CONSTRUCTION SERVICE
Second-Story Additions
A second-story addition doubles living space without using the yard. It involves structural evaluation of the existing house, new framing and roofing, a staircase, and permits. Waterfront Construction plans and builds the whole sequence.
When this is the right place to start
Best fit when your lot is small or the yard is too valuable to give up, and you need significant extra space.
- Structural evaluation of the existing foundation and walls
- New floor framing, walls and roof
- A new staircase connecting the floors
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC extended upstairs
Useful details to have ready
- Your address and the home's approximate age
- Photos of the house from the street and from the back
- Any past structural reports or original plans
Common questions about second-story additions
Can my existing foundation support a second story?
Sometimes it can as is, and sometimes it needs reinforcement. An engineer's evaluation of the foundation and framing answers this, and it is one of the first steps in planning.
Can we live in the house during a second-story addition?
It depends on the scope and how the roof is opened. Many families move out for part of the project, and this is worth discussing before work starts.
Do second-story additions need engineering and permits?
Yes. They need structural engineering and building permits, and Waterfront Construction helps customers obtain the permits.