Planning For a Second Story Addition

A second story addition offers an opportunity to greatly expand the existing home. However, removing the roof of the home calls for careful planning. Professionals experienced with adding a second story to an existing structure such as a structural engineer, contractor or residential architect can offer insight into the planning process.

Address Concerns

Before you start construction, you need to address some concerns as the first step of the planning process. The contractor or architect needs to know the roof construction material, where the existing utilities are attached, any protruding elements such as chimneys, roof overhang, the mechanicals running over ceiling joists and whether those ceiling joists can support the added weight. Once the professional understand those key concerns and addresses any problems, the project can commence.

Roof Removal

Call the utility companies to remove their lines from the soffit if attached to prepare for the second story addition. Remove the soffit then remove the sheathing and shingles. Circular saws with old blades work fine to remove shingles. The roof sheathing is either plywood or planks and can be removed in pieces by sawing through them at key places. Ensure all the fascia board, soffit and roof materials are removed then take off the rafters. A Sawzall or sledgehammer make short work of rafters. Truss removal requires knowledge of whether there are load-bearing walls beneath them.

Additional Concerns

Most of the mechanical lines such as HVAC and plumbing run above the ceiling joists. Building a knee wall for the new floor joists with enough space to clear the mechanical lines is the simplest way of dealing with the problem. Extra stairs may be necessary to clear the higher second-floor deck.

A second story addition adds value to your home, increases your living space or adds additional income if used for rentals. Before you start, make sure the addition is properly planned by an experienced professional. The time and money spent to draw up plans and address concerns pay for itself with a quality constructed, stable second story.