Have you ever considered how much it might cost to add a second story to your home might cost? You may have thought about it if your existing home layout just isn’t working for you and your family anymore.
Adding another level to your home will double your living space, which may be a smart solution if your family has outgrown your existing space.
While second-story additions have many benefits, constructing another level is a big job and can be expensive. Keep reading to learn how much it costs to add a second story to your home.
Table of content
The cost to add a second story to your home Cost to add a second story by square footage Things to consider when building a second-story addition Is it possible to add another level to your house? What type of second-story addition will you build? Will it be cheaper to build out or up? Will adding a second story to your home be worthwhile? Tips to save money on your second-story addition Choose standard finishes Keep your floorplan simple Do some of the work yourself Stay with friends Are you ready to add a second level to your home? FAQs
The cost to add a second story to your home
Several factors will impact the cost of adding a second level to your home. These include the type of addition you want, whether you need to replace the roof, and the materials you use.
In some situations, you can save and reinstall your existing roof when the new level is in place.
According to average project data from Angi, a general estimate for your second-story addition will be between $100 and $300 per square foot. However, the factors that impact this cost will vary from one project to another.
Cost to add a second story by square footage
Here are the average costs for second-story additions based on their square footage:
Square footage |
Average costs |
Maximum cost |
800 |
$80,000 – $240,000 |
$400,000 |
900 |
$90,000 – $270,000 |
$450,000 |
1,000 |
$100,000 – $300,000 |
$500,000 |
1,100 |
$110,000 – $330,000 |
$550,000 |
Things to consider when building a second-story addition
Adding a second story is a complex process with many things to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you go through the planning process.
Is it possible to add another level to your house?
When you first start thinking about adding another level to your home, you’ll need to determine if adding a second level is even possible.
First, you need to check if your current structure can support the weight of a second level. Some homes won’t be suitable for second-story additions because of the land they were built on, the type of foundation used, or their design.
Even if your house can support the weight, reinforcing or altering the structure may be necessary before moving forward. While you can plan a second-story addition by yourself, working with a professional builder is a smart move because they can help you determine if building a second level is possible.
You’ll also need to determine if there are restrictions in your area related to extending your home upwards. Knowing the local regulations is a must before you start your project.
What type of second-story addition will you build?
The cost to add a second story to your home will vary depending on the type of addition you choose. Here are some of the different types of additions you can choose from:
Full addition - Building a second story over your entire existing floorplan
Partial addition - Adding a second story over part of your existing floorplan
Modular addition - Adding a second-story addition that has been constructed off-site and transported to your home
Over-garage addition - Adding a partial addition on top of your existing garage
Choosing a partial or over-garage addition will cost less than a full addition. Meanwhile, choosing a modular addition can help you save money on on-site construction and labor fees.
Will it be cheaper to build out or up?
Usually, it’s more affordable to build out than to build up. A ground-level addition has an average cost of between $80 and $200 per square foot. However, these costs can vary based on your location, the design, and the materials you choose.
Will adding a second story to your home be worthwhile?
Determining if adding a second story to your home is worth it depends on your unique circumstances. While adding space to your house on the ground level is usually more affordable than building a second level, many people find building up is a more practical option.
Usually, going “out” with your expansion requires a lot of land. So, if you have a small lot, building out may be impossible. However, you can increase your livable square footage significantly by building up.
You should also consider the amount of disruption to your life you can tolerate during the addition. When constructing a second floor, the roof has to be removed. Because of this, your house will be uninhabitable (in most cases) for most of the process, and you’ll have to find somewhere to stay until the work is finished. This cost can be significant, so be sure to factor it into the project's total cost.
Tips to save money on your second-story addition
You should never try to cut corners when adding another level to your home. However, you can do a few things to save money on your project without sacrificing quality.
Choose standard finishes
Choosing standard finishes for the new level is a great way to reduce the cost of materials. For example, you can opt for modern vinyl plank flooring that looks like natural wood. Depending on the size of your addition, choosing a more affordable flooring option may save you a few thousand dollars.
Keep your floorplan simple
Choose a simple floor plan and design for your addition. You can get custom site plans created to help you choose the best design for your project.
Do some of the work yourself
Another money-saving tip is to take a DIY approach to some of the work. For example, you can attach the baseboards in the new rooms or paint them yourself instead of hiring professionals to do this
Stay with friends
Since your house will be under construction, you will have to find somewhere to stay while the work is being done. Consider asking a family or friend if you can stay with them during the renovations to avoid paying for a hotel or another type of accommodation.
Are you ready to add a second level to your home?
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when adding a second level to your home. Take the time to review the costs to add a second story and all the other practical considerations before starting your project.
It’s also a good idea to get a custom quote from a builder to better understand the cost of your second-story addition. While getting a site plan and determining the total square footage is a great way to estimate the cost, you won’t know for sure until you speak to a builder.
However, if you decide to move forward with your, you will soon have double the living space you once did. You can use this new space to give your family more room and privacy. Most people agree it’s a great investment.
If you want to add a second story to your home, you should be prepared. Check out MySitePlan's solutions for the help and insight you need.
FAQs
How much does it cost to add a second story to your home?
Adding a second story to your home costs an average of $100 to $300 per square foot, but this number can change based on the complexity of your second-story addition.
How long does it take to build a second story?
Adding a second story to your home takes around 6 to 12 months to build. The amount of time the project will take depends on how long it takes to pull building permits, whether you need to reinforce your existing foundation, and the complexity of your project.
Is building a second story worth it?
Depending on the structure and design of your house, adding a second story can be a great way to add more space to your house without taking away outdoor space. Adding new rooms can also increase your home’s value.
Should you build a second-story addition or a ground-floor addition?
Adding a second story to your home can increase your living space and improve your home’s layout. However, it may be more affordable and practical to add a ground floor addition by building “out” rather than “up”. Choose between adding a second floor or adding more space at ground level based on your plot size, your budget, and your individual needs for the new space.
Do I need a building permit to add a second floor to my house?
You should always check local regulations like zoning laws before planning a home renovation project. Zoning laws in your area might set restrictions on changes to your foundation, height limits for your lot, structural requirements, and more. Working with an experienced contractor who can help you get all the necessary building permits is a good idea. You should expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for building permits.
This post was originally published on 2022-05-10. It was updated by Ryan Crownholm on 2024-04-09 to include the most recent data and costs.
