Many people prefer increasing their current living space rather than moving to a new bigger home. The reason might be the location, current layout of the house, or the direct sunshine for a healthy garden. Basically, building up can make more sense and have more benefits than moving out.
Although you may have to tackle a challenging project, you will have a home with a greater value and more space in the end.
However, before getting excited about the addition, go over the four things below.
Short-Term or Long-Term?
For starters, you need to determine your precise plan for the addition.
If you are thinking about staying in the same house for the foreseeable future, you might need to do a little more than simply add a second storey.
You must ensure the home is time-proof, and the materials that will be used in the construction of the first floor will be able to stand against the elements for decades to come. You may also want to consider a full-fledged second storey to accommodate more people.
If the addition is simply a short-term plan till you relocate, then you should consult your contractor.
Regardless, you can contact Cameron Construction to talk it out with experienced and honest professionals.
Get the Foundation and Structure Checked
Before you start designing and planning the second storey of your home, you need to make sure your home is stable enough to handle all that extra weight for a very long time.
Firstly, you must get the foundation checked. If the foundation is defective, even a little, then your project might become complicated.
Secondly, you should check the roof and ceiling of the ground floor. The top will need to go, but whether or not the first floor’s ceiling needs to be replaced can depend on a few factors.
Lastly, you also need to find out whether a stairway can be practically added or not.
Are There Any Regulations You Need To Adhere To?
Normally, you need to get a planning and a building approval before you start the project. That would also mean complying with the local zoning regulations and the neighbourhood plans.
Sometimes, you might need to get even more approvals. To get the specifics, you can talk with your contractor in the initial meeting. You can even speak to someone in the neighbourhood who recently had something similar done to their home.
Will You Stay In the House or Move Out Temporarily?
With most home renovations, your entire domestic life can be disturbed. If you are just getting a part of your home re-done, the project can cause you to move out temporarily to continue with work and regular activities. With a second-floor addition, you might most definitely have to move out.
However, some people stay in their homes even during the addition. But before you make any decisions, you need to consult with your contractor. They can tell you whether the house will be habitable or not.
If you do stay in, be prepared to leave at any moment because unexpected problems can overcomplicate the project.