Second Storey Additions

Adding a second storey to a structure is common when the number of persons or their requirements increase. Though adding a second storey seems straightforward, a structural engineer can better analyze to gauge whether the foundation of the building is strong enough to hold the addition or not.

Need and Benefits of Second Storey Addition

Do you want more space but don’t think you have enough space to expand? Well, you don’t always need to have a yard space to expand your living, all you can do is add a second storey! Our structural engineers can be of great assistance in ensuring that your plan remains doable, uncomplicated, and economical, which can then guarantee permits.

Adding a second level not only provides extra space for your living, instead, it also gives more storage. Additionally, adding a second storey also adds square foot area for living, which increases the value of your house. Apart from that, expanding upwards instead of occupying yard space ensures that you get to keep your yard. Keeping a yard will always provide scenic views from the upper floor of your house. A second storey also gives more opportunity for natural light to enter your home and for you to soak in the sun without directly sitting in the scorching heat.

Problems in Adding a Second Storey

Adding a second storey isn’t as simple as just building a roof and some pillars to support it. Underneath the second level is a first floor which would then have to bear the load of the structure above. Therefore, knowing whether the foundation is strong enough for multi-levels is important. Moreover, knowing that the design of the first floor is also framed in a manner to support another level is crucial to adding a storey. Hence, providing suitable structural support is a hassle.

Furthermore, each neighborhood has its height restrictions. Thus, before adding any structure on top of the existing ones, knowing what’s allowed and what isn’t is a vital step. Based on height restrictions and other factors, the local council can give you a valid permit for you to begin your construction.

Adding a second level does not mean that it can have a completely different design. At least in outwardly appearance, it has to align with the first floor. Alignment comes when windows or any openings in the exterior walls of the new floor line up with those of the first floor for symmetry.

Why You Need a Structural Engineer for Second Storey Additions?

Our structural engineers can extend their services to studying your house’s foundation, and seeing how much weight it can hold. This analysis will further assist them in knowing what reinforcements are needed to hold the added weight of a second-storey addition. Our structural engineers know the ins and outs of the current seismic standards to give the best advice to you. Apart from that, they can also let you know the height restrictions by the local council so you know you’re on the right track. They can then accordingly provide a design that fits your requirements even if they had to remove a wall.