Denver Second Story Home Addition Contractor

Second Story Home Addition FAQs

• How do I know if my house is structurally fit to add a second story addition?

  Determining whether your house is structurally fit to support a second-story addition is a crucial step in any home improvement project. It requires careful evaluation and assessment by a qualified professional. The team at Factor Design Build are local experts in second story additions on historic Colorado homes. Here are the steps you can take to determine if your house can support a second story:

  1. Consult a Structural Engineer: Engage a licensed structural engineer to inspect your home thoroughly. They have the expertise and knowledge to assess your house’s current structural condition and evaluate whether it can withstand the additional load of a second story. Factor Design Build will provide in house structural engineers and architects to walk you through this process.
  2. Evaluate the Foundation: The foundation is one of the most critical elements when adding another story. The engineer will assess its condition, including any cracks, settling, or other issues that may affect the stability of the structure.
  3. Check Load-Bearing Walls: The experts at FDB will identify load-bearing walls in the existing structure. Load-bearing walls carry the weight of the roof and upper floors. When adding a second story, you might need to reinforce these walls or install additional support beams and columns.
  4. Review the Existing Structure: Our engineer will evaluate the construction materials, such as the type of framing, floor joists, and roof structure, to ensure they can handle the increased load.
  5. Consider Building Codes: Your local building codes and regulations may have specific requirements for adding a second story. Denver and surrounding municipalities can have a variety of regulations to navigate for a second story home addition renovation. Our structural engineers and project managers will ensure that the planned addition complies with all relevant building codes.
  6. Calculate Load Capacity: Our design team will calculate the additional weight the second story will impose on the existing structure and verify if it falls within safe limits.
  7. Assess the Roof: Adding a second story will likely involve altering the roof. Factor’s engineer will assess if the existing roof can be modified or if a new one needs to be constructed.
  8. Check the Footprint: Factor’s design team will also consider the footprint of your house and check if the foundation and walls can support the expansion.
  9. Review the Soil Conditions: The soil on which your home sits plays a crucial role in its stability. We will evaluate the soil conditions and make sure they can support the added weight.
  10. Consider Utilities and Services: The addition of a second story may require changes or upgrades to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to accommodate the new space.

  Remember, each house is unique, and the assessment for a second story addition will vary. It’s essential to have a professional structural engineer conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure that the addition is safe, stable, and meets all relevant regulations. Choosing to partner with Factor Design Build will give you peace of mind working with top of industry experts as you navigate the second story home addition process.

• How long does a second story home addition normally take?

  Several factors can influence the duration of construction projects, such as the extent of foundational work required, weather conditions, material availability (which has been a major concern this year), permitting procedures, and change orders. In the majority of cases of a complete second-story home addition, it typically takes around six to 12 months to complete. However, a partial addition may be finished within three to five months.

• What are benefits of a second story home addition?

  Adding a second story to your house can offer several benefits, both practical and aesthetic. Here are some of the advantages of undertaking a second-story addition:

  1. Increased Living Space: Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the significant increase in living space. A second story effectively doubles the square footage of your home, allowing you to have more rooms, additional bedrooms, bathrooms, and larger living areas.

  2. Cost-Effective Expansion: Compared to building an entirely new house or purchasing a larger property, adding a second story can be a more cost-effective way to expand your living space. You save on land costs and the expenses associated with moving to a new home.

  3. Maximize Land Use: If you have a small or narrow lot, building upward with a second story allows you to make the most of your available land while still achieving your desired space.

  4. Increased Property Value: Expanding your home’s square footage through a second-story addition can significantly increase the property’s overall value. This investment may lead to higher resale value if you decide to sell your home in the future.

  5. Better Views: Depending on your location, adding a second story could provide better views of the surrounding area, such as scenic landscapes, city skylines, or nearby bodies of water.

  6. Enhanced Aesthetics: A well-designed second-story addition can enhance the overall curb appeal and aesthetics of your home. It can give your property a more modern or grand appearance, depending on the architectural style.

  7. Room for Growing Family: If your family is expanding or you plan to have more children, a second-story addition can offer the necessary space for everyone to live comfortably.

  8. Separate Spaces: A second story can provide an opportunity for creating separate living areas, such as a dedicated master suite or guest quarters. This added privacy can be beneficial for multi-generational families or accommodating guests.

  9. Customization and Personalization: Adding a second story allows you to customize your home to your specific needs and preferences. You have more design flexibility and can create spaces tailored to your lifestyle.

  10. Avoiding Neighborhood Relocation: If you love your neighborhood, its amenities, and the community, a second-story addition allows you to stay in the area you already love without having to relocate.