Building a Second Story Addition

Feeling cramped in your single-story house, with seemingly nowhere to go? Even if your lot is relatively small, don’t despair. Starting out in a bungalow or other one-story structure gives you some great opportunities when space gets tight. A wise and practical solution to gaining more usable room is to literally go up.

Whether you have a growing family to accommodate or just want to have a bigger house with some purpose-built rooms, an excellent option is to have experienced professionals create a second story addition.

Second story addition benefits

Obviously, one of the major pluses of this kind of renovation is the increase in usable household space.

Here are several more bonuses when opting for a second story addition:

• Yard and garden space won’t be reduced, which means that the existing permanent exterior features fences, patios and driveways don’t have to be altered.

• Think about ongoing energy efficiency once the job is done. There can be practical cost savings in adding a second story addition, as opposed to spreading outward on the main level.

• Not only would eventual heating and cooling costs be manageable with a two-story expansion, but there is also the opportunity to easily expand the existing power and plumbing already in place on the ground floor.

Getting necessary permissions for a second-story addition

There are a few steps that one should remember when preparing for a second story addition. Usually, ordinances and permits that involve this type of addition can dictate factors that are crucial in the planning stage. For instance, the allowable square footage that can be considered, the possible obstructions that your addition can cause a nearby neighbour, or how much of the existing house can be safely constructed on.

This is also where hiring professionals to conceptualize and create your second story addition is extra beneficial. They will have the necessary knowledge and be familiar with the local building codes and required permits. Experts will also know about testing your home’s foundation to make sure that it will properly support the addition of another story.

Onboard with cost & design

Trusted professional builders will also advise you fully on budget guidelines and all anticipated costs associated with your home’s second story addition project. As part of the planning process, have the contractor show you examples from his company’s portfolio of this type of work for you to browse through before finalizing your decision.

And remember, the possibility of a second story addition is not restricted to bungalow-style homes. If your home already has a second level, you can still gain vertical space above a garage or other existing section of your current house.

To discuss the ins and outs of second-floor addition, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to go over your project and give you a workable plan whether you use us or not. 

To arrange a consultation, call us at 604-263-0343 or use our online form.