Turn Your Boring Ranch Style Home into a Two Story Delight
Making the decision to add another story to your home will give you more living space, something almost everyone can use. Another good reason to do it is that it will increase the value of the home. Each project of this type comes with its own challenges, and you need an experienced contractor to avoid any mistakes. Here are a few things to think about if you plan to make this type of addition to your home.
- Building codes. The contractor should also be knowledgeable on building codes regarding this type of expansion. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with these codes as much as possible. These codes regulate the height, and the distance of the structural points from the property lines. Failing to observe these codes may incur fines, and you may lose money if you have to tear down any new construction.
- The character of the neighborhood. Many neighborhoods have covenants in place to maintain a certain look. Any work you do on your house should be done in accordance with these rules. You can get plenty of ideas by walking around the area and taking a look at additions that other homeowners have had done. Otherwise you could decrease the value of your property and that of your neighbors.
- The right contractor. Two professionals are vital to the success of the project; an architect and a contractor. The architect will design and plan the look and details of the second story based on building codes. The contractor will oversee the actual construction, and this job includes hiring sub-contractors, getting materials and making sure the work stays on schedule.
- Consider your needs. You should not add another story before first thinking about your lifestyle? What you will use the extra space for, and who will use it are essential points. Will you have to remove trees or make other changes to the property? Will you also add another level to your deck for the second level of the home? These will influence not just the look of the project but also how much you spend.
Weighing these factors will help to get the project started on the right foot and prevent delays which will drive up your costs. If you might sell the house at a later date, you need to avoid making the kind of addition that will price it out of the local market. Here at Renewal Design Build, we’ve helped many Atlanta and Decatur area homeowners remodel their home from a ranch style to a modern ranch or multi-story home. Call us at 404-378-6962 to discuss the possibility of remodeling your home or to schedule a meeting with our experienced home designers.