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How Much Does It Cost to Put a Second Story Addition on a Ranch House?

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Many families simply outgrow their homes and find the need for additional living space. However, most people don’t want to leave their beloved dwellings and are faced with a bit of a conundrum – do I move to a larger home or add an addition to my existing home?

If you’d like a bigger home but don’t want to move, the best solution could be to add a second story to your existing ranch-style house. This option not only provides new space but also enhances the value of your property, particularly in high-demand areas like Toronto and the GTA. Understanding the cost of a second-story home addition project is crucial. A ranch house renovation can be a cost-effective way to achieve your desired living space without the hassle of relocating.

Adding a second story is more than just a renovation; it’s an investment that can significantly add value to your home. By carefully considering the cost of a home addition, you can make an informed decision that meets both your space needs and financial goals.

Cost Of a Second Story Addition On a Ranch Home

The cost of adding a second story to a ranch house in Toronto depends on several factors, including the size of the addition and your specific needs. Generally, this type of addition will increase the home value significantly. Factors such as location, quality of materials, and labor hours needed also play crucial roles. Typically, the cost of a second-story addition in Toronto ranges from $350 to $400+ per square foot, with potential increases if you plan to add another bathroom to the upper level.

Hiring a Design-Build contractor that is licensed and fully insured can save you time and money. These “all-in-one” companies handle all requirements, including permits, architectural design, structural engineering, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. This comprehensive approach ensures the project runs smoothly and efficiently, ultimately reducing overall costs and project timelines.

Understanding the cost of adding a second story and the type of addition you need is vital for planning and budgeting, ensuring you get the most value out of your home renovation.

Building Up Our Out

Extending Outward

If you decide to build out rather than build upward, you’ll need to extend the perimeter of the home outward, which means a new foundation must be poured. This type of addition requires sacrificing some of your existing property and yard space. Additionally, you may need zoning permission for the project. In Toronto, where lot sizes tend to be small, building a home addition upward is often the more popular and practical option.

Adding a Second Story

Building a second story on a ranch house is typically less expensive, even with the need for a staircase. However, you may need to strengthen the home’s existing foundation to support the additional weight. The cost of a second-story addition varies depending on the number of rooms you add, as more rooms mean more walls, doors, and windows. Adding a bathroom can significantly increase the final bill.

Engineering and Costs

Since an additional story adds substantial weight to the home, an engineer is required to create detailed plans, costing around $10,000 or more. Despite this, the average cost of an additional story on a 2,000 square-foot home in the GTA can range from $500,000 to $700,000+. This includes demolishing the existing roof and modifying plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

Temporary Relocation

During the construction, the home may not be livable, necessitating a temporary relocation. This aspect should be considered when planning your addition, as it can add to the overall cost and complexity of the project.

While extending outward requires additional foundation work and space, building up is often more cost-effective and feasible in urban areas like Toronto, where lot sizes are limited. Both options have their unique challenges and benefits, and the choice will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.

Find a Quality Home Addition Contractor

Adding a second story to a ranch house is a complicated task, requiring a Toronto home additions contractor with extensive experience in custom home additions. The contractor must handle structural changes and integrate the new story with existing mechanical systems.

Key Considerations

  • Certifications and Licensing: Ensure the contractor is certified in construction and remodeling, and verify their licensing and insurance.
  • References and Portfolio: Ask for references and review their previous home additions in Toronto.
  • Subcontractor Screening: Inquire about their use of subcontractors and their selection process.
  • Project Timeline and Estimates: Get a detailed timeline and written estimates. Agree on a payment schedule upfront.

When searching for a suitable, skilled contractor be sure the firm has certifications in construction and remodeling. You should verify that the company is licensed and insured and ask for references and a portfolio of their prior work. It’s important to ask if they use subcontractors and if they do, how do they screen and select them. You also need to find out how long the project will take and have all estimates etc. put in writing. It’s also a good idea to agree on a payment schedule before the work begins.

No matter how well you’ve planned and organized things, you may find that everything doesn’t always go according to plan. Ask about the builder’s change-order policy in case you change your mind about specific details during the project.

About Novacon Construction

Novacon Construction is an award winning  Design-Build contracting company based in Toronto.  We specialize in custom home additions and can help turn your ranch style home into an amazing two story home that you will love. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.

Novacon Construction
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