As homeowners, we often find ourselves looking for ways to improve our living space so that there is more room to get things done or perhaps entertain ourselves. We can often move out by adding a new room or two, but depending on the size of your lot, that can be a challenge. However, there is an alternative: you can opt for a second story addition.

When it comes to adding an upstairs to your home, there are a variety of things to consider. After all, not every home lends itself well to the addition of a second story, nor is every new addition an easy makeover. Consequently, there are several aspects to consider. These elements include:

· Make sure it is allowed. From homeowners associations to city rules and regulations, there are often parameters that you must adhere to when building a second story addition. Things like floor area proportions, lot coverage, and other items that need to be followed before getting too involved in planning and the dream part of construction.

· Talk to an architect to determine what your options are for the addition above. They can write sketches that give you options on how to best use the available space.

· Have someone check the foundation and structure. Sometimes the foundation of a house is designed to support only a specific amount of weight. As a result, adding a new story to the house would be detrimental to the stability of the structure. An inspector or engineer will be able to inspect the area and inform you how much additional weight the structure can support.

Consider having a place to stay during construction. Depending on the scope of the project, you may need to think about where you will live during the construction process.

Make sure you work with a reputable contractor, and then find out who is responsible for obtaining the building.

Take the time to clean the attic before starting the job. Don’t wait until start day to move things around. Consider the time before work as the perfect time to divide and conquer, so that when construction is complete, you can truly use the space to its full potential.

Having a second story added to your home is a great way to make organizing easier, have more space to live or entertain, and add property value to your home. Talk to a local builder today.