The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning a Second-Story Addition

Whether you have a growing family or just need to increase your living space, a second-story addition is a great option. Apart from boosting your home’s overall value, this endeavor allows you to tackle renovations you’ve been planning to do for a long time and even address issues with your attic or roof.

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of planning a second-story addition.

DO: Have Your Home Inspected

Your home’s foundations and framing can only support a specific amount of weight. A structural engineer or renovation contractor can perform a home inspection to determine if it needs to be reinforced to support the extra floor space. This will also decide whether your addition will be a partial or a full one.

DON’T: Disregard Local Building Codes

Home additions involve changing the structural makeup of residential properties. Thus, you’ll want to make sure that your project adheres to your local building codes and regulations. Your chosen contractor should also secure the correct permits before starting this endeavor.

DO: Know Your Options

Since you’ll be moving upwards, you could move one of the bedrooms or any room upstairs so you can free up space on the main floor for a functional home office or a potential expansion of your kitchen. How you go about your second-story addition plans will depend on your preference. Make your decision before you discuss the plan with your contractor.

DON’T: Underestimate the Project Cost

If you have a tight budget, a vertical expansion is one of the smartest ways to add a sizable amount of square footage to your home. For one, the project doesn’t require any foundational work. Also, you’ll save on roof construction by lifting off the existing roof and reinstalling it on the new second story. Even so, don’t underestimate the cost of the project. Be sure to set aside a contingency budget of at least 20% of the total cost to prepare for the unexpected.

For your home addition and kitchen remodeling needs, turn to Cottage Industries, Inc. Schedule a conversation with our award-winning team of home renovation experts today by calling (610) 293-9750 or filling out our contact form.