NEW additions to the family can also bring with them a sort of nervous breakdown. While there was much joy at Junior’s christening, the long-awaited birth of more kids may herald a mix of disaster and disbelief. There’s also the new dog. As a result, the home is becoming smaller. You’re beginning to run out of space. You need an upgrade and you need it soon. What do you think of a second-story addition?
CAN I ADD A SECOND FLOOR?
Before advancing far into the process, cooler minds will first determine if it’s even possible. While a second floor may allow the full footprint of the space above to be utilized for more children’s bedrooms, a bath, and a master suite—and perhaps a mini romp room for the Pekingese—constructing a new floor provides its own challenges and disillusions.
There are certain requirements that must be met by the single-storey house frame in order to pass the building department for a second-storey addition. First, a standard construction of posts and lintels must be designed for their own weight plus that of the second level, its own posts and lintels, occupants, your stuff and the roof above, including any poundage that might collect through time. That said, it is most obvious that you need the help of professionals because litigation for code violations with do-it-yourself jobs is not fun.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMPANY
There are companies that specialize in creating the extra living space you and your family need by designing and building a second-story addition that will imbue style without being too pricey and yet add significant value to your home. Finding the right outfit with a reputation for high standards of workmanship, creative design and value for money should begin with a search within one’s own expanded network and then some.
In the end, choose professionals who have at least 10 years of experience in full-service, turn-key construction—meaning they can design, manage and secure approvals for the build. Also important is the amount of transparency in the proceedings. Will there be hidden costs? Is there a fair-trade contract? Are there guarantees that will ensure your peace of mind if the project goes awry?
READ THE FLOOR PLAN
Consultation with professionals will yield a floor plan, a drawing that tells us the most about a house. While a floor plan will feature the type, size, area, structure, circulation pattern, room layouts and so much more, they often lack the information needed to describe the home’s totality—because a floor plan can’t show what is going on in the third dimension.
The best way to understand a plan is to immerse oneself in it and “walk” around the home. As you take a virtual tour, note what you see and how you feel as you go from room to room. This will help you visualize the spaces. One must understand what is in front, behind, above and below. You must achieve omnipotence through the floor plan.
Remember to bring your family along with you when you discuss the plan. Not all floor plans fit all lifestyles.
That said, don’t assume the sizes of rooms on a floor plan are adequate. One must visualize spaces as fully occupied when deciding on their sizes.
There are so many other things to consider when making the step to the new second floor, but it often begins with a single decision. Do you want to add space, style and value to your home? The journey begins from here and may require oodles of research beyond the scope of the present inquiry. But with the right tools, one may end up with a much better home attuned to your family’s needs.
In Photo: The project Red Box by Jeremy Levine adds a porch on the second floor for viewing the expansive space outside. (jeremylevine.com)
In Photo: The master suite is placed at the rear to make use of the seclusion in that part of new second floor.