclaim some of the prime real estate under your house. I propose installing a free-standing decking and solid flooring in some sections under the house. The reason to have it as free standing is that so it does not interfere with the engineering of your house posts. In this manner you won't have to worry about adding any load to your existing house posts. But just to be on the safe side, I suggest checking the rules and regulations of your local council regarding using the space under your elevated house. It would also be prudent to speak to your local builder in regards to installing extra footing ender the house for deck framing.

As for actual rooms, I suggest a lookout deck with a bar at one end or perhaps a spa. The extra space going towards the far end can either be turned into an extra office, media room, library, games room or a music room if you happen to play a musical instrument.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @jruss

There are just so many options to choose from to utilise such a great amount of unused realestate. many of which @EricL has suggested.

You will need to get plans drawn up and council permits etc. Especially if any of the spaces are habitable living spaces. Once you have a short list of what you're after I would get in touch with a local draftsperson. They will give you some clearer insight as to whats possible and what would be involved. They would then be the ones to draw up the working plans.

Whatever you build could be down in stages of affordability. And if you're going to owner build the project (there are regs and other conditions around this as well) or get a builder in. personally I would get a builder in to get the sub-frame, flooring and any plumbing completed. Then hand it over to you should you have the skillsets.

Nailbag

Dave-1

Good Evening @jruss

Thats a whopping Gabion wall! ;D Love it and it looks like a beautiful job! (Is it a gabion styled wall? I really hope it is 🙂 )

I woudl actually create some small gabion walls across the width of the hill, just low one. This is to create a level area that you can then pave, right down to steps to continue out from under the house. Using gabion cages for that as well. (I just built a set of steps out of gabion baskets and they look great)

The reason I am suggesting a paved area over a deck (I like decks a LOT) is so there is less combustable material under the house. I would check with your local fire fighters and see what their recomendation for having combustable material around houses on hills in particular.

I would also get some fire retardant type flyscreen mesh, not to stop a mesh but to stop cinders if they blow around. But at the same time you could have a huge area free of bugs and cool under the house if you panneled the edges of the area with the screens. It would keep the area non stagnant (with airflow) and provide coolness from hot days.

Ive always wanted a pole house with space like yours underneath it 🙂

Dave

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