Building a Second Story Addition onto a Ranch Home?
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Question:
Is building a second story addition onto a home feasible? I have a ranch
home and am considering building a second story addition onto my home and am
wondering how expensive it is to do.
Answer:
Building a second story addition onto a ranch home is feasible and many homeowners have
done so. However, building a second story addition onto a single story home is a large
undertaking and typically involves extensive planning and the use of an
architect.
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One of the major
items to consider is the disruption of your lifestyle and family. Frequently
homeowners undertaking the building of a second story addition need to
temporarily vacate the home while construction occurs. Consequently,
temporary living costs need to be factored into the budget of building a second
story addition.
Regarding the
actual construction and building of a second story addition, there are a number
of issues that need to be addressed during the planning phase. First, the first
floor construction needs to be evaluated to determine if it can support the
weight of a second story addition.
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mechanical infrastructure (heating, plumbing, electrical) has to be
evaluated to determine how it will be upgraded and modified to support the
second story addition. Frequently larger furnaces and Electrical panels need
to be installed. These upgrades can contribute significantly to the cost of
the project. Finally, there is the demolition aspect of the project that
needs to be thoroughly planned. In adding a second story addition it
is important to remove the roof, without disturbing the structural integrity
and contents of the lower levels. |
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This can be tricky
and requires significant planning and care. Otherwise, your second story
addition project will expand to include a restoration project of the first
floor.
The cost of
building a second story addition onto a ranch home is relatively expensive from
a cost per square foot basis. Careful demolition, and temporary living expenses
add significantly to the project budget. However the alternative to selling the
home and buying a new one is even more expensive in most cases. A homeowner can
expect to pay a 30-50% premium over standard construction costs per square foot,
for adding a second story addition onto a ranch home.
For more help on Building a Second Story
Addition, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Home
Addition Bid Sheets.
The
Home
Addition Bid Sheets will help ensure that your home
building project goes smoothly and is
completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Home Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Building Home Addition Information
Additional Home Addition and Building Resources
Free Second
Story Home Addition
Price Quotes with No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a
free price quote on building a second story home addition from one of our prescreened and licensed
home addition contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your home addition price estimate.
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