If you love where your home is situated but are looking for more
space, going up may be exactly the solution you’ve been searching
for.
Upper floor additions are a great option for Pittsburgh
homeowners who have a great house in a neighborhood they love — but
don’t want to lose space in the backyard for a main level extension.
Adding a new floor adds significant value to your home and is
usually a lot more economical than moving to a new home. It’s also a
fantastic way put yourself in the design chair as you map out how
best to use the extra space: extra bedrooms or a master suite, a
home office or media centre.
But adding a new floor will also be very disruptive to the
household, so careful planning is in order to ensure everything goes
as smoothly as possible.
What you need to consider before you begin:
Set a budget. As with all remodeling project, establishing a
firm budget should always be your first step. Once you know exactly
what you are able to spend, you will be able to make the important
decisions along the way. Remember that an extra 15 percent should be
built in for any unexpected problems that may arise.
Draw some preliminary sketches for how you envision the space.
Remember that you will need a new stairway to the new level. By
thinking through your options you will be better prepared when it’s
time to sit down with your contractor.
Hire a skilled contractor. Building a new level onto an existing
structure requires special skills that not every builder may
possess. Make sure you
hire a contractor who has experience in doing this type of work.
An experienced contractor will be able to guide you through the
entire process with valuable resources and information.
Find out if there are any height restrictions in your area. Most
cities and towns have established ordinances in regards to how tall
a building can be. Chances are if it is just a second story addition
you will be fine, but another level may be too tall. Check with your
local planning department.
Determine whether your
home’s foundation and framing can bear the weight of another
level. Talk to either a contractor or a structural engineer to
determine if the foundation will need reinforcing or support columns
need to be added to strengthen the framing.
During the framing process your roof will be removed and,
depending on what you are planning, will most likely need to be
replaced. This will have an impact on the construction schedule —
and possibly your entire household — so you should plan accordingly.
Make sure your current heating, cooling and ventilation systems
are capable of handling the extra space.
Talk to a HVAC specialist.
Find out if you will have to install a new electric panel and
service to handle the increased load from the new space.
Your new level will have new materials, such as new siding and
windows, you may have to consider upgrading your existing level for
continuity. Your contractor will be able to guide you as to what
your options are.
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