If you love your neighborhood but need more space, you might consider an addition to your home. If expanding on the first floor is not an option, then adding a second floor might be an option. Unlike ground-level expansions, adding a second floor is more complicated—before you embark on this kind of project, there are some elements you should consider first:

• Cost – You already know that adding square footage will not be cheap, but adding a second story comes with additional costs. You will need to consult a structural engineer and plans should be drawn up by an architect. You’ll also need to add at least one staircase. You might need to relocate HVAC, ducting, and any other items housed in the current attic space.
• Construction – Living on premises through this kind of addition is different from adding space on the first floor. Utilities will need to be turned off and the roof removed. You will need to provide protection for any household items and most likely move out during the process.
• Space Restrictions – The amount of space you can add to a second story is limited by structural concerns. This means that depending on current construction, you might be limited in the amount of space you can add. Make sure the new space will be worth the cost and hassle for your needs.
• Moving Instead – While you might want to stay in your current location, moving might be a better option. It could be worth investigating other options before starting this kind of major construction project. 

Adding a second story is not as easy as it sounds. If you love your neighborhood, street, school…it might be worth the cost and effort. Before starting, make sure you understand everything involved, so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

The popularity of home improvement television shows has increased the number of home projects. Unfortunately, not everyone is capable of knocking down walls and retiling their kitchen on their own. If you’re one of these non-DIY-ers, you will need to find service professionals to help, but choosing the right person for the job is critical. Here are a few

We’re all spending more time at home these days. With the entire family stuck together, the home has been placed under a microscope. If your master bedroom is not the oasis you wish it were, here are a few simple ideas you can use to change the feel of the space without breaking the bank:

• Lighten Up – Setting the mood starts with lighting. Try a modern-industrial styled fixture or vintage chandelier

Summer is traditionally a busy time for buyers and sellers. This year has been no exception—and with lower interest rates, many homebuyers are finding the competitive environment challenging. With multiple buyers competing for properties, even terrific offers are often being outbid. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make your offer

Homeowner’s insurance is a non-negotiable. Not only does it protect you in the event the home is damaged, but it also includes liability insurance in the event someone is injured at your home. When evaluating the policy, insurance companies consider multiple items to determine their risk—and your cost. Here are 7 things that affect the amount you

Homeowners planning to sell their home tend to get unsolicited advice from every direction. “Do this,” “don’t do that”; it can be difficult to decipher the good from the bad advice. As homebuyers become more informed and market-savvy, knowing which age-old advice to ignore can be important. Here are some adages which should be retired immediately.

1. Spring is the best time to sell – While spring is traditionally when home sales tick upward, the real key to selling

Self-employed borrowers have always had to jump through a few hoops to finance or refinance their homes. Without a traditional paycheck, lenders look for other ways to document income. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many business owners and delayed tax return filings. As a result, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have enacted changes in the

The summer heat is here and it may seem like your air conditioners has been running almost constantly. Your air conditioner is an important part of your home, and you certainly don’t want to discover that it’s stopped working on a hot, humid day. Here are five of the most common HVAC problems and how to avoid them in the first place so you can

Carpet is making a comeback. While the last couple of decades have trended toward hardwood floors and travertine tiles, 2020 has seen a resurgence of wall-to-wall carpet in interior design. With bold designs and colors that have modernized an old standby, carpet has once again taken center stage. Whether you have wall-to-wall carpet or just a

Most people have wandered through new home developments and wished their own home looked as modern and chic. Model homes showcase the latest upgrades and decorating trends; for home sellers these homes are their competition, and it can feel daunting to offer an older floor plan and design. 

While it might seem like a smart idea to simply offer a buyer credit and list, there are downsides to this plan, and