Starting on the path to plan and build a second story on your home can be both thrilling and scary. It will add needed living space, house your growing family, and cause a rise in your home's worth. Yet, before we dive into the nuts and bolts of building and design, it is best to start with a clear vision of the end goal. This will make all the difference in getting the most out of your addition.
This post is the first in a string of posts that will explore the steps of planning a second story for your home. In part one, we will talk about how to define your goals, set a budget, and make the new floor fit the home's current style.
Part 2 - Laying the Groundwork
Part 3 - Design and Details
Part 4 - Construction
Part 5 - Completing Your Addition
Define Your Goals
What are the needs your addition will address?
The first step in planning a two-story addition is defining your goals. What all do you want to gain with this project? You no doubt have a base idea, or main goal, for the project, but what exactly does that look like?
Expand The Living Space
If your family is growing or you need more room for daily use, the second story could become your new living room area or yoga loft! What unique uses can you add to the extra living space? Imagine a large family room that opens onto a new outdoor deck, great for entertaining or to watch the sunset with a warm cup of tea.
Add More Bedrooms
If you need more bedrooms for family members or guests, this can be a primary goal. Visualize comfortable and well-designed bedrooms that offer privacy and functionality. Do you want a bathroom close to the new rooms? Would a laundry chute or dumb waiter make your life easier?
Enhance Your Kitchen
If you have a kitchen in a one-story home, chances are the ceiling is lower than you would like. Take this as an opportunity to raise the ceiling in your kitchen as you grow your house vertically. You could add a small kitchenette to the second floor for a secondary cooking and eating space.
Other Ways To Shape The Space
Consider other needs, such as a home office, movie theater, or a play space for the kids. How will these areas flow together to create a new space in your home that fills the gaps?
Prioritize Your Goals and Needs
Once you've pinned down your dream features, it is time to decide which are the must-haves and which would be lovely but are not a need. Assess what is most vital for the well-being of your family and how each goal fits your long-term plans. For instance, if accommodating a new baby is a top priority, you may choose to focus on creating a nursery as part of your addition. Still, as the baby grows, you may want a room with more space they can grow into. What will the plan be for the nursery area then?
Building A Budget
The Role of Budgeting
Setting a budget that will get you to the finish line will take time. But, it is at the heart of any successful home remodel, and it is even more so with additions. Starting with a professional design is a great way to get a clear idea of what your dream build will cost.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Research the average costs of two-story additions in your area to gauge what's feasible. Visit stores where you can see samples of tiles in person. This way, you know what you like and what it will cost you per square foot just for the material. The average second-story addition costs $450 - $750 per square foot. Where you land on that scale will have much to do with your chosen materials.
Financing Options
If your dream addition has grown beyond your real budget, there are financing options you can explore, such as home equity loans or lines of credit, to bridge the gap. These options provide the necessary funds to complete your project while keeping your savings intact.
The Contingency Fund
Unforeseen issues can come up during a large addition project. Setting aside a contingency fund to take care of unexpected costs is the best plan to keep your project running smoothly. This will provide peace of mind and prevent stress down the road. A common rule of thumb is to set aside about 10% of your budget for emergencies. For instance, if your budget is $80,000, consider setting aside $8,000 as a just-in-case fund.
Matching Up Styles
The Importance of Consistency
One thing that you need to consider when you plan your two-story addition is how it will blend into your home's current style. A great way to help with this is to upgrade the siding on the rest of the home while you finish the addition. Working with a whole home contractor like MI Remodelers means doing it all as one contract and saving.
What Is Your Home's Current Style?
Consider the architectural style of your current home. Is it traditional, modern, colonial, or something else? Your addition should complete this style to keep the overall aesthetic in place. If your home has a colonial design, your addition should incorporate similar elements, such as matching colors, accent styles, and materials.
How To Blend Seamlessly
Consult with a designer who specializes in adding new structures to current ones. They can give you design tips and ideas to seamlessly merge the old and the new. For instance, if you have a modern home and want to add a two-story addition, your architect might propose using clean lines, large windows, and minimalist design elements to maintain the modern aesthetic.
In the next article, we'll delve into the preliminary phase of your project, where you'll evaluate your property and start the design process. Click here to read more insights on your journey to a successful two-story addition.
