Second story additions are an engineering challenge. The goal is to add space without sacrificing your precious yard or the integrity of the original architect's vision. For these reasons, not all contractors are well suited for these kinds of large scale projects. Fine Construction is well regarded as one of the premier contractors for second story residential additions. With good design we can blend your addition into the original style and we can do it with the highest level of craftsmanship.

What to expect and look for

The price of remodeling a home can vary. In our experience with remodeling projects, we find the biggest cost differences to be associated with the floor plan of the home and costs of bathroom or kitchen fixtures for example, a jacuzzi tub versus a standard tub. Also, any added extras like skylights or more expensive trim work. It is hard to put a definite price on a project unless it is examined by a contractor. In our own personal opinion we would estimate the price to put a second story addition on a ranch home to be on average of $150 - $200 per square foot. This of course would all depend on the ideas and styles of the homeowner.

One of the challenges to be encountered when adding these second stories is that often one has to strengthen the existing story. Some jurisdictioins do not require this, but even when they don't we do not think it wise to put a newer, stiffer story over an older one, especially if it has no existing ply sheathing or other LFRS. A lot depends upon the age of the existing structure of course; sometimes this is not a problem but it is always important to be working with a contractor who has the skill and experience to assess these kinds of implications.

Additions sometimes can be simple but other times, you just have to consider all the options. In some cases, we try to work on the same footprint of the existing home.

In others cases we are asked to remove the existing structure and modify the original look of home but still preserve a design that is as classic as the original.