Adding a second story to a ranch house is a significant renovation project that can transform your home. This endeavor requires months of planning, a lot of work, and a potential rental home. Here are the main things you need to know about adding a second story to a ranch house.
Table of Contents
How Much Does Adding a Second Story to a Ranch House Cost?
Is Adding a Second Story to a Ranch House Worth It?
How Much Does a Second Story Addition Over a Garage Cost?
Why Does Adding a Second Story Cost So Much?
Can You Live In Your House While a Second Story Is Being Added?
Foundation Requirements for Adding a Second Story
Can You Use Modular Second Floor Additions?
Adding a Second Story to a Ranch House Bottom Line
How Much Does Adding a Second Story to a Ranch House Cost?
It typically costs between $150,000 and $300,000 to add a second story to a ranch house. The exact amount depends on the size of your home, what foundation you have, as well as a number of other factors. You also have to determine whether you want a full second-floor addition or a partial one.
For example, adding a second-floor bonus room above a garage might cost around $50,000, while a full second-story addition might cost over $200,000.
Here are some ballpark figures to consider:
- Adding a full second story to a ranch house measuring 2000 square feet will cost between $150,000 to $300,000. This includes most repairs that you would need to do, as well as any structural additions you need to ensure that the building will hold.
- If you’re looking to add a new story to your garage, the cost will be between $100,000 to $150,000. If you want to have a full-fledged apartment on top of your garage, then it may cost upwards of $200,000.
- A second story in a Victorian home can cost even more. Since older homes may require additional preparation and also can require specially stylized exteriors, the beginning cost for this is $150,000.
- A partial second story can cost between $90,000 to $120,000 for a 500 to 700-square-foot area. This is enough to fit one or two rooms comfortably. Even so, it’s a lot of money!
Is Adding a Second Story to a Ranch House Worth It?
Adding a second story to a ranch house is usually worth it if you can afford it. When you add a second story, you can customize exactly how you want to expand your home, all while increasing its value. While the cost of adding a second story can be prohibitive, it can always be recouped when selling the house.
Keep in mind that the additional bedrooms and bathrooms will increase the value of the home.
How Much Does a Second Story Addition Over a Garage Cost?
Out of all the types of second-floor additions out there, this one can have the most variance in prices. A shed-like second story can cost as little as $40,000. However, if you’re looking to make an in-law apartment over your garage, you should expect to pay more than $150,000.
Why Does Adding a Second Story Cost So Much?
Building up a house means that you will need to get more supplies and add additional structural supports to ensure your house won’t topple. Since adding a second story takes further planning and labor, it will end up being pricier.
It’s also important to note that you will need to have a place to stay while the construction is going underway. While most estimates don’t include the cost of renting an apartment, it is something that you need to take into account.
Can You Live In Your House While a Second Story Is Being Added?
For the most part, no. Your home will not have a roof over it while it’s being remodeled. So, if you want to live in it while you’re adding a second story, you’re going to need to choose between having a partial second story and having to rent a house for several months.
Foundation Requirements for Adding a Second Story
To keep your home safe, you will need to make sure that the second story you build is on a solid foundation. This is especially true with ranch homes. This means that you will need to do the following:
- Get a zoning permit: Not all towns that are rich with ranch homes will allow your home to get an additional story. If you live in an area that has a homeowners’ association, clear it with them. After all, you need to make sure it’s legal first.
- Hire a structural engineer: The structural engineer will determine which points in your home will need to be reinforced. Without a qualified structural engineer on your team, you won’t be able to correct your foundation.
- Reinforce your 2nd story foundation with plywood and steel: This is the only way to ensure that your ranch won’t buckle underneath the weight. Some ranch homes may also need concrete and solid wood enforcement as well.
- Perform soil tests: A two-story home is going to be heavier than a one-story home. You will need to perform soil tests to make sure that your home won’t sink into the ground.
- Repair any other structural issues that your home may have: If your foundation is cracked, you will need to repair it. If you have walls that have “settled in,” then you will need to fix those, too.
Can You Use Modular Second Floor Additions?
Though they are rare, there are modular second-story options that make it possible to add a second story to a ranch house with ease. However, there is a chance that your ranch home may not be compatible with them.
Before you purchase the modular home, hire a structural engineer, and make sure to consult with the modular home sales staff. That way, you won’t have any nasty surprises when you try to add a second level.
Adding a Second Story to a Ranch House Bottom Line
Adding a second story is not something that you should take lightly, nor is it always doable. If you want to add a second floor to your home, it’s essential to talk with the right people to determine whether it’s an option. If it is, then you should expect to pay a lot of money as it costs between $150,000 and $300,000 to add a second story to a ranch house. By thoroughly planning and preparing, you can successfully add a second story to your ranch house, increasing its space and value.