House Extensions in Burnside
A Scottish creek-side farm
Burnside was established by Peter Anderson, who emigrated from Scotland in 1839 and started a large farm on leased land near Second Creek. The name joins the Scottish word burn, meaning creek, with side. It is 7.5 kilometres east of the city centre.
A residential suburb
Burnside is primarily residential, and in the 2021 census it had 3,060 people in 1,257 households, with a median age of 43 and a median weekly household income of $2,257. The census figures do not say how much space people want. Ask a designer how a new room would suit your household, not only the block.
The village era
The post office opened on 21 July 1863, and by the 1870s the area had grown into a small village. The Feathers Hotel, a Georgian-style pub, still stands. Older houses may include original features worth keeping. Ask each builder how they would retain, repair or replace them, and put the plan in writing.
Parks and the creek
Langman Reserve is shared with Waterfall Gully, Newland Park has several ovals and the Burnside Swimming Centre is nearby in Hazelwood Park. Creek-side and park-side blocks often have trees. Ask the council which trees need approval, because Burnside is also a Tree Cities of the World council, and ask each builder how they would protect them.
Slope and access
A builder's guide lists slope, access and distance from the boundary among items that move an extension price. Burnside blocks can differ widely, so ask each builder to visit and describe how materials would reach the back of the house, whether a crane or a long carry is needed and what the extra labour would cost.
Premium finishes
A guide gives $5,000 to $7,000 or more per square metre for high-end extensions with premium finishes. That is not a Burnside figure. If you want higher-end finishes, ask each builder for a schedule that names the tiles, fittings, joinery and window brands, so that every quote covers the same items.
Church and hotel landmarks
St David's Anglican Church occupies a prominent position on Glynburn Road, and the Feathers Hotel is a Georgian-style pub in the suburb. Burnside Primary School is a state school, and the suburb has Baptist, Lutheran and Anglican churches. Ask the council whether a landmark near your site affects what you can build, and ask the builder to explain the answer in writing.
Before you sign
South Australia requires a building work contractor's licence for people who carry out or organise building work for others. Check the register, and ask to see the building indemnity insurance certificate if the job needs approval and costs $20,000 or more. Ask who arranges the plans, the consent and the final inspection.
Second Creek farm
Peter Anderson and his family, who emigrated from Scotland in 1839, established and named Burnside. The farm kept pigs, poultry and cattle and grew barley and wheat. The name joins the Scottish word burn, for creek, with side, for the property's position on the creek. The Feathers Hotel is a Georgian style pub.
How did Burnside get its name?
From the Scottish word burn for creek and the position beside Second Creek.
How far is Burnside from the city?
7.5 kilometres east by road.
How many people live in Burnside?
3,060 at the 2021 census.
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