Adding a second story on top of your house is a big project. After all, you’re creating a new space for your family to live in and doubling your square footage. If you have less land space, adding a house extension can be a great way to add more space and increase your home’s value.
But before you start this project there are some things you should consider. This article some of these things.
Read on…
- Cost
It can be costly to add an addition to your existing home. It’s estimated that they may cost $75000 and above especially if you want to do a full story addition.
These costs are a result of several factors. Structural inspectors may have to come to your house and determine whether it can support a second story. If they find it’s unable to do so, your house may need additional shoring on its foundation. Also, it may require additional structural elements, all of which require money.
Apart from this, the second floor will also need electricity, plumbing, and HVAC. And because you might not be residing in your home as the story is being added, you may have to rent a hotel room. The complexity of second stories also requires a lot of time translating to more contract hours.
These steep prices shouldn’t deter you from achieving your second-story addition dreams. With the right plan, building this extension may be seamless and quite easy.
- Design
Before you start building or budgeting for your second story, you need to design it. Hiring a professional designer can help you get a bigger picture of how the existing ground floor will look with a new floor. It is important to note that the designer or architect should have open communication with your chosen Townsville builders to make sure the design is realistic in the buildings parameters, your budget and timeline. They may also advise you on whether you need to change the existing proportions of fittings like doors and windows. They’ll also create for you a design that will ensure your house has a visually appealing face.
When hiring a designer, it would be best to find an experienced one. Such a designer will offer you several design options that you can select from. Avoid architects who have few or no design options to offer.
- Timeline
The time you plan you plan to build your extension will determine how expensive the project will be. So it’s advisable to check your region’s weather before beginning the contract. You want to avoid rainy seasons because the rain may affect other pieces of furniture when the roof is removed.
Also, avoid adding your second story when your kids are in school. That’s because it may disrupt their home life and plunge them into stress or depression. Great contractors will advise you on the best time to do the renovation and will perform the job with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life.
- Codes And Permits
As a rule of thumb, you want to ensure that you use a professional company to do this project. It’s only professionals who’ll ensure that the project is perfect and safe for your family and guests. It may be tempting to work with contractors without proper licenses, but this may endanger your life.
Professional contractors will ensure that they help you get the correct permits. They’ll also perform inspections and tell you whether it’s safe to continue with the project or not. Building an additional story without getting a permit from your state, neighborhood or city, may cause you to be fined.
The Bottom Line
Adding a second story to your existing home is a great project. If you follow these tips, your project may be successful.
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