
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Second Story?
- Cost to Add a Second Story per Square Foot Building a second-story addition typically costs between $100 and $300 per square foot. For complex projects with high-end materials, it could cost as much as $500 per square foot. ...
- Second-Floor Addition Cost Breakdown ...
- Second-Story Addition Cost Factors ...
- Cost to Add a Second Story Yourself ...
- DIY Second-Floor Addition vs. Hiring a Building Contractor ...
- FAQs ...
How much does it cost to add a second floor?
Keep in mind that the cost of a large second floor addition can cost as much as 50-70% more compared to the cost of the same size first floor addition. Prices for second floor additions of 1,500 sq.ft. start at $150,000 and can go all the way up to $400,000+
How do you create a second floor?
Second Floor House Framing Techniques
- Rim Joist Construction. The rim joist boards, typically 2-by-10s or 2-by-12s, install edgewise around the perimeter of the first floor top wall plate, also called the tie plate.
- Floor Joists. ...
- Framing for Floor Openings. ...
- Subfloor. ...
- Walls. ...
Can you add a second floor to a manufactured home?
You can put a basement under a manufactured home but it’s unfeasible for a second story to be added. You could add a 2-story addition beside the home on its own foundation though. (The only way you could add a second story over a manufactured home would be to create the second story’s foundation around the home.
How can I make a second floor?
· Choose ‘draw room’ button in the construction menu: · Click in the drawing field once for the first corner, drag the mouse to the right size and click again to set the second floor. Tip: You can also type in the exact sizes in the small menu that appears.
How much does it cost to build a second floor?
Does an addition increase your utility bill?

Is it cheaper to build a second story or build out?
Building out is significantly less expensive than building up. On average, it costs between $140 to $180 to expand your home's footprint outwards. When you build a second or third floor onto your home, you can expect the costs to range from $180 to $250 per square foot.
Is adding a second story worth it?
Adding a second story will not only increase your home's space, but it may also increase its resale value. If you have the market in mind, it's always a good idea to check with a realtor to ensure that your investment will likely translate into a higher resale price.
Is it expensive to add a second floor?
The cost to add a second story will vary based on the size of the property. However, you should budget between $300 to $500 per square foot. It's common for a second-story addition of 1,000 square feet to cost up to $200,000. Some additions can be completed for less than $100,000.
How much would it cost to build a second floor on my house?
Adding a second story to your home is a significant undertaking but adds value, comfort, and space to your existing home. On average, a partial second story costs between $80,000 and $250,000, while a full second-story addition can be between $100,000 to $600,000 or more.
How do I know if my house can support a second floor?
Can your foundation support a second story addition? The only way to know if it can or what's needed to “beef it up” is to hire an engineer to assess your home's current foundation and determine what structural reinforcements will be needed to support all that extra weight.
Is it cheaper to build up or out?
Building up is always the least expensive option for increasing your home's square-footage because it requires less material and labor. For example, if you have 1,000 sq. feet on the main level and want to add 1,000 sq. feet as a second floor, all you have to do is add more wood and framing labor.
How difficult is it to add a second story?
It's a highly disruptive project. You can't really “close off” your home to the construction once the roof is off. You also don't want to be subject to long periods of time without water, plumbing, heat or electricity while everything is being built and connected on the second floor.
How long does it take to add a second floor to a home?
between 6 and 9 monthsLocation, terrain, and the state of the first floor also weigh in. But overall, a full second story addition takes anywhere between 6 and 9 months. A partial one may run for 3-5 months. Remodeling produces lots of dust and noise, so most homeowners prefer moving out during construction.
Can you add a 2nd story to an existing house?
There are many ways that additions can happen without expanding the footprint of the house: You can add another story onto a one-story (or even a two-story) home. You can expand an existing top floor by installing large dormers in a pitched roof to gain useful living space.
How can I add a cheap room to my house?
How to Add a Room to a House for Cheap: 10 IdeasSplit Larger Rooms Into Two Spaces.Convert a Garage Into One or Two Rooms.Retrofit an Outdoor Wood Shed.Add a Modular Room or Guest House.Turn Your Basement Into One or Multiple Rooms.Renovate Your Attic Space.Sacrifice a Laundry Room, Bathroom, or Walk-In Closet.More items...•
What is a bump out addition?
What Is a Bump-Out Addition? A bump-out is a minor addition to a house that increases its total square footage but doesn't reach the scale of a full addition with multiple rooms. A bump-out can be as small as two or three feet that push out the side of the house, or as large as a single room.
How much does it cost to pop the top of a house?
Pop Top Addition This type of project typically involves significant structural work to support a new story. Cost range: Construction Cost = $300/SF for new building; so a 1,000 SF addition over an existing house will be $300,000 or more.
Can you turn a 1 story house into a two story house?
There are many ways that additions can happen without expanding the footprint of the house: You can add another story onto a one-story (or even a two-story) home. You can expand an existing top floor by installing large dormers in a pitched roof to gain useful living space.
How difficult is it to add a second story?
It's a highly disruptive project. You can't really “close off” your home to the construction once the roof is off. You also don't want to be subject to long periods of time without water, plumbing, heat or electricity while everything is being built and connected on the second floor.
How much does it cost to add 1000 square feet to a house?
Home addition costs by square footageSquare feet addedTypical cost500$40,000-$100,000600$48,000-$120,000800$64,000-$160,0001,000$80,000-$200,0006 more rows•Jan 9, 2020
How much does it cost to pop the top of a house?
Pop Top Addition This type of project typically involves significant structural work to support a new story. Cost range: Construction Cost = $300/SF for new building; so a 1,000 SF addition over an existing house will be $300,000 or more.
How Much Does Second Story Addition Cost In 2022?
So basically, the total cost would be around $225,000 to $450,000 for 1,500 sq. ft. of space for a basic job and $600,000 to $900,000 for more complex construction. This would include 2-3 bedrooms and a bathroom plus the stairs.. If you live in San Diego, expect to spend around $450,000 to $600,000. On the other hand, prepare to shell out around $750,000 to $975,000 if you’re from Seattle ...
The Expected Costs of Adding a Second Floor to a Ranch House
When you're adding a second story to a ranch house, plan for additional costs as a result of increased floor space. According to CostHelper, a new addition often generates a reassessment of your ...
How much does it cost to build a second floor?
A selective do-it-yourself approach -- doing as much work as possible yourself and acting as your own general contractor when you need skilled subcontractors to do specific work -- can be difficult and time-consuming, but can bring the cost of a second floor down to about $70-$150 a square foot, or $105,000-$225,000 for 1,500 square feet, depending on how much you are able to do on your own or can save by contracting directly with subcontractors. A Virginia homeowner [ 1] with some construction experience spent about $100,000 to add a 1,300-square-foot second floor (master suite with spa bath and walk-in dressing rooms plus home office space), or about $77 a square foot for a project that took six months.
Does an addition increase your utility bill?
A large addition can also increase your monthly utility bills. Shopping for a second floor addition:
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Second Story per Square Foot?
A second-story addition costs between $100 and $300 per quare foot on average, but complex projects with high-end materials could reach as high as $500 per square foot .
Second Story Addition Cost Breakdown
A second-story addition is made up mainly of materials and labor but is contingent upon what you’re adding. Depending on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, these prices may vary. For example, a bathroom addition costs more than a bedroom because of plumbing, vents, and more finish work.
Second-Story Addition Cost Factors
Because adding a second story is a large and often complex project, several factors influence the cost of your addition.
Cost to Add a Second Story Yourself
Labor usually accounts for 30% to 50% of your second-story addition budget. Tackling the entire project without contractors isn’t advisable unless you’re an experienced builder. But you can still save costs by doing some of the work yourself, such as painting or installing bedroom flooring.
How to Save Money When Adding a Second Floor
While you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to a second-floor addition, there are ways you can save money on the reno project without forgoing quality.
Second-Story Addition Questions and Answers
Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready.
How much does it cost to build a ground floor addition?
It's generally cheaper to build out than up. According to data from HomeGuide, you should expect to spend between $86 and $208 per square foot for building a ground-floor home addition, but costs will vary depending on labor rates in your area, the design and what materials you select.
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Second Story?
How much it costs to add a second story depends on the type of addition you want, the materials you choose, and whether you need to replace the roof. It's sometimes possible to retain the existing roofing materials and reinstall them, but many projects require a new roof. Labor rates also vary widely according to location.
Is It Worth It to Add a Second Story?
Whether it's worth it to build a second story addition depends on your circumstances. Although it's generally cheaper to add a ground-floor addition to a house than to build a second story, many people find living in a two-story house more practical. Unless you own a lot of land, you probably won't have enough space to build an addition equaling the square footage of your existing property, whereas a second story could effectively double your square footage.
Can I Add a Second Story to My House?
Many homeowners will be able to build a second-story addition, but whether it's a feasible option depends on a few factors.
2 Types Of Second Story Addition & Their Cost
When talking about the second story various designs come to our mind. We see stories that fully occupy the roofing area. Then there are some stories that are half the size of the floor beneath.
Second Story Addition Cost Breakdown
Adding a second story is a big home renovation project. You’d have to evaluate the cost for each step and all the criteria. To do that, first, you’d need a solid budget plan. Here we’ve broken down the total cost for building a second story. Hopefully, this will help you make your own budget plan.
Some Tips To Save Your Money While Adding a Second Story
House renovation projects are never cheap. Even more so if it’s a big project like adding a second story. Needless to say that it may leave your bank account in a poor state. That’s why you need to be careful with spending the money.
FAQs
Question: Why does adding a second story cost more than adding space on the ground?
EndNote
That was all about how much does it cost to add a second story? Hopefully, our discussion was helpful for you.
What makes second-story additions so expensive?
Now that you have some estimates for this project, you may be wondering where all of those dollars are going. What are some of the most expensive components of a second-story addition?
What happens when you add a second story?
Plumbing/electrical/HVAC systems: When adding a second story, these systems will have to be moved, expanded, or upgraded to accommodate the extra square footage, which can be a complex and expensive task. Electrical wiring and plumbing may also have to be altered to meet the new code.
How to increase living space in garage?
Another way to increase your living or storage space without expanding your house’s footprint is to add a “ bonus room ” over the garage . It could be used as a home office, in-law suite, man cave, playroom, craft room, storage room…the possibilities are endless. One of the main benefits of going this route is that because you’re building on top of an unfinished garage, you don’t have to worry as much about damaging existing drywall, flooring, or other elements during construction, which means there will be less need to remodel the space after the addition is complete.
How to increase living space without expanding house footprint?
Another way to increase your living or storage space without expanding your house’s footprint is to add a “ bonus room ” over the garage. It could be used as a home office, in-law suite, man cave, playroom, craft room, storage room…the possibilities are endless.
Can you build a bonus room in a detached garage?
Not all garages are candidates for supporting bonus rooms without significant structural rework to the existing foundation, particularly in the case of det ached garages. “Sometimes it makes more sense to demolish the existing garage if the goal is to build a new garage with an ‘accessory dwelling unit’ (or ADU) on top,” says Justin Bride, principal at Ascent Contracting in Denver, Colorado, who has worked with many residential expansions.
Do all second story additions have the same scope?
Not all second-story additions have the same scope. Depending on how much space you need and the size of your budget, you can choose from the following options:
Can you have a second story with a staircase?
A second story is only useful if it can be accessed, hence the inevitable staircase. This can be a challenge if the existing layout of the first floor doesn’t have enough open floor space to accommodate a staircase. Some homeowners opt to place the staircase outside the home to conserve floor space and save money.
Who can you pay for a second floor addition?
You can expect to pay for the services of two professionals – an engineer and an architect – even before the construction begins on your second-floor addition.
What happens when you add a second story to a ranch house?
When you're adding a second story to a ranch house, plan for additional costs as a result of increased floor space. According to CostHelper, a new addition often generates a reassessment of your home's current value, resulting in increased taxes.
What can a general contractor do for a second story?
If you prefer an entirely separate heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for the second story, visit with your general contractor to create an accommodating plan prior to starting construction.
Can you add a second floor to a ranch house?
The Expected Costs of Adding a Second Floor to a Ranch House. You can live large in a single-story ranch by looking to the top of your house for extra living space. That’s right – adding a second story to a ranch house can help accommodate your lifestyle needs or wants.
How much does it cost to add a room to a house?
The average cost to build a home addition or add a room is $48,000, with most homeowners spending between $22,500 and $74,000. A room addition costs from $86 to $208 per square foot depending on the room size, materials, labor, location, and if your building-up or out.
How much does it cost to add a 400 sq ft addition?
An average 300 square foot addition costs $25,800 to $62,400 while a 400 square foot addition runs $34,400 to $83,200. Costs below are figured at $86 and $208 per square foot to show the most basic cost to the highest.
How much does it cost to add a 10x20 bedroom?
At $128 per square foot, a 10x20 bedroom addition costs $25,600 on average, while a 20x20 family room ranges from $51,200. When adding a bathroom that requires plumbing, expect to spend from $18,000 to $47,000.
What do general contractors do for additions?
A good general contractor will know which permits to obtain, and they will have subcontractors ready to work on the various parts of your addition. Things like electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC will need to be subcontracted. They may even subcontract the painting, roof, and concrete foundation work. A contractor will also be able to give input on your home addition ideas.
What to do before adding a home?
Before you begin any home addition, you must have a good understanding with your general contractor. Everything should be put down in writing with detailed line-by-line costs, and both parties should fully agree to the terms.
How much return on investment does adding a room have?
Adding a room provides a return on investment of over 50%. To get started, get free estimates from home addition contractors near you.
What does adding an addition do to a home?
Building an addition increases the square footage, which adds value to a home. Each type of addition project has estimated prices primarily based on the size that we'll cover below.
How much does it cost to build a second floor?
A selective do-it-yourself approach -- doing as much work as possible yourself and acting as your own general contractor when you need skilled subcontractors to do specific work -- can be difficult and time-consuming, but can bring the cost of a second floor down to about $70-$150 a square foot, or $105,000-$225,000 for 1,500 square feet, depending on how much you are able to do on your own or can save by contracting directly with subcontractors. A Virginia homeowner [ 1] with some construction experience spent about $100,000 to add a 1,300-square-foot second floor (master suite with spa bath and walk-in dressing rooms plus home office space), or about $77 a square foot for a project that took six months.
Does an addition increase your utility bill?
A large addition can also increase your monthly utility bills. Shopping for a second floor addition:
