If the house you own has become too small for your needs, but you would like to remain in your home given all the inconveniences of moving (including finding a new house, changing your children’s schools, or potentially increasing your commuting time, etc.), your changing needs can be met with a second storey addition.

A second storey addition is especially effective if extensions into the yard would mean taking away your existing gardening and activity space.

Since some homes are not suitable for a second storey addition, before you begin to think about a new home design, consider the following questions:

  • Height limitations in your area

There may be a bylaw preventing you from building an addition because it may block your neighbor’s sun. These laws vary from municipality to municipality, but every municipality has a regulation on how much square footage can be added onto the existing property. Height limitations can be especially tricky if you live in a subdivision, since there may be concerns about how your addition will fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.

  • Foundation

How strong is your foundation and will it be able to hold a second storey addition? Prior to construction, you will have to obtain a building inspector’s approval. Your existing foundation might have to be reinforced.

  • Ceiling Joists

Can the existing ones support a second storey? Will you need new ones?

  • Roof

Your existing roof will have to be removed in the early stages of construction. What type of a roof do you have – stick built (on site) or a truss one (manufactured)? How many layers of shingles are there? Are you going to keep the existing chimney? Have you checked the weather channel lately? During the second storey addition process, temporary weather protection will have to be considered.

  • HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing upgrades

In most cases, the existing system is unable to cover the addition of extra space, and a replacement is necessary.

  • The existing look

Building a second storey addition will also require some changes to your main floor. If you choose better quality windows for your second story addition, this will necessitate the replacement of the rest of your windows. Finally, if you want the second storey to seamlessly integrate with the main floor, stucco work and/or other exterior work will be needed.