What is the Cost to Add a Second Story to a Home?

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Adding a Second Story to Your Home Benefits

Are you considering an upward home expansion? Adding a second story to your home can be a big challenge. However, once the project is complete, you can double the square footage of your home with a second floor.

Second-floor additions call for technical knowledge and are complex, so it is good to get an idea of costs beforehand and use a contractor for the project. You should decide if the benefits are worth the cost with that in mind.

Listed below are several benefits to adding a second floor to your house:

Also, when selling your home, because your house has increased in square footage, it could become attractive to more potential buyers.

Considerations in Building a Second Story

There are several benefits to building a second story in your home. There are also some considerations to keep in mind.

Zoning Laws in Your Area

You should always check the local laws in your area to know if you are allowed to build a second story, along with any height and additional restrictions. Local ordinances may have strict codes to follow.

Cost and Structural Considerations

You should consider the structure of your existing home. You have a current frame and foundation that will need to be reinforced to complete the remodel. Also, you will need a stairwell to reach the second floor. Consult a contractor to help you through the hurdles of building a second story on your home.

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Options to Add a Second Story

There are four options for adding a second story to your house.

The first is, building the addition off-site and then placing it on top of your home. This makes for a faster build and can save you money.

The second option is to expand by building an upper level into an actual full story. But, again, you need an existing group to go this route.

The third choice is to remove your existing roof and build the addition and then place the existing roof back on top.

The fourth option is to remove the roof, build the second story and then place an entirely new roof on top.

You will usually need to select one of the options above. The contractor will provide the best recommendation for your situation.

Finding a General Contractor

It is easy to find a general contractor in today’s world by using the internet. You can search for contractors in your area and get in touch with them to set up a meeting. They will help you decide your options and if you are a good fit for the job.

Ensure the contractors you find are licensed before selecting them as a contender. Also, look for online reviews to see prior customers’ reviews.

Spend time discussing every nuance and detail of your needs and expectations, effectively communicating with the contractor. Once you are sure the contractor has the right background, credentials, and positive customer reviews, you should be ready to select your favorite contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of adding a second story?

The cost will range depending on the the house, but there are some average numbers. For a two thousand square foot home, the cost typically ranges from $200,000 to $600,000. For a partial second story of around five hundred to seven hundred square feet, the price can range anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000. A new bathroom on the second floor will push the price closer to the $200,000 range.

If you add a two-car garage with a loft above, the price will be around $150,000 and $200,000. On the other hand, if you have a garage and add a loft above, the cost could be $60,000 to $75,000. Therefore, adding a loft to an existing garage may be your cheapest option.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that the prices also vary greatly based on the supply and demand of construction materials. The housing market is currently experiencing high demand and a low supply of some materials, which could increase prices. Check with your contractor beforehand about any market conditions that may impact your project.

What is a partial second story?

A partial second story is, or level added to your home that covers only part of the first floor. In this type of addition, part of the roof is removed, and a second story is added. Next, a new roof is installed on top of it. Then the components of the first and second floors are tied together.

Does a second-story cost more per foot than adding new space on the ground?

There are several reasons a second story costs more than a ground-level lateral extension. For starters, there is a lot more demolition to add a second story. In addition, the roof has been removed, and there is more disruption to the plumbing and HVAC with second-story additions.

Are there exceptions to the rule where I can live in my house during the construction?

In most cases, you will be required to move out of your house for the contractors to install a second addition. However, with some partial story additions, the area under construction can be “walled off” to keep the dust and noise from bothering the rest of the house. Also, usually, you can stay in your home when a two-story garage is being built.

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How do I find a contractor who has the experience and skill to do this project?

You will need a contractor with extensive experience in renovations, including knocking down structural walls. Ensure whomever you hire is licensed and certified in remodeling and construction. Be sure to ask any contractor-specific questions and narrow your search to two to three you find the most qualified. Once you select your top group, negotiate the project and fees with them. They may be able also to cut some project fees.

How long does it take to build a second-story addition?

The timing is conditional based on several factors. The materials’ availability and the weather contribute the most to the time element of building a second story. Typically, a complete second-story addition should take between six to twelve months. A partial addition usually takes between three to five months to complete.

Will my foundation support a second story?

In most cases, the foundation will not be able to bear the weight of a second story without reinforcement. As a result, the second story will be very heavy. Engineers will most likely need to add piers under and outside the foundation to give it more support. The engineering side of the remodel cost for a second floor may be between $2,000 and $5,000. Additionally, engineers’ plans for a “pier and beam” foundation will differ from the typical home.

Are there height restrictions on second-story additions?

Typically, there will be height restrictions for second floors, but they will vary based on your location. There are zoning ordinances with height limits in most neighborhoods. Also, some deed restrictions may not allow you to add a second story. Ensure you have the rights and the proper approvals before starting the project. The contractor will be able to help you with this.

What if I don’t have room for a staircase?

In most cases, building codes will require an above-ground living space accessible by stairs. The requirements of those stairs vary by width, tread depth, and headroom. The stairs will potentially take up a lot of room in your house. Most contractors in this circumstance recommend a spiral staircase to reach your second floor. It is attractive and limits the footprint of the stairwell. Also, some homeowners will place the second-floor access stairs on the outside of their homes.

When adding stairs, will any work have to be done on the existing first floor?

Sometimes, work will have to be done on the first floor. Examples include removing the ceiling, drywall, or joists in the ceiling. The setup of your home will dictate what work needs to be explicitly done. Usually, the existing walls will need some support at a minimum. Also, reconfiguring the first-floor layout may be required to incorporate them into the design of your house correctly.

Summary

If you’re considering a second story addition, there are many benefits you can experience when it comes to added spaces and value. However, you should also weigh the benefits carefully against the construction costs and your lifestyle needs. You should always consider the second-story addition options and carefully vet and work with an experienced and reputable contractor.