Important Considerations When Adding a Second Floor to Your Home

Like many people, family changes may require you to find more living space. However, you don’t necessarily have to move and start over in a new neighborhood or town. With a second floor addition, you can get the extra room you’ve been looking for without having to relocate. This is a big project, but with the right approach, you can manage it and feel good about the results.

Look at the Big Picture

Wanting to add to your home and starting the project are two different elements. It may be easy to express this desire but challenging to execute it. Fight to the urge to throw in the towel because your home doesn’t currently fit the profile of a two-story structure. You need to be creative and look at the potential your home offers. Draw out some plans and jot down your goals and hopes. Enlist the help of professionals such as designers, architects and contractors and share your vision with them.

Consider What Will Make up the New Space

Doing a second floor addition sounds great, but you want to use the space effectively. Before you get too far in the process, decide what rooms and elements you want on the second floor. Do you want to move your master bedroom upstairs, or are you looking to create some new bedrooms? Perhaps putting in a large family room or game room will suit your family’s needs. Do what makes the most sense.

Check With City Requirements

Undertaking a project of this size will require you to obtain the necessary permits. Make sure you understand whether the type of home you’re creating fits within the area’s zoning laws. You’ll probably have to put together a plan and present it before a committee before you can move forward with your project.

A second floor addition can be an excitement add-on. Effective planning will help make sure this is a successful endeavor.