Sunday, April 28, 2024

Investing In A Second Story Addition: Cost Breakdown & FAQs

adding a second story to a house

An architect’s opinion about remodeling structural issues is not enough, and architects are notorious for under-estimating the cost of such projects. The city – and your experienced remodeler – will both need this information to pull permits. But for a full second-story addition, six to 12 months is the typical range.

Types of second-story additions

But, given the current state of the residential real estate market — high prices and low inventory — many homeowners might prefer to make the addition instead of moving. “Some of the costs you’ll need to consider are architectural design, interior design, structural engineering, city fees and construction costs,” Cantor said. Or your yard may include some landscape features you don't want to give up, such as a grand old shade tree, a tall hedge, or a picturesque wisteria-draped pergola. Ginny Bartolone began writing DIY and home improvement guides nearly 10 years ago, covering everything from energy-efficient appliances to cracked foundations.

Second-Story Remodeling Options

Whatever the case may be, this type of home improvement project is worth considering if you feel your family’s needs have outgrown your current home structure. Free PDF guide to help you fing the best contractor for your remodeling project. With more space, your kids can all have their own bedroom, without having to uproot your family and move to a new house. It’s also important to note that you will need to have a place to stay while the construction is going underway.

Cost to Add a Second Story per Square Foot

These additions are often built nearby or somewhere offsite, then simply dropped on top of your home once the roof is removed and any additional prep work, like foundation upgrades, is made. If you're thinking about adding a basement to your home, you should know how much it might cost. If you want to add a second floor to your house, it’s crucial to figure out if you can even add one in the first place. Adding a second story to a house can increase the size and value of your home. Perhaps you want more room to support a growing family without moving or you simply want more space.

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adding a second story to a house

If you need to add a lot of space to your home, the best option may be a full second story addition. This involves removing the entire roof, building a new story on top, and connecting the new spaces with the existing structure of the home. These can be ideal if you want to add a master suite and other bedrooms, then redo the main floor with an expanded kitchen remodel or renovated living spaces. Often, first floor remodels will be folded into second story addition projects because when you’re adding so much square footage to the home, clients usually want to change the floor plan of the main level. Not every single-story home has a strong enough foundation to support another floor.

Some people may want to build a completely new upper level from scratch which includes tossing the old roof. Others may already have a second storey and would simply like to expand it. Still others may want a modular second storey built offsite, then later transferred to their homes to save on time. A second-story addition home improvement project will enhance your overall quality of life and offer more room for everyone in the household to have their own space. For families with children, the additional space makes it more probable that they will invite friends over more frequently. By carefully considering the layout and design of the expanded areas, you can entertain guests more comfortably and fully appreciate your home.

adding a second story to a house

It’s common for at least the existing walls to need reinforcement to support the additional weight, and to need to update windows, trim, and other features to match the new second story aesthetically. Second stories add significant weight to the original house, something its skeleton was not designed to carry. Detailed plans must be developed with an engineer’s input and underground piers strategically placed inside and around the perimeter to reinforce the slab. An analysis of your slab and the engineering costs may run between $2,000 and $5,000.

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Additionally, building up could dramatically increase a home’s curb appeal and boost its value for resale. According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect roughly a 65% return on investment (ROI) for a full two-story addition. Some homeowners want to stay in their home while the second-story construction is going on. Henley says that’s not an easy way to live — perhaps even all but impossible.

How and where to add on when you need more living space Produced by Seattle Times Marketing - The Seattle Times

How and where to add on when you need more living space Produced by Seattle Times Marketing.

Posted: Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Transform Your Home with the Right Addition - HONOLULU Magazine

Transform Your Home with the Right Addition.

Posted: Sat, 29 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

So another option that some homeowners opt for is to install the second-floor access outside. This has its own obvious drawbacks, but it’s a way to leave your first floor (and second floor) layout relatively undisturbed. So it may be better to call City Hall or the county courthouse yourself.

This means you will need to determine the foundation of your home and whether this structure can support an additional story. If your home has enough structural support at the foundation level, a second floor can be a fantastic decision for your current home. A second-story home addition will create a better living environment for you and your family and a more desirable outcome for your home’s value when it comes to resale. Compromising is often the key to keeping the costs down on your projects. While you might not want to go with budget finishes, you don’t need to choose the most high-end options.

Many of them don’t have sheathing or shear walls (usually plywood walls to counteract lateral forces) under the siding. So often, we need to remove all of the siding from older homes and install shear walls before we can build the second story. A couple of common reasons can influence whether you do a second story addition rather adding on to your home horizontally. Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please contact us at

Ranch houses tend to be the most common type of housing that people want to add a second story to. It’s easy to see why as ranch houses are traditionally single-story homes, and adding a second story can double your living space. However, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of when you’re trying to make this happen. The construction process requires careful attention to detail, from choosing a reputable contractor to ensuring site preparation and protecting the existing structure.

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