second story addition

Your Family Is Growing and You Need More Space: Should You Build Up, Out or Down?

Increase living space with a second story addition.

A second story addition can provide lots of new space.

Not everyone can afford to buy a large enough home to allow them to grow as a family. This leaves families with two options: buy a new home and move or remodel their existing home to better meet their needs. If you find you need more space to accommodate your growing family, an experienced home remodeling company can help you decide if a second story addition, dormer addition or basement remodeling project is the right choice.

For families who live in a one-story home, a second story addition can be an option to double the living space in the home. First, the contractor must evaluate your existing foundation to determine if it can accommodate the extra weight. Once the foundation is prepped, they will remove the roof and begin constructing the second floor. However, you may lose the use of your home during the project and it can affect the overall layout of your home. Not all homes can accept a second story.

Choose the home addition that fits your budget.

Compare the costs before deciding on a home additions option.

Dormer Addition

If your home already has an existing second floor, you can still make more room in your home by building out. While some individuals choose to build a new room onto their ground floor, you need plenty of extra space without getting too close to the lot line. A dormer addition can create extra space in an area where a sloping roof made it difficult. Dormers can be added in just about any home without negatively impacting the structure of the home.

Basement Remodeling

Another option your home improvement company can discuss with you is basement remodeling. There are strict laws in place regarding sleeping spaces in the basement. However, experienced contractors are aware of these restrictions and can perform the necessary changes to provide a safe, livable space beneath the ground. In addition to creating a new sleeping space or even a bathroom in your basement, the contractors can create any other area beneath your main floor, including a home office, a playroom or a rec room. The options are endless.

When your family is growing and you feel like there is no more room in your existing home, you may think buying a new, larger home is your only solution. However, you can hire experienced home improvement contractors to help you find the best way to increase the amount of space in your existing home so you don’t have to move. Whether you choose to build up with a second story addition, out with a dormer addition or down with basement remodeling, they will provide a reliable estimate and work hard to make sure your needs are met.

If you are interested in adding on to your existing home in Massachusetts, contact us. We can help you decide which option will best suit your needs.

Important Questions You Should Ask Before You Begin Your Second Story Addition

November 27, 20140

Be prepared before adding a second story addition.

Before considering a second story addition, ask these questions.

Sometimes you just don’t have the room to build an addition out from your home. Whether your home is too close to the property line or you don’t want to use up precious space in your yard, a second story addition can be the ideal alternative. Before you start making your addition plans, ask a contractor these questions to determine whether this is the best choice to expand the usable space in your home.

How Much Does It Cost?

One of the most important questions is how much this type of project will cost. A second story addition will lead to different costs than adding an expansion onto the first floor of your home. For instance, to build the addition, more demolition is required, such as the roof, and the systems in your home, including plumbing and electricity, need to be revised. Talking to your contractor will help you understand the costs so you can evaluate whether it is worth it to move forward.

Is It Possible?

As you create addition plans, you will realize not all homes are built with the structure to hold the weight of an entire second floor. Your contractor will be able to check the integrity of your home and determine the viability of this type of project. Sometimes adjustments can be made to allow for this type of addition. If it isn’t possible, your contractor can help you decide whether there are any better options.

Can your home accommodate a second story addition.

Are you ready for a second story addition?

Is a Full Addition Required?

You may not envision your home with a full second story addition. A remodeling contractor can create addition plans that only provide a partial addition to give you the space you need without adding a full floor to your home. Perhaps you only need an extra room or two. Your contractor can help you decide what type of addition you need to provide the amount of space you require.

Does the Contractor Have Experience?

Adding a second story can be a difficult process that requires specific skills and expertise. You don’t want to leave these addition plans in the hands of an inexperienced contractor. With the wrong technique, you could be putting your entire home at risk. A poor second story addition can cause undue stress on your foundation and could ultimately destroy your existing home, costing you more money in repairs.

When you want to expand your home, you basically have two choices: expand out or expand up. Addition plans can be complex, especially if you choose a second story addition over expanding outward from your existing home. This makes choosing the right contractor to ensure the job is done correctly without putting your entire home at risk.

If you are interested in discussing addition plans with a Massachusetts contractor, contact us. We can help you design and build your second story for a beautiful home.

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Your Family Is Growing and You Need More Space: Should You Build Up, Out or Down?