The subject today is about adding a second story to your home, and even if you don’t own a home this article has some deep insight you may want to bookmark if friends or family are planning on a remodel.  Besides, you may own a home later and much of this applies to any remodel you may embark on.

“While different people have different reasons for renovating their homes, …some need space because of the new addition in their family, and others investing to fetch greater returns when they sell. So, if you are looking to add more space in your house, adding a second floor is the best way to do it” says Sunrise Construction Management in New York.

So what are the major decisions that need to be weighed?  It’s going to vary from family to family and home to home, so it’s extremely important to do your research.  Here are some of the major questions and things to do, and this is assuming you’re hiring a general contractor:

•  What is your budget?  (now add 5 – 10%)
•  Where will you get the money if you go over budget?  (A high percentage do)
•  How long will it take (now add 15 – 20%)
•  Will your local building code allow your second story?
•  Would you be blocking a neighbor’s view?
•  Have you had a foundation inspection in the last 5 years?
•  Select at least 3 firms with a good reputation & consult before making your final selection.
•  Use a general contractor, not a remodeler.
•  Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
•  Are they properly licensed, bonded, and insurance up to date?
•  What was their last 2nd story project?
•  Ask for permission to talk to the owner of a recent 2nd story project.
•  A web site that explains who they are and testimonials?
•  Hire a contractor you feel totally comfortable with or keep looking.
•  Go over the plans in detail.
•  Will you be able to live in your home when the second story is being built?
•  How well did they clean up the mess & was there any damage in the last 3 projects?
•  What kind of written gurantee do they offer?
•  Get at least 3 estimates early from experienced contractors.
•  What kind of logistics problems? (parking, traffic flow, weather problems, living conditions).
•  Don’t cut corners on materials and craftsmanship.
•  Have a clear vision you can convey to the contractor.
•  Have a clear plan about how and where you’re going to live while construction proceeds.
•  Have you included a detailed decoration plan?
•  Have you included the cost of all the new furnishings needed?
•  If you need financing will you be able to qualify? Is your income source stable enough to proceed safely?
• Is the contractor a home builders association member?
• What is the length of the warranty?
• Usually 30 -50 % down to start & no more.
• Are the plans compatible with your neighborhood?
• If you pay property taxes how much will this add to your annual tax bill?
• How long will you live in this home after the project is done?
• Will the 2nd story’s added value be realized when you sell? (talk to a local realtor).
•  What are the possible unforseen problems and how much could they cost you?
• Have your decor furnishings planned ahead & in your budget.
• If you have children consider staying elsewhere during this major construction.
• Let your neighbors know you’re planning your addition.

A good rule of thumb when figuring your budget is to be liberal with your final figures and add 5 – 10% to the figure.  Can you cover the worst case scenario?  Of course if you hire a contractor to do all the work they’re going to figure this into their quote from experience.  Make sure you understand what can happen and who will be paying the bills for any unfortunate surprises.  You can be sure any unforseen problems will not only add to the new addition cost, but will add to the time it’s going to take to finish the project properly.  Keep in mind you may have to move power lines, telephone lines, plumbing vents, air conditioning, etc., and these can increase costs quickly.

Danny Garcia of Rhino Design Build, LLC of San Antonio, TX has an important last point:  “DO NOT let them tell you that you can support the new room addition on top of the existing joists or rafters!”  He goes on to say this step has to be engineered to be done properly.

Done right, this can make a big improvement to your lifestyle and pocketbook, and done wrong you could end up broke and living on the funny farm.  Get organized, and make yourself a check list.  If you break it down in the proper order and start checking off  4 or 5 items a week you’ll soon be on your way to success.   Be brave, but be careful and make your decision on the facts you discover and NOT on your emotions.  Emotion is what leads people to make the wrong decision time and again.  Don’t let it happen to you my friends.  If you’re serious about getting started, your first step is to watch the six minute video below and take notes.  You’ll be glad you did as you will be prepared to proceed afterward.  After all, who wants to live on the funny farm?

By the way, come see us when it’s time to do the last of the detail decorating for walls, flower arrangements, centerpieces and house plants.

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My Best…………..Billy Goldmark,  Silky Flower Store