5 Things to Consider When Adding a Second Story

One of the most viable alternatives to moving to a larger home to make room for your growing family is by adding a second story. Expanding your home lets you double your living space without eating up precious outdoor area.

To begin your second-story addition project, Design Build Remodeling Group talks about the most important things you need to consider:

1.Building Code

Experienced new addition contractors know that structural concerns are the biggest roadblock to this kind of construction. Compared to your current roofing system, an entire floor with finished rooms will weigh a lot more. Engineers must determine whether your load-bearing walls and the foundation can support the second story without breaking the building code.

2.Staircase Design

The introduction of a staircase will consume floor area, and that may impact traffic flow. It takes a veteran architect to narrow down the best locations to incorporate it seamlessly into your existing ground-floor plan.

3.Space Heating

If you have a traditional fireplace, home remodeling contractors will advise you to decide whether or not to save your chimney early in the process. Considering the greater living area you need to heat post-construction, consider upgrading to a newer HVAC system to economize on space and energy.

4.Home Exterior

Adding a second level is an opportunity to redefine your home’s exterior design. Matching the siding of the ground floor is the biggest concern. Doing half-and-half is perhaps the most cost-effective route to take, especially when your current exterior cladding is fairly new and still structurally sound. The contrast of wall elements could lend more interest to your home, too.

5.Expenditure

As in basement, bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects, don’t budget without thinking about architectural fees. Design and construction are two distinct but equally important phases of a two-story addition. Allot enough funds for each step to create a realistic budget.

Design Build Remodeling Group is your one-stop shop for home addition solutions. From to design to construction, our multi-disciplinary team will handle everything to ensure convenience, efficiency and collaboration. Call us at (443) 230-4070 today to discuss your project needs, and get a free estimate in Washington, DC, or any nearby area.