You definitely need more space in your one-story home, but you love the location and dont want to move. Your options are basically building up by adding a second story or building out by putting in an addition. While cost is always a consideration when making a decision, the nature of your space needs will also dictate the best way to move forward.

There's no surefire way to determine whether adding a second story or an addition is the less-expensive way to expand your living space without considering the details of the property. For some homeowners, the addition is less expensive, but for others, adding the second story is a better alternative.

If you have a growing family and too few bedrooms or baths, building up or out are both good options. However, if your primary needs concern more recreational room, such as a den or playroom, then it may make more sense to build an addition than to add a second story. Thats because you must concern yourself with your homes resale value, and most people prefer a ground floor family-type room rather than one based upstairs. Traditionally, the second floor is the province of bedrooms and not the place where you might entertain guests. If you want a bigger kitchen, it certainly doesnt make sense to put it upstairs.

Your propertys size and shape will play a big role in your decision. If you have a large backyard, an addition wont have as much of an impact as it would if your rear yard is relatively small. In some cases, you wont have a choice, as your backyard is simply too small to accommodate the kind of addition you desire. Consider whether you may want to make other improvements to your property in the future, such as installing a pool. Many homeowners realize they can have a buildout addition or a pool but not both. If you really like your yard, building up makes more sense.

Before making a decision, contact your municipality about the zoning laws in your neighborhood. Your town likely has ordinances regarding setbacks, which limit how close you may build next to your neighbors property line. By the same token, a town may also have laws on how high you can build a home, but relatively few municipalities preclude building a second story per se. If your home is in a historic district or planned community of one-story homes, you may not have the option to build upward. However, if you have your heart set on an addition and your plans dont meet the setback requirements, you may have the opportunity to go before a zoning board of adjustment and make your case as to why the board should grant you a variance and allow you to build. Since your immediate neighbors are notified of your plans, it may prove best to discuss your plans with them ahead of time to see if they will lodge an objection.

In general, it is less expensive to build up than out, but that comes with a lot of caveats. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for building additions is between $80 to $200 per square foot without regard to whether it is up or out. While it is usually cheaper to build up than out, thats just the actual construction expense. When you add another story to your home, you will probably have to relocate until the work is complete, as the contractor must remove the roof. Unless you have friends or family willing to put you and yours up for a while, youll have to rent another dwelling or stay in a hotel during this period, and those costs are considerable. If youre building out, you will have to deal with the dirt and disruption of construction, but you can generally stay in place.

Costs also vary depending on exactly what the contractor must do. An addition usually costs more because the builder must perform excavation work and install a new foundation. When construction is near completion, the contractor must open up the exterior wall of your home so the old and new are joined together. However, if you decide to build up, you have to make sure your current foundation is strong enough to support another story. If the foundation requires retrofitting, the expense includes removing your existing walls, which will raise your costs substantially. Keep in mind that adding another story means adding a staircase, which will take up precious floor space on your first floor.

One of the least-expensive additions is a sun room, which can double as a comfortable playroom or family room. The average prefabricated sun room costs about $16,315, according to HomeAdvisor. If you live in a warm climate, you dont have to worry about heating the sun room, and if you live in a colder area, you can save money by not heating this room and only using it during three seasons.

If your home has an attic, an attic conversion into a bedroom and bath or a family room may give you the space you want at a lesser cost than either building out or adding a true second story. While you may have to replace the roof if it is old or leaking, that often means just putting a new roof on top of the old roof, which a contractor can usually accomplish in a couple of days. Expect to pay between $50,000 to $65,000 for an attic conversion. Unlike a second-story conversion, you wont have to vacate the premises while work is happening.

The only way to know whether building up or out is less expensive is to go over the numbers with your contractor or architect. Figure that the latter will cost between 10 and 17 percent of the budget, but its important to hire an architect in most circumstances to ensure the addition complements the house. While an architect is necessary for a build up, if your addition consists of just one room with a one-door entry to the main house, a general contractor should fit the bill. If you go that route, ask to see similar work the contractor has done. You dont want to end up with an addition that looks tacked on to the rest of the house and is aesthetically unappealing.

Compare the costs of prep work. While excavation costs average $2,559 per HomeAdvisor, if your addition is larger than average, youll end up paying more. Concrete for footings is approximately $75 per cubic yard, while support beams and roof trusses run between $15 and $30 per square foot. Then there are the individual decisions, such as what type of flooring you want to install. Vinyl flooring is the least expensive, but its far less attractive than costlier wood, ceramic tile or natural stone.

When it comes to costs, you should also factor in how much an addition will add to your homes value. You will rarely get a 100 percent return on your money for an addition, meaning that if you spend $75,000, you can't necessarily add that amount to the value of your home. However, some additions pay back more of what you spent than others. Add a master suite and you could get 63 percent of your investment back when you sell. A new bathroom adds about 53 percent, and a sunroom adds just under 50 percent.

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What Is Cheaper Adding a Second Story Addition or a ...

Olivadotti has spent 16 seasons as a coach in the NFL, all with the Washington Redskins. He is one of 11 members of the Redskins assistant coach honor roll, which recognizes coaches with at least 10 seasons of service as an assistant in Washington. During his time with the Redskins, Washington ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in overall defense eight times. The past five seasons (2014-18), Olivadotti coached inside linebackers for Washington. From 2011-13, he served in the same position at the University of Georgia. Prior to his stint with the Bulldogs, Olivadotti spent 11 seasons with the Redskins as a defensive assistant (2010), linebackers coach (2007-09), defensive line assistant/special teams assistant (2006), defensive quality control/special teams assistant (2004-05) and defensive quality control/defensive back assistant (2000-03). After being a four-year letterwinner as a wide receiver at Purdue from 1993-96, he took his first coaching job, tutoring wide receivers and tight ends at Maine Maritime Academy in 1997. Olivadotti then spent two seasons (1998-99) as an assistant coach for Indiana State.

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Packers announce coaching staff additions

The Second Epistle of Peter, often referred to as Second Peter and written 2 Peter or in Roman numerals II Peter (especially in older references), is a book of the New Testament of the Bible, traditionally held to have been written by Saint Peter. Most critical biblical scholars have concluded Peter is not the author, considering the epistle pseudepigraphical.[1][2]

According to the Epistle itself, it was composed by the Apostle Peter, an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry. It criticizes "false teachers" who distort the authentic, apostolic tradition, and predicts judgment for them. 2 Peter explains that God has delayed the Second Coming of Christ so that more people will have the chance to reject evil and find salvation. It calls on Christians to wait patiently for the parousia and to study scripture.

The date of composition has proven to be very difficult to determine. Commentaries and reference books have placed 2 Peter in almost every decade from AD 60 to 160. Taken literally, it would have been written between 6568 AD because Peter was martyred around 68 AD by Nero and also because Peter references his approaching death in 2 Peter 1:14 ("since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me").[3]

Most biblical scholars have concluded Peter is not the author, considering the epistle pseudepigraphical.[4][5] Reasons for this include its linguistic differences from 1 Peter, its apparent use of Jude, possible allusions to 2nd-century gnosticism, encouragement in the wake of a delayed parousia, and weak external support.[6]

The questions of authorship and date are closely related. For Petrine authorship to be authentic, it must have been written prior to Peter's death in c. AD 6567. The letter refers to the Pauline epistles and so must post-date at least some of them, regardless of authorship, thus a date before 60 is improbable. Further, it goes as far to name the Pauline epistles as "scripture"the only time a New Testament work refers to another New Testament work in this wayimplying that it postdates them by some time.[7] Scholars consider the epistle to be written between c. AD 100150[8] and so contend that it is pseudepigraphical.

Acceptance of the letter into the canon did not occur without some difficulty; however, "nowhere did doubts about the letter's authorship take the form of definitive rejection."[9] The earliest record of doubts concerning the authorship of the letter were recorded by Origen (c. 185254), though Origen mentioned no explanation for the doubts, nor did he give any indication concerning the extent or location. Donald Guthrie suggests that "It is fair to assume, therefore, that he saw no reason to treat these doubts as serious, and this would mean to imply that in his time the epistle was widely regarded as canonical."[9]

Origen, in another passage, has been interpreted as considering the letter to be Petrine in authorship.[10] Before Origen's time, the evidence is inconclusive;[11] there is a lack of definite early quotations from the letter in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, though possible use or influence has been located in the works of Clement of Alexandria (d. c. 211), Theophilius (d. c. 183), Aristides (d. c. 134), Polycarp (d. 155), and Justin (d. 165).[12]

Eusebius (c. 275339) professed his own doubts (see also Antilegomena), and is the earliest direct testimony of such, though he stated that the majority supported the text, and by the time of Jerome (c. 346420) it had been mostly accepted as canonical.[13]

The Peshitta, the standard version of the Bible for churches in the Syriac tradition, does not contain the Second Epistle of Peter and thus rejects its canonical status.[14]

In both content and style this letter is very different from 1 Peter.[15]

This epistle presciently declares that it is written shortly before the apostle's death (1:14). Arguments have been made both for and against this being part of the original text, but this debate largely is centered on the acceptance or rejection of supernatural intervention in the life of the writer.[16]

The epistle contains eleven references to the Old Testament. In 3:15, 16 a reference is made to one of Paul's epistles, which some have identified as 1 Thessalonians 4:135:11.

The book also shares a number of passages with the Epistle of Jude, 1:5 with Jude 3; 1:12 with Jude 5; 2:1 with Jude 4; 2:4 with Jude 6; 2:5 with Jude 5; 2:6 with Jude 7; 2:1011 with Jude 89; 2:12 with Jude 10; 2:1317 with Jude 1113; 2:18 with Jude 16; 3:2f with Jude 17f; 3:3 with Jude 18; 3:14 with Jude 24; and 3:18 with Jude 25.[17] Because the Epistle of Jude is much shorter than 2 Peter, and due to various stylistic details, the scholarly consensus is that Jude was the source for the similar passages of 2 Peter.[17][18]

Tartarus is mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4 as devoted to the holding of certain fallen angels. It is elaborated on in Jude 6. Jude 6 however, is a clear reference to the Book of Enoch. Bauckham suggests that 2 Peter 2:4 is partially dependent on Jude 6 but is independently drawing on paraenetic tradition that also lies behind Jude 57. The paraenetic traditions are in Sirach 16:710, Damascus Document 2:173:12, 3 Maccabees 2:47, Testament of Naphtali 3:45 and Mishna Sanhedrin 10:3.[19]

If 2 Peter 3:1 alludes to 1 Peter, the audience in this book are the various Churches in Asia Minor in general (cf. 1 Peter 1:1).

The letter is usually outlined as follows:[15]

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Second Epistle of Peter - Wikipedia

CraftJack's lead generation software was built with the remodeling pro in mind. CraftJack's ample benefits, compared to other services, not only bring you a higher amount of quality leads, but also help decrease your average cost per remodeling lead and increase your odds of turning that remodeling lead into a remodeling contract.

In an effort to decrease your cost per lead, CraftJack offers speed to call discounts on all remodeling leads. If you call your remodeling referral within 30 minutes of receiving the lead, you get a 20% discount on that lead. So, let's say your kitchen remodeling lead costs $67. If you call within 30 minutes, that lead now costs $53.60. You get this discount when you attempt to call the homeowner. As long as you make the call, using our custom lead generation software, within 30 minutes, you will receive that 20% discount.

Bear in mind, CraftJack is the only lead generation company offering speed to call discounts.

Finally, if you needed another reason to call quickly, we have the numbers to back it up. Remodeling contractors who respond to leads within the first minute can improve conversion as much as 391%.

CraftJack confirms each and every lead that comes into our custom and patent-pending lead generation system. Nonetheless, bad phone numbers can fall through the cracks. If you end up talking to a renter or get a fax number by accident, we will always credit you back for that individual lead. You can even request a credit via your CraftJack profile without ever calling your account manager.

In addition to our lenient credit policy, we also offer every remodeling contractor a dedicated account manager. Because we are a smaller company, we assign one account manager to each and every account. Larger lead generation companies have massive call centers that don't provide that personalization and familiarity with their accounts.

Your CraftJack account manager will always be available to pause your account, update your service areas or even discuss how you can save more with your CraftJack leads.

Furthermore, all CraftJack pros can also handle their accounts without an account manager if they prefer. Thanks to our easy to use online portal, all remodeling pros can increase your budget, sign up for a new remodeling trade, add a promotion to your profile and plenty more without an account manager. As long as you have a computer, tablet or smartphone, you are good to go.

Because our leads have the ability to go to three other contractors, our homeowners have a choice to make. When presented with a decision, they will almost always look at your reviews.

Homeowners want to know what other homeowners are saying about your work. They want to know what it's like to work with you on a small or large remodeling project. Fortunately, all CraftJack pros can receive free reviews.

Furthermore, the CraftJack portal lets you easily send review requests to all your leads. If the homeowner submits a review, that review will show up on your profile and encourage future homeowners to choose you as opposed to another remodeling company.

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CraftJack :: Remodeling Leads

When you think about adding a second story to your home, it can seem a bit daunting. But expanding vertically actually makes sense if you have a small lot, or you want to preserve your open green space. Dont give up your gardens or that old shade treeadd up instead of adding on!

Our design-build company has years of experience constructing second-story additions in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area, so were familiar with all local codes and standards that must be met in order to keep your second-story addition in line with the law. Throughout the process, youll find our Northern VA-based home addition company has created a way to offer our customers full visibility into the scope of the project while maintaining a professional, efficient workflow.

Our design-build process is simple and tailored to your unique wants and needs. Our process includes:

There are plenty of reasons for wanting to add a second story to your home, including:

Contact us or give us a call at (703) 241-1411 for second-story additions in Annandale, Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, and all surrounding areas!

If youre ready to work with a team of expert design and construction specialists, youve come to the right place. At Ideal Construction & Remodeling, we are ready to get started on your second-story addition.

There is no need to search for second-story addition builders near me. Just contact the pros at Ideal Construction & Remodelingonline or by phone at (703) 241-1411 to schedule your free consultation.

We offer home addition services in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, including Annandale, Arlington, Bethesda, Burke, Fairfax, Falls Church, Foxhall Crescent, Georgetown, Great Falls, McLean, Oakton, Palisades, Potomac, Reston, Vienna, and Washington, DC.

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Second Story Addition Builders Northern VA | Arlington 2 ...

Second Floor Addition to make your Home Spacious!

Family grows and your home grows smaller! Are you facing this trouble? Now, buying a new home in Toronto is difficult because of the rising real-estate prices. And, leaving your paradise whenever there is an addition to your family is not a solution. You can always hire The Home Improvement Group, GTAs reputed home addition contractor to add space to the house. Make your home spacious with a second floor addition.

You can either opt for adding a room to the second story, increase the height of the attic to create a new story or even consider adding a complete new floor to your existing one-story home.When it comes to second floor addition, you have limitless options. It all depends on your imagination and your needs.

If you have extra space, you can consider a bump out addition. But, if you have space constrains, a second floor top up is the perfect solution.This way you will not have to part ways with the beautiful trees in the courtyard. It will help you to keep the incredible landscape of your home as it is and ensure larger living space. So, if you want to build a home office, gym, bedroom or a kitchen, choosing the second story addition will solve all your problems.

Lack of space is a big issue in Toronto and other communities of Greater Toronto Area. But, by adding a second story to your bungalow, you can make it beautiful as well as increase its real-estate value. Second floor additions have a high ROI, typically in the range of 80%-85%.So, do not think that hiring a contractor and undertaking a home addition project will not bear fruits in the long-run.

By adding a second story to your home, you will have the opportunity of remodeling your entire home. You can relocate your home office on the second floor or shift the gym upstairs. It will allow you to add space to kitchen or help you to consider a living room addition project in your home. The options are endless!

Now, remember that the actual cost of the home addition project depends on your requirements, your budget and the expertise of the home addition contractor that you hire. Usually, average costs range from $80 to $200 per square feet. If you are interested in building a bathroom on the second floor, you have to add the plumbing costs to the budget.

The Home Improvement Group has adequate experience of home addition projects such as sunroom additions, garage additions as well as second story additions. It has helped several homeowners in building the home of their dreams. So, when space is a constraint, you can think of Torontos favorite home addition contractor to add space to your home.

With our unique design-build service, you will be able to enjoy all home improvement options under one roof. You need not hire an architect, structural engineer, electrician, plumber and handyman separately. We are a team of licensed professionals. Our team includes all types of experts that are required to make your home beautiful.So, do not worry about finding crew, we will do all the legwork!

With our licensed and fully insured crew, we work hard to give you the home you desire. We stand by our work and ensure you of quality craftsmanship. We provide a 12 months warranty on every home additions project including a second floor top up. So, rest assured! When you hire The Home Improvement Group, all your doubts and tensions are put to rest!

Dont think of leaving your home that is full of memories! Simply add a second story and create new stories with your loved ones. Call The Home Improvement Group today and allows us to create a beautiful and functional home for you. Dial (416) 477-4500 today for quick and reliable second floor additions in Toronto.

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Second Floor/Story Addition - The Home Improvment Group

Recent Job Requests for Build a Second Story Addition Contractors in Chicago, Illinois:

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60619

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

What type of second floor addition will this be?: Partial Addition

Rooms Included:: Bedroom(s)

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 months

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: i have already up-stairs bed rooms just want to raise the other side of the roof both sides and rear of second level

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60630

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: I am looking to remodel my home and add on a second floor addition.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60631

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Type of Addition: Second story addition

Rooms Included:: Bathroom, Living/Family room

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: Currently we have a 1947 Georgian brick home (3bed 1.5bath). We are interested in exploring cost for two options: First - add a first floor family room + bathroom off the back of the house Second - adding a 2-story addition off the back of the house (1st floor - family room/bathroom, 2nd floor - one large bedroom).

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60634

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: looking to add a 2 story addition to the back of an existing Georgian.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60629

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Comment: Adding a second floor. It would be a studio type of room

Project Location: CHICAGO, IL 60641

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: we have some temp drawing for a 3 bedroom room 1 bath second floor addition and need pricing for the build

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60631

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Type of Addition: Ground level addition

Rooms Included:: Bathroom, Living/Family room

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: Currently we have a 1947 Georgian brick home (3bed 1.5bath). We are interested in exploring cost for two options: First - add a first floor family room + bathroom off the back of the house Second - adding a 2-story addition off the back of the house (1st floor - family room/bathroom, 2nd floor - one large bedroom).

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60652

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Type of Addition: Second story addition

Rooms Included:: Bathroom, Bedroom(s)

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 months

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: 1 floor home looking to add a second floor

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60632

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 months

Comment: Double family floor and garage to be build on site

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60630

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: I am looking to remodel my home and add on a second floor addition.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60636

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Comment: Add a second floor to my ranch style home 1 master room and one bedroom with a living area and a full bathroom

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60657

Date: 09/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Comment: Current 2.5 story home needs attic addition. Re-pitch current 12-12 to 5-12. Drawings and permit complete. Nov 1st demo start date.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60643

Date: 09/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

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9 Best Second Story Addition Builders in Chicago IL

When it came to deciding whether or not to choose a 2nd story addition, the deciding factor was the ability to add the second story at a reasonable cost while retaining more yard space by not adding onto the ground floor, said Justin and Jennifer Hyland, Memorial Area.

One of the most popular reasons to choose a 2nd story addition is to preserve outdoor recreational space. An increasingly popular trend in home renovation is the creation of 2nd story additions on single floor dwellings.

There are several pros, cons and myths about building up. First of all, a few pros are you wont lose any of your yard nor will you bump into zoning restrictions about setbacks or floor-area-ratio limits, which in turn increases the value of your home, however, the cons are you have to account for a stairwell, which can easily eat up around 80 to 120 square feet or more of living space. And your contractor will likely have to tear apart the walls and ceilings in the space below to beef up the structural supports and feed in the electrical, plumbing and heating lines.

According to Structural Engineer, Adam Bakir from Incredible Renovations, Houston, TX,

It is a common myth that existing concrete slabs cannot handle the additional loads caused by adding a second story. In actuality, additional loads are transferred through various structural members down to the foundations at certain point load locations.

In actuality, the replacement of existing foundations is not a necessity when adding a second floor. A majority of the time you can add selected spots on the foundation where the new loads from the second floor are concentrated. This often consists of the excavation under a small section of the foundation and adding concrete and rebar to create a new wider and stronger footing in that spot.

For that reason retaining the services of a professional structural engineer is extremely essential so he/she runs the analysis and prescribes the correct solutions every time before your contractor begins the work.

Another pro for adding a 2nd story to your home is the extra living space that you will gain. Some homeowners use the extra space for living areas such as a game room for your children or an indoor gym. The 2nd story addition also adds extra value to your home so if you ever decide to sell it, you will get back what you put into it. Any time you increase your square footage you stand to increase the value of your homesimply because the price is often calculated based on factors such as the amount of livable space.

To be honest, initially we were only looking to build an addition that went out, not up. Architectural Designer, Mayrem from Incredible Renovations presented us with two options, one being, just building out for an in-law suite and the other was both out and up, redoing the first floor bedroom area, opening up the living areas, and adding the second story.We loved the way she made incredible use of our existing space and the second floor design was perfect for our kids. said Kevin Timmreck, Houston, TX.

Kevins wife Louann Timmreck said,

We had two reasons for adding on to our house. After my dad passed away, my mom was alone in her house. We didnt want her to be alone and wanted her to come live with us. We decided to add an addition downstairs for my mom. However, we also wanted to do a second story addition so we could add room for our three children. Prior to adding the second story, my girls shared a bedroom and all three kids shared one bathroom. Adding the upstairs gave them their own room and additional bathrooms. It also gave them the space to hang out with their friends. We have a large backyard and building up, allowed us to continue to enjoy that space. Now everyone has their own space and we couldnt be happier!

Many homeowners engage in renovations every year. Some prefer to hire an architect to begin the process and some prefer to hire a construction company that can do everything for them from start to finish. After all, unless you build your home from scratch, chancesare youre not going to get everything you desire when purchasing your dream home.

If you are trying to sell your home that has been on the market for a long time and for whatever reason it is not selling, at that point it may be a better decision to build up and reconfigure the house rather than selling it? What do you think? For a lot of families the answer is yes!

If you are interested in exploring 2nd story addition options, for a free estimate, contact Incredible Renovations

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Pros and Cons About 2nd Story Additions | Incredible ...

At Greaves Construction, your premier home remodeling company in the Tampa, Temple Terrace and Hillsborough County areas, we believe EVERY home should be a source of comfort, pride and pleasure to its owner.We also appreciate the seriousness of hiring a contractor. Its a major decision. After all, youre talking about spending a lot of money, temporarily disrupting your lifestyle, and making lots of important decisions youll have to live with for a long time. It sounds scary, doesnt it?

Well, it doesnt have to be that way. After 30 years of remodeling, weve learned that with the right remodeling Contractor, the process can be exciting, rewarding and yes, even fun! We hope the information you find on our site is helpful, and if you think we might be the right Contractor for you, please contact us. Wed love to add you to our list of customers who are glad they found Greaves Construction.

Living in the same house with the same dcor can become tiresome. You may be sitting in your living room one day and realize that you are bored of the aesthetic of the room. Or you may be cooking in your kitchen one day and find that the stove is dated and that you could use an island to chop your vegetables more efficiently. With these things on your mind, you should be looking for a home remodeling company in the Tampa, Temple Terrace and Hillsborough County areas that can help you give your house a fresh, new look. Greaves Construction is a company that looks forward to working with you and to bring comfort and pride back into your home.

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Home Remodeling | Tampa - Greaves Construction

Local ordinances and permitting requirements may give you grounds on which to block a neighbor's new construction.

I live in a neighborhood of mostly single-level homes. My neighbor wants to add a second story to her house. I am concerned that this addition will change the character of my neighborhood and that the new second story will shade my backyard. The shade may kill my garden and lawn. How do I stop my neighbor from building a second story addition?

Since this type of development can proceed quickly, your best bet is to promptly determine the status of any development application, including applications for building and land use permits, filed by your neighbor. To determine whether applications have been filed, and if so, the status of those applications, contact both your local planning department and building department.

When you do, have your neighbors address available, since the application may not be under her name.

It is possible that your neighbor will need to obtain both a land use permit and a building permit. Land use permits are often required when owners seek to change the use of their land (for example, from single-family residential to multifamily), or construct a new commercial or multifamily project on their property. You can typically determine whether a land use permit is necessary by reviewing the local zoning ordinance. If the ordinance is unclear, you can seek clarification from the local planning department or a land use attorney.

Regardless of whether a land use permit is required or not, your neighbor will certainly need to obtain a building permit. Building permits are required to ensure public health, safety, and general welfare. A landowner must ordinarily obtain a building permit in order to construct, enlarge, convert, add onto, or demolish a structure. And the owner must obtain the permit before, not after, beginning construction.

As part of the building permit application process, city or county staff will review the application by for compliance with not only the building code, but also the zoning ordinance (sometimes called a development code). Others who might review the application include the road master, fire marshal, local law enforcement agency, and the city or county engineer.

If the planned addition is prohibited by the building code or zoning ordinance (or any other code or ordinance), the permit may be denied. In some situations, the applicant may be able to apply for a variance, which allows the development to proceed despite some inconsistencies with a code or ordinance.

Whether a proposed second story addition is in compliance with all codes and ordinances will require a detailed review of both the proposed addition and applicable codes and ordinances. Some common issues, though, that a person adding on to a house may encounter include:

The purpose of this solar access provision is to provide as much solar access as feasible during the winter solar heating hours to existing or potential buildings by requiring all new structures to be constructed as far south on their lots as is necessary and feasible.

If your local zoning ordinance includes such a provision, make sure the proposed second story addition complies with the stated rule. Typically, there are exceptions written into solar access provisions to allow development in cases where strict compliance with the provision would make development impractical. So again, this provision may not stop development of the second story, but by making sure the solar access provision is enforced to the extent possible, you can minimize the impact of the addition.

In addition to building code and zoning ordinance provisions that may provide arguments for why your neighbors second story addition should not be approved, you may also want to look into whether any private agreements limit development. For example, is your property located in a subdivision with Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that prohibit second stories? Be sure to review any CC&Rs that apply in your neighborhood.

In addition to CC&Rs, other private agreements may limit development on your neighbors property. For example, a previous owner of your house may have, after agreement with the owner of your neighbors property, created and recorded an easement that protects your right to sunlight or a view, by limiting development on your neighbors property. If you are unaware of any such agreement, you may need to go down to the County Clerk or County Recorder to search the public records. A title company or real estate attorney can help you with this type of search.

A real estate or land use attorney should be able to help you work through the possible arguments you may have and help you properly challenge your neighbors second story addition. You should move promptly to protect your rights. Missing a deadline may bar you from being able to challenge the addition, even if the addition will violate the law.

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How Do I Stop My Neighbor From Building a Second Story ...