Second story home additions are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons. In some cases, adding another level to a home can save some real money as opposed to buying a whole new house. In other instances, homeowners want to expand their square footage but don’t want to leave the neighborhood they have lived in for many years, making the “pop the top” remodel an attractive option. When it comes to adding a second story home addition, there are many factors to take into consideration and steps you must take in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Step 1: Plan
The first and most important step in any home remodel is determining exactly what you want done and how. Determine how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want to add and work with a designer to come up with an ideal layout. Make sure to keep in mind that you will have to put in stairs, so plan space accordingly.
Step 2: Get the Necessary Permissions
Once you have an estimate of the total area and height, visit your local zoning and recorder’s offices to check if you are allowed to build a second story addition. Some codes and ordinances have restrictions on height and renovations that can be done. Make sure to check that your particular subdivision allows for a second story addition, as some have stricter rules and regulations than others.
Step 3: Discuss Budget
After you determine that your desired remodel is permitted, the next step is contacting professional contractors with your request and comparing prices. It is important to get multiple estimates and compare each to get a better idea of what you should budget for. Every second story addition is different and therefore costs will vary depending on size, what type of rooms you want, and various other factors. It’s always best to over-budget just in case something ends up costing a bit more than originally planned or the project takes a little more time to complete.
Step 4: Hire a Contractor
A second story home addition is no DIY task. Hiring a professional contractor is very important to ensuring the project is done properly. Speak to a few different companies to see which you feel will do the best work in the time frame and budget you want to work with. Once you’ve chosen one, it’s important to discuss what you would like them to focus on whether that be design, construction or costs. Typically, you want to balance all three, so open communication is extremely important to make sure you’re on the same page. Read our guide on selecting a remodel contractor.
Essentially, home remodeling comes down to a lot of planning and working with the right professional contractors to bring your vision to life. Check out Castle Building Company’s portfolio of previous work or give us a call at (303) 944-0488 to learn more about how we can help you with your next second story home addition or other home remodel project!
