Thinking about adding a second storey to your home? If your family is outgrowing your space, it’s a fantastic way to expand without moving.
But here’s the thing — I always tell homeowners: “It’s a pretty significant thing to do. If people actually saw what we do when we cut the roof off a house, they’d think twice before hiring just anyone to do it.”
So before you dive in, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with a project of this scale. From the noise and disruption of construction to unexpected structural hurdles, a second storey addition is no small feat.
Here are three common challenges to expect:
1. Managing Structural Integrity
The first and most critical challenge is determining whether your home can actually support a second storey. I’ve seen homeowners come in with plans for five extra bedrooms upstairs — only to find out their house wasn’t built to handle that kind of load.
You can’t just add another level and expect it to work — your home’s foundation, walls, and structure need to be up to the task. That’s why a thorough structural assessment is essential before moving forward. For instance:
- Assessing the foundation and existing walls
- Possible need for reinforcement or structural upgrades
- Working with an engineer to design the reinforcement plan
2. Living in the Home During Construction
Can you stay in your home while the second storey is being built? For most people, the answer is yes — but for some, it’s just not practical.
Take one of our recent clients, for example. Their daughter had special needs, so staying put simply wasn’t an option. Meanwhile, another family we’re working with right now? Their kids love it — they think having a construction site at home is an adventure!
Ultimately, it depends on your situation and how comfortable you are with workers coming and going every day.
There are four things to consider:
- Managing construction noise and daily disruptions
- Temporary relocation vs living without certain amenities (e.g., no kitchen or bathroom)
- How long the project will take and how that impacts your routine
- Dealing with building materials and equipment in your yard
Bottom line? Some homeowners thrive in the middle of the action, while others prefer to pack up and return when the dust settles. It all comes down to your personal needs — and, most importantly, your tolerance.
3. The Fear of Roof Removal
I know what you’re thinking — ‘How long will my roof be off?’ We plan it so your new floor is in place within a week. Last time we did it, we took the roof off on a Friday and had the new floor structure in by the following Friday. By the end of week two, your new roof is on.
And yes — every single time we take a roof off, it rains. It’s just a fact of life. That’s why we always have waterproof membranes ready to go. It’s not perfect — you’ll probably get a few drips — but we do everything possible to protect your home while the new structure goes up.
Taking fear out of the equation boils down to one thing: hiring a builder who has a reliable core team — a team who regularly does second storey additions and knows how to do it.
How the Right Builder Makes All the Difference
The good news is that all of these challenges can be handled with the right approach — and it starts with choosing the right builder. A skilled and trustworthy builder will help you navigate every step of the process, ensuring your home addition is safe, on-budget, and as comfortable as possible.
Partnering with a builder who understands the complexities of a second storey addition gives you an advocate who manages structural concerns, minimises disruptions, and keeps your concerns in check.
So, if you’re ready to add that second storey and transform your home, choosing the right builder is the key to making it happen smoothly and successfully.
