Does your home feel cramped? Perhaps you’ve got a baby on the way, or you’ve started working from home. If your lifestyle has changed and you need valuable extra room, a second story addition is a viable option for your house.
But, before you start designing your concept, you need to check the foundation of your house and assess its state. This includes the walls, beams, and all structural elements of the house. Second story addition contractors in San Diego are here to show you the importance the foundation has on your home, and for any home improvement projects you wish to embark on.
Can my foundation support a second-story addition?
Every building rests upon its foundation, which is in many aspects its most important element. If properly built, it should last a very long time and withstand any exposure to stress and pressure. Thus, the safety of any building depends on a sound foundation.
Checking the soundness of your home’s foundation requires serious expertise and relying on experts with specialized knowledge is of great importance.
Requirements
Adding a second story to the home presupposes a thorough checking of the foundation and whether it can withstand such an addition and remain safe. Different cities and jurisdictions have varying requirements related to the foundations as preconditions for any attempt of adding floors to a house.
Structural requirements
The weight of a second story with rooms, furniture, appliances will exert a lot of additional pressure on the foundation of a building, much more than just the roof it supported before this addition. Therefore, you will need to contact a structural engineer to calculate the weight of the walls and other elements of the additional structure. The calculations include the need to perform tests of the soil the building rests on, as well as some drilling in the foundation itself to examine its quality and the compaction of the soil.
Building code requirements
Building code restrictions often prescribe the need to introduce structural support, such as steel connections, plywood connections to the walls of the main level of the house that extend into the foundation, and installing additional steel of concrete columns and footings.
So, before you undertake any serious remodeling that involves an addition of an entire story, you must thoroughly check the state of the foundation of the house and repair any imperfections if necessary. A project of this magnitude requires such interventions to keep the home structure and your family safe.
How do you reinforce a foundation for a second story addition?
Your home may not be able to support a second story addition in its current condition. The way to reinforce your house’s foundation is with a large concrete pad with metal bars running through it, known as footings. They are necessary to keep the foundation from moving, shifting, and settling unevenly. Homes built in the early and mid 20th century often don’t have footings under the slab.
A structural engineer will analyze the state of the foundation and determine whether there is a need for reinforcement.
Where do I find reliable second story contractors in San Diego & the vicinity?
Building up is an excellent way to add extra space to your home. According to statistics, it also boosts your home’s curb appeal and its resale value. So if you’re looking for reputable experts for second story additions for your home in La Jolla or another neighborhood in San Diego, we’ve got you covered!
With over 30 years in the industry and a team of dedicated and highly skilled pros, our experts will help you add a room above your garage, extend your living area, or render another type of project. Call today to set an appointment!