Renovation

[Lilith]

Has any one ever looked into adding a second floor to their house? I have not been able to dig up very much info online. I found an old artcle from 2002 that estimated it at between $100 and $150 per sq foot. Does any one have any info, advice or ideas of where I should start to try to look into this as a possibility?

[scotzoidman]

Definitely take a hard look at your neighborhood...make sure you're not gonna over-develop your property beyond what your surrondings, you could easily find you've invested far more than what you could ever get back out of it...

[Lilith]

There are 2 story houses in my neighborhood just not on my side of the street. It would only be a small addition, to allow for a master suite. Lots of people have added out on their homes but that is not possible due to the lack of level space. The house is currently situated in the middle of a steep hill. It's brick 4 sides and so there really are not any good addition options besides up. Currently I'm sitting pretty equity-wise so if the cost is reasonable it may make it an option.

[wyndhy]

i'd bet that the price of that /sq foot has doubled at least. the cost of lumber is skyrocketing.

we've never done it, but the first thing i'd think to do would be to get yourself a good, reliable contractor and architect. maybe even a surveyor...perhaps it would be cheaper to level out some ground and add out then it would be to add up.

[Lilith]

You might be right...I'm probably just dreaming. I'm tired of sharing the bathroom with boys.

[Aqua]

You can share my bathroom Lil... ;)

This is actually something I've wondered about for my own house, but I think we'd have an easier time going out than up... and thankfully, we have the space.

[WildIrish]

You can share my bathroom Lil... ;)



I suppose this means I have to move my stuff now? :mad:

[Aqua]

I suppose this means I have to move my stuff now? :mad:
Just a little to the side... ;)

[WildIrish]

Just a little to the side... ;)



Let me guess...





outside, that is! :grin:

[sad_sam]

Before you even contemplate this renovation I would have a structual engineer look at my existing structure to see how feasable it is. It may be much more costly than you think to meet code. A lot of builders will tell you one thing but when the inspector show up his modifacations won't pass building code. You have to consider plumming, wiring, structure, air conditionng and your sanity as well as what your budget can stand. I am not wanting to put a dampner on things, I just don't want to see you get burned and taken for a bunch of money.

[Lilith]

Thanks Sam...I am just starting to ask questions but it might be easier to just move :p

[wyndhy]

what about just adding another bathroom instead of a whole other floor

[Lilith]

We really need another room too, to be able to stay in this house. I love this house and my neighborhood and my owls We could add a shower to the 1/2 bath but we could make some improvements. I just have to figure out how. The garage is already converted to a den/tv room, we have opened up door ways to try to make the place have a more spacious feel but I need some privacy. It's hard to have loud freaky deaky sex with your 14 year old 10-15 feet away.:yikes:

[wyndhy]

lmao

an rv in the driveway? :p

[wyndhy]

a tree house?

:D

[Lilith]

OMG you are so right on!!!!

[PantyFanatic]

I’m sure I can come up with something practical and functions better for you Lil. I’ll be right down and take a look at your project as soon as I finish my own here. I’m remodeling my kitchen right now.:) I just took out all the old appliances. I’m install vending machines. :bite:

[jay-t]

Around here the cost is about $110 to120 sq. ft. for single story house, to go up its about $95 to $105 a little cheaper to go up. You have been given some really good advice so far .
1. check the structural integrity of the house will it hold the added weight?
2. If you are not ever planning on selling your house do you want to climb stairs at age 65 or 70?
3. With the advances in building tech adding on to a brick home (same level) is a lot simpler and can be done quite well now

[Lilith]

thanks! LOL My fat ass doesn't want to climb stairs now but the hill behind my house is very steep and lined with ancient pines (the roots keep the hill out of the dining room) I can foresee having to remove 4 trees and building a retaining wall just to add on. Water can move pretty fast during hurricane season here. Thanks for specifcs..I appreciate everyone giving me ideas and advice.

[PantyFanatic]

You're welcome.:) ............. Anything to help ;)

[maddy]

I don't know much about the type of renovation you are seeking to do, but I do know that I have a lovely ready to move into home for sale ... and there is much less risk of hurricanes in my neighborhood. I'm not sure it would solve your freaky deaky sex issues though. It is two stories, all the bedrooms just happen to be on the same floor.

[wyndhy]

googled it and this site had some good general info. didn't see anything on price though

http://www.virtualarchitect.com/askarchives.htm#construction

[Lilith]

TY wyndhy...that confirmed a lot of what I have been reading and hearing that up is usually cheaper than out

[wyndhy]

yw :)

[WildIrish]

If moving way up north is not an option...I suggest purchasing the house next door to yours just for you. Then Mr. Lil & the kids can do whatever they want, and you can invite me.....oops, I mean Mr. Lil.....over for that freaky deaky sex you're currently being muffled during. :D

[BIBI]

I’m sure I can come up with something practical and functions better for you Lil. I’ll be right down and take a look at your project as soon as I finish my own here. I’m remodeling my kitchen right now.:) I just took out all the old appliances. I’m install vending machines. :bite:


Now....I can believe that about you PF! In fact can you find a good 2 for 1 deal? lol

[BIBI]

Has any one ever looked into adding a second floor to their house? I have not been able to dig up very much info online. I found an old artcle from 2002 that estimated it at between $100 and $150 per sq foot. Does any one have any info, advice or ideas of where I should start to try to look into this as a possibility?

Lil....move if you can afford to. It will save your marriage! It will save your sanity. It is one of the most horrible experiences to go through. Nerve wracking, dirty, noisy, things going wrong...been there done that. AND it always costs more than you anticipated.

[Lilith]

We've been looking too but it is a Seller's market right now so it may not be the time.

[Master Scribe]

Hey Lil call a local homebuilder and have them take a look. The average cost of additions in level grounds are not always cheaper then second story additions depends on the house as well as local building codes. We are working on our house and found out that due to code restrictions we cannot add a second story. So your local hime builder will know the codes as well as the city or county building inspector....