Ten Things You Should Consider before Beginning Your Second Floor Addition
Add space to your home with a second floor addition.
Second floor additions are one of the most under-used ways to add more space to your existing home. Adding another floor requires research, planning and plenty of construction. Before you make the decision to renovate your home, there are a few important things to consider that may have an impact on the structure..
Seamless Integration
Because your home was built years before your addition plans, it is essential to ensure your new home improvement looks similar to the rest of your home. This can be difficult due to changing trends in contracting and home décor. Work with your contractor to make sure your second floor addition looks like part of your home’s original build, rather than a completely different space.
Structural Impact
A new second floor will weigh considerably more than your existing roof. Your contractor will need to calculate how much weight your current walls and foundation can hold, reinforcing them if necessary to meet building codes.
Adding Stairs
Make sure your current floor plan has enough room to add the stairs you need to get to your second floor addition. Although you are effectively creating more space with your addition plans, adding stairs may create spacing issues for your original floor plan.
A second story addition adds space and increases the value of your home.
Mechanical Additions
Your new second story addition needs the same mechanical elements as your current home, such as water and electricity. If you don’t use a contractor who already provides these services, you may experience higher costs.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are an essential part of all addition plans. Unless you intend to make your second floor a large, dark space, you’ll need to plan for the additional costs of adding new windows and doors to your second story addition.
Siding
To match the look of your new floor to the rest of your home, you may need to buy new siding. Depending on the age of your current siding, it may prove challenging to find a good match for your new addition.
Other Considerations
Along with adding doors, windows and other stylistic features, keep in mind you may have to invest in the following elements for your second story addition:
· Insulation for temperature regulation
· Finishing touches, such as door knobs and light switches
· New roofing for your second floor
· Extending your chimney if needed
A new second floor addition is a great way to expand your current home as your family grows. While there are many things to consider with your addition plans, a good contractor can help you add more space to your home.
If you are looking to create another floor in your house, contact us. Our experienced design and build contractors in Massachusetts have the experience you can count on to make sure your project is done right the first time.