How much does it cost to add a second story in Los Angeles?
What is the cost of adding a second story in Los Angeles? The answer to this question is crucial, especially if you love your current neighborhood and home. Sure, we know that your primary objective as you read this blog is getting the numbers down. However, figures without a context could prove discouraging, and the fact is that a second story addition could be one of the most complex construction feeds, yet it could be the most critical home addition that increases living satisfaction and your home’s value. That’s why we can’t throw figures out without first explaining the complexity and options when adding a second story.
Cost of adding a second story in Los Angeles · Levi Design Build
So why add a second story to your home? Why go through the hassle when you could purchase a new home?
Here are some benefits to consider:
1. You don’t have to change your neighborhood.
2. You can personalize your second story, and why not your whole house. (Purchasing a new home is never a personalized home!)
3. Purchasing a new home in Los Angeles is at least three times more expensive than extending your current house.
4. You can expand your home without reducing your lot’s size.
5. You will significantly increase your property’s value.
6. Depending on your location, say you are in Woodland Hills, you can attain a better view.
There are many more benefits to these type of projects that we can gladly share with you in our free consultation.
So where does the complexity of a second story addition lie?
A second story addition requires the reinforcement of your existing 1st floor; this translates to demolishing around 75% of your first floor. Though the word in itself may sound terrifying, in almost every construction project, demolishment is an essential aspect of construction. The good news is that this demolishment will reinforce your house’s structure.
The process requires for your design/build team to take up the gravel, restructure the foundation and framing. In many cases, this means that your existing foundation and framing will be rejuvenated making it more durable.
Second Story Addition in Los Angeles · Levi Design Build
With a second story addition, it is more than likely that you will also have to restructure exterior and interior walls. The benefit of this restructure is not only present on your new second story, but also on your existing first floor. Such an addition will consequently mean that your first floor will also have a considerable upgrade in framing, walls, and foundation.
Another aspect of a second story addition that has to be taken into consideration and that will also affect your budget is the cost of living elsewhere while the project is on its way. The reason why your family has to leave the house during the construction is that most of your first floor or at least all of it under the addition will not be able to be used. Let’s say that our addition will cover the first floor’s kitchen, guest bathroom, living room and all of the bedrooms, and this means that we would have to tamper with the foundation, walls, and framing of all of these areas. Making the living space inhabitable. That is why it is important to consider where your family will be relocated during the duration of the project because that will have an impact on the total investment you will be making to make your home remodel a reality.
By clarifying this aspect, it is evident that if you have the budget and the intention, adding a second story opens up the opportunity to remodel your first floor as well. Why not, since you are already going to be restructuring so much of the first floor, take advantage of the opportunity and kill two birds with one stone?
The complexity of the project will also determine the final cost. This complexity will depend on several factors: design, functionality and lot’s structure. The most important variable will always be the quality of the terrain. For example, it is not the same to add a second story on a hillside lot than on a flat lot. The complexities of building a second story on a hillside lot are far more extenuating than those on a flat lot. For that reason, the prices will vary depending on the lot’s structure. We will mention more about the price variations of a hillside lot and a flat lot after we make some necessary clarifications. Get your Free Consultation Today!
Second Story Addition Costs · Levi Design Build
The first and most important clarification is that these cost estimates are founded on the current market value; this means that estimates or quotes have validity that usually does not surpass two months. The total cost for a second story addition, or in that sense, any remodeling project, will be determined by the current market value of the materials needed. With our dynamic economy, these variations could be happening on a monthly basis. For example, the cost of steel increased 25% in the last few months, while the price of aluminum, an essential material for most windows, has risen by 10%. For this reason, it is imperative to have a quote based on the time when the project will be executed. A second story addition quote for a project you want to undertake in 2019, will be a very inaccurate quote of what it will cost a year from now.
Here at Levi Design Build, you can always calculate your cost in real time by using our cost calculator. But for a more accurate estimate, you can contact us directly.
Another essential distinction that we want to make is that that the cost of design/build does not include permit costs or finished materials. To learn more about these prices, you can check our blog: FACTORS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE WHEN DECIDING IF BUYING OR BUILDING A NEW HOME. In this blog, we mention other construction costs that are important to consider.
So let’s get to the point! Enough rambling about the complexities of a second story addition, let’s get the answers you want know. What is the cost of adding a second story of your home? And the answer is… it depends. However, a rough estimate of flat lots ranges between $275 and $325 per square foot. While on a hillside lot, the cost varies between $350 and $450 per square foot. These are only design/build costs. The price will rise with permits and the quality of finished materials.
Yes, these are ballpark estimates considering the current market value in Los Angeles in April of 2018. Like we mentioned earlier this might oscillate depending on market value and the complexity of the design and lot.
Modern Home California · Second Story Home · Levi Design Build
A second story addition is a complex construction project, and it is ideal for families that want to extend their home but don’t want to reduce their lot’s size; this is very applicable to households with children, pets or a pool, where lot space is vital. Since this is a project that requires several different expertise: architecture, design, and construction; it is imperative to work with a design/build firm that can comprehensively tackle all your needs.
If you want to increase your home’s value and its square footage without affecting your lot’s total size while personalizing your house, a second story addition to your home is a fantastic alternative. It is an option that will allow you to keep your current lot size for less than half the price of purchasing a new home. For more information on your second story addition or any remodeling needs, don’t hesitate to contact us.
