4 Factors That Drive the Costs of Second Story Additions

The costs of a second-story addition can vary significantly depending on one or several factors. Being aware of them can help you make informed decisions, maybe even help you avoid unexpected changes to your project. Here are the factors that drive the costs of second-story additions. 

1. Materials. It goes without saying that all renovations require materials. However, second-floor additions require more and typically make up as much as 50% of the total project cost. Foundation strengthening is a major driver as the foundations in single-story homes are typically not made to support twice its original load. Framing, siding and roofing are also at the top of the list.

2. Labor. A typical second-story addition requires input from different professionals — architects, engineers, laborers, among others — and the costs of working with them can add up and may make up between 10% to 25% of the project cost. The cost will also be affected by your requirements for the second-story addition. The more complex your project is, the more professionals will have to be brought into to help. Working with a design-build remodeler like us can help make the process easier as we can oversee all stages of the project.

3. Building permits. As with most other kinds of renovations, a second-story addition will require building permits, which can drive the project cost up by as much as $2,000. Fortunately, your remodeling contractor will handle all the footwork. The building permit costs are typically included in the estimate or quote.

4. Unexpected repairs. Remodelers make their best effort to find parts of the house that will need repair and have them fixed during the project. But, sometimes, hidden problems are only found after the project has already started. Problems such as rot, damaged plumbing and poorly constructed framing will need to be addressed before the project can continue. Since the costs to fix them are not part of the original contract price, it will be tacked on to the final bill as an additional expense.

Design Build Remodeling Group of Maryland provides home remodeling services to customers in Eldersburg, MD, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (443) 300-2268, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.