Changing Your House With a Second-Story Addition
Building up on your home can allow you to capture views, maximize square footage on a small lot and locate all the bedrooms on a single level. Good design and structural planning up front will allow you to maximize your new space.
Seamless integration. A good design will make the second story look like it was always there, so take the necessary time to make sure the addition enhances your curb appeal and your home’s functionality.
Structural requirements. A second story with occupied rooms will weigh much more than your old roof system, so calculations will need to be made to know how much weight the main-floor walls and foundation will carry and how to hold that weight up.
Mechanical. Your furnace, water heater and electrical panel all work based on your home’s square footage and the number of fixtures you have. When you increase the size of your home, these systems may need to be adjusted.
Finishes. Often the finishes of your existing home — door style, trim, flooring — can dictate the finishes in your addition. But adding a new story allows you to revisit every finish.
