Not only can you decorate and fill the space however you want, but with a bit of extra work, you can even expand some of the space within the home.
The only problem is, adding extra space to your home, in any direction, requires a hefty amount of work and planning, and this comes in addition to the hefty sums you might have to pay to get the job done!
In fact, you’re likely reading this right now because you have found yourself wondering how much it would actually cost to add a second story to your home.
Eager to get started and build that extra story you’ve been dreaming of? Read down below to find out how much you can expect to spend on the project!
What Would It Cost To Add A Second Story To A Home?
This is a slightly difficult question to answer definitively because the cost can actually vary quite massively from project to project.
No two second-story development projects are ever the same, and this means that each and every project will cost a different price.
Generally, the average price for a second-story building project can cost around $100 to $300 for every square foot that is developed (see also “How Much Does It Cost To Build A 24×24 Garage?“).
However, this is only an average, and there is every possibility that the price could go above or beyond those averages!
There are numerous factors that can affect the cost of a second-story development, so why don’t we dive in and find out what these factors are?
Surveying Fees
It is strongly recommended, before taking on any home extension or building project, to contact a trained professional, such as a surveyor or architect, to take a look at your existing property, so they can ascertain the safety of the project.
An architect may even be able to optimize your existing construction, so that an extension may slot more naturally into place.
The cost of a surveyor or architect can often range from $1,000 to $1,500, but it is a very worthwhile investment, as they may be able to give you advice to be cost-effective with your project.
Size
Of course, the size of the extension will massively impact the cost of your project. If your project is larger, it will cost more, because you will need more materials and manpower.
Make sure to carefully consider the desired size of your project so that you don’t end up spending too much!
Materials
The materials you choose to implement in your extension will massively affect the overall cost of the project. Higher-quality materials will cost more, and you may need to grab a large number of them in order to complete your project.
Labor Costs
Of course, the cost of labor will have a massive impact on the overall cost of your extension project. If you choose to hire professional construction workers to help with your project, you will need to consider the cost of hiring them.
Some may charge a flat fee, while others may charge a percentage rate. Be sure to consider the difficulty of your project. It is strongly recommended to make use of a professional so that your project is finished to a high standard.
Location
Where you choose to build your extension will massively affect the price of the project. If the area you are building around will present difficulty, then the architects will need to account for this, and they may need to work longer, which raises the cost.
A more difficult project may also require more expensive materials!
Plumbing
If you are building a second story for your home, then it is likely that you will be adding a bathroom to the new floor, and this will require that the room is sufficiently hooked up to the plumbing system of the rest of the house.
This will, of course, increase the price, because you will need professionals to put in the extra work.
Electrics
Electricians have their own labor costs, and any modern home will require electricity in order to work sufficiently. Make sure to consider the kinds of electrics you will need in your new space.
Even a few points of electricity in the space will add an extra cost, as those same points will need to be hooked up directly to the mains electricity!
Windows
Windows are going to be essential in your new second story, especially if you want there to be plenty of natural light flowing into the space.
Adding windows will add to the cost of an extension project because you will need to build around them, and ensure that the windows themselves are installed fully.
If you are planning on adding any areas such as a balcony, with large doors that provide access to the outdoors, these doors will, similar to windows, need to be installed correctly, which will affect the price.
Stairs
If you’re adding an extra floor to your home, you will need to be able to easily access it from the lower layer, so you will need to make sure that your stairs are installed properly.
Stairs are often where much of the cost can derive from, as they are such an essential element, and they can take various shapes. Try to keep between $3,000 to $5,000 handy in your construction budget to cover the potential cost of your stairs!
To Wrap Up
As you can see, the cost of adding a second story to your home can vary so massively that you will need to make sure to carefully consider every single element that will be going into it.
You cannot plan too much or too carefully when it comes to such a project.
Make sure to have plenty of money handy in addition to your projected costs, in case you encounter any unexpected expenses along the course of your project!
Hey! My name is Luke. I am the Co-founder of PowellCustomHomes.com, it’s great to have you here at our site. With a combined 20 years of experience, we can help you build the home that you want, specific to your requirements and lifestyle.
No task is too small. We can guide you and offer advice, no matter if you are filling in gaps in the wall, hiding cords, or simply fixing up construction mistakes. We love to help, and strive to do so in any way that we can.
