Adding Another Level To Your Oregon Home

If you love where your Portland home is situated but are looking for more space, going up may be exactly the solution you’ve been searching for.

Upper floor additions are a great option for Portland homeowners who have a great house in a neighborhood they love — but don’t want to lose space in the backyard for a main level extension.

Adding a new floor adds significant value to your home and is usually a lot more economical than moving to a new home. It’s also a fantastic way put yourself in the design chair as you map out how best to use the extra space: extra bedrooms or a master suite, a home office or media centre.

But adding a new floor will also be very disruptive to the household, so careful planning is in order to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. What you need to consider before you begin:

Set a budget. As with all remodeling project, establishing a firm budget should always be your first step. Once you know exactly what you are able to spend, you will be able to make the important decisions along the way. Remember that an extra 15 percent should be built in for any unexpected problems that may arise.

Hire a skilled contractor. Building a new level onto an existing structure requires special skills that not every builder may possess. Make sure you hire an Portland remodeling contractor who has experience in doing this type of work. An experienced contractor will be able to guide you through the entire process with valuable resources and information.

Find out if there are any height restrictions in your area. Most cities and towns have established ordinances in regards to how tall a building can be. Chances are if it is just a second story addition you will be fine, but another level may be too tall. Check with your local planning department.

Determine whether your home’s foundation and framing can bear the weight of another level. Talk to either a contractor or a structural engineer to determine if the foundation will need reinforcing or support columns need to be added to strengthen the framing.

If you are looking for a professional Portland remodeling company, please call us today at 503.238.5989 or complete our online request form.