
How much does it cost to add a second story addition?
For example, adding a second floor bonus room above a garage might cost around $50,000, while a full second-story addition might cost over $200,000. Here are some ballpark figures to consider: A full second story for a house measuring 2000 square feet will cost between $150,000 to $200,000.
Can I add a second story to my ranch house?
Budget-friendly ceiling fans can help to keep the air circulating on the top floor, making it a more comfortable space. When you're adding a second story to a ranch house, plan for additional costs as a result of increased floor space.
How much does it cost to add a second story to garage?
If you’re looking to add a new story to your garage, the cost will be between $100,000 to $150,000. If you want to have a full-fledged apartment on top of your garage, then it may cost upwards of $200,000. A second story in a Victorian home can cost even more.
How to plan a second story for Your House?
In planning a second story for your house, it will be more than meets the eye, so to speak. For starter, you will have to find out first if your house’s existing foundation will be able to support the additional weight of the second floor. There are structural foundation requirements for adding a second story.

Is it cheaper to add on or build up?
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.
Can you make a ranch house into a two story?
Adding a second story to a ranch house is a way to double the living space of a modest home, but it's not a project that can be undertaken lightly. Doing it right requires the involvement of professionals, careful and realistic planning, and a willingness to push through some hardship and inconvenience.
Is it cost effective to add a second story?
A. Every house is different but here are some typical ranges: For a full second-story on a 2,000-square-foot house, the cost can range between $200,000 and $600,000. For a partial second-story in the 500-700-square-foot range, expect to pay $150,000 to $200,000, especially if there is a new bathroom upstairs.
How much would it cost to add a second floor?
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 you tell if your foundation can support a second story?
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.
What is the cheapest way to build an addition?
Cheapest Way to Add a Room to HouseFinish Basement. One of the least expensive ways to add a room to your home is to finish off existing space. ... Convert Attic. A similar project to finishing a basement, converting an attic is another inexpensive way to add a room to your home. ... Finish Garage. ... Add a Sunroom.
Is it hard to add a second story to a house?
Engineers say they can build a second story on just about any home, but that typically always requires shoring up the foundation, adding seismic construction to the walls, framing and connections and taking off the old roof to put on a new one.
How do you put an addition on a ranch house?
For ranch-style homes on smaller lots, adding vertical space is often the best bet. Raising the roof to add a second story literally doubles the amount of living space without increasing your home's footprint. A raised second-story addition allows for more bedrooms and baths, and even new office or family space.
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.
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.
What is a partial second story?
Having completed the two previous steps, some people choose partial second stories that add an office or an extra bedroom and sometimes even a bathroom. People choose a partial second story because they think it could be cheaper, but it may not be true.
Can I build another floor on my house?
Once the property is inspected and the structure is approved of withstanding a new floor, sit with your architect and contractor to figure the design of the property. Let the two share the possibilities in the design of the new floor. While they are at work you could know about: Extended outside space.
What is a two story ranch house?
Two-Story Home Pros and Cons Often have both basements and attics: Although a ranch will sometimes have one or the other, it's rare for one to offer a basement and an attic, which are common features in two-story homes.
How do you add a second story to your house?
There are a few options for adding a second story.Option 1: Remove the roof, frame the new second floor over the existing footprint, and build a new roof. ... Option 2: Add a smaller second floor over a garage or addition, rather than over the entire house.More items...
What is raised ranch?
A raised ranch is a ranch-style house that's been set on a foundation that allows living space below the main level, usually in the form of a basement halfway below grade with a bathroom and/or laundry room, and sometimes a garage.
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.
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 a second story house cost?
A full second story for a house measuring 2000 square feet will cost between $150,000 to $200,000. This includes most repairs that you would need to do, as well as any structural additions you need to ensure that the building will hold.
How much does it cost to build a second story Victorian home?
A partial second story can cost between $90,000 to $120,000 for a 500 to 700 square foot area. This is enough to fit one or two rooms comfortably.
What to do before buying a modular home?
Before you purchase the modular home, hire a structural engineer, and make sure to consult with the modular home sales staff. That way, you won’t have any nasty surprises when you try to add a second level.
Why is adding a second story so expensive?
Why Does Adding A Second Story Cost So Much? Building up a house means that you will need to get more supplies and that you will need to add additional structural supports to ensure your house won’t topple. Since adding a second story takes further planning and labor, it will end up being pricier.
How to keep your ranch home safe?
To keep your home safe, you will need to make sure that the second story you build is on a solid foundation. This is especially true with ranch homes. This means that you will need to do the following: Get a zoning permit- Not all towns that are rich with ranch homes will allow your home to get an additional story.
How much does it cost to add a second floor?
For example, adding a second floor bonus room above a garage might cost around $50,000, while a full second-story addition might cost over $200,000. Here are some ballpark figures to consider:
How much does it cost to add a story to a garage?
If you’re looking to add a new story to your garage, the cost will be between $100,000 to $150,000. If you want to have a full-fledged apartment on top of your garage, then it may cost upwards of $200,000.
How hard is it to add a second story addition?
A second-floor addition is a complex project. It not only adds new living space to your home, but it can also impact your existing floor plan, system requirements, and exterior aesthetic. At a base level, a new second floor might include two or three new bedrooms and maybe one or two new bathrooms. But it doesn’t stop there.
So How Much Does a Full-Scale Second Floor Addition in Rhode Island Cost?
By the time you add all that up, a full-scale second story addition project usually falls within a $350k-450k range – but it may fall above or below that, depending on choices you make during the design process.
What happens after a second story addition?
After all the additions, your property could be re-assessed by the government and could result in a property tax increase. In most cases, some areas will only re-asses s the value of your second story addition and not on the entire property. All other utilities in the house should work for the homeowner.
How much does it cost to build a house?
So, for a house that is 1,500 sq. ft. wide, the range of the overall cost is going to be around $105,000 to $225,000. B ut as mentioned, this will all depend on how much work you can do yourself.
How much does a remodeling contractor charge?
The typical range for a remodeling contractor would be around $150 to $300 per square foot. It could also go as high as $400 to $600 or more per square foot as well, depending on the complexity of the designs, materials, and the local labor rates in cities and counties.
How much does an architect charge?
An architect service can come in handy to help you create drawings and plans. They usually charge a flat rate of around $700 to as high as $10,000 or even higher depending on the size of the house and complexity of the interior design.
How much more is the second floor than the ground floor?
The c ost of the second floor addition is said to be 20% more than the price of the building on the ground floor. So, if you keep track of your previous project, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect in terms of your construction budget. That’s as long as there are not many years in between the two projects.
How big is a single family home?
According to the United States Census Bureau, the median size of a single-family house completed in 2019 was 2,301 sq. ft. On the other hand, the average size of US homes is currently at 1,600 square feet. At 2,000 square feet, a family of five members would be comfortable already. This size typically has a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and can even have a basement.
Is it cheaper to rip an old roof?
Ripping your old roof will definitely cost a lot. But if that’s the plan from the get-go to have a fresh roof and new scenery, its fine. However, if you are trying to save on cost, re-using the roof would be one way to achieve it.
How much does it cost to add 104 sq ft above an existing sunroom?
I understand loving your location and not wanting to move but it comes at a cost. I added 104 sq feet above an existing sunroom at the cost of $650 per sq ft. Granted you per sq ft cost in a larger addition will likely be less since people are on site already but it will not be less than new construction ever. Even in the least expensive COLAs , cost to build additions run over 250 per sqft.
What to expect when redoing landscaping?
Expect your driveway to age years by the wear and tear of trucks daily. Also expect to have to find alternative living arrangements on a job the size you are talking about. Work will need to be done to the existing areas too. Siding will not match often, walls and ceiling need altering, footings need to be strengthened.
Why add a level to your home?
Adding a level to your home is one area where you absolutely want to avoid cutting corners. Obviously, there are specific safety standards that will need to be met, and inspections that will need to be carried out by your local authorities, in order to ensure that the job is done safely. But let’s be honest – you don’t want a contractor who is ...
Does a second story home renovation pay off?
A very important question people ask when considering this kind of project is whether the investment will be recuperated on the valuation of the home. It’s rare for any home renovation project to immediately pay for itself in terms of market value, but the right second-story addition can be an exception. Significant market value will certainly be added when the project is complete, and over time, the investment can definitely pay off – and that’s speaking from a purely financial standpoint. There are also the lifestyle benefits to consider.
Is adding a new level to a home a major investment?
In a word, yes – adding a new level to your home is a major investment. And it should be. This is a project that will require precision and meticulousness at every stage, from planning and assessing the project, to surgical demolition work, to safely and professionally finishing the new level.

National Averages For Second-Story Additions
Types of Second-Story Additions
- 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:
Estimated Cost to Add A Second Story in 4 Cities
- Just as home prices vary widely from one market to the next, the cost of a home addition can range dramatically based on where you live. We spoke with some experienced contractors in four different cities to get an idea of the price variances for home additions across the U.S.
Is It Cheaper to Build Up Or out?
- Every home and every project is different, but Bride says that overall, it’s less expensive to build out onto your lot space than it is to build up. When you build out, there’s no need to reinforce the existing foundation. In addition, when you add onto the back or the side of an existing house, you’ll need to remodel the breached wall. But when you add a second story, you remove the roof and …
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?
Smart Ways to Make An Addition Less of A Budget-Buster
- There’s no way around it — you’ll have to pony up a big chunk of change to add a second story. But there are some ways to soften the blow to your bank account: 1. Farkash, the contractor in Los Angeles, recommends choosing standard finishes instead of high-end options to save significantly on cost. 2. When possible, be flexible with the design. If your designer or contractor …
Common Headaches Associated with Second-Story Additions
- Rarely does a home improvement project go smoothly from start to finish, particularly with something as major as adding a second story. To help minimize expensive setbacks and unwelcome surprises, be prepared for the common challenges associated with building up.
Build Up Or Buy: Is It Worth It to Add A Second Story?
- When trying to decide whether this renovation is worth the time, expense, and hassle, you’ll want to weigh these five important factors: 1. Attachment to your current home:If you have a strong sentimental attachment to your house, as well as strong bonds with your neighbors and community, it may be tougher for you to make the sacrifice to sell. 2. Affinity for construction: U…