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Traditionally, second-story additions are intense and disrupting projects: for both the builder and the homeowners. The disruption alone could be enough to deter a family from proceeding with an addition, but that’s AnotherStory’s entire selling point: a second story without disruption.

What

are the benefits of

adding a story?

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Retain open space

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Improve curb appeal

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Larger home @ lower tax base

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More natural light

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Increased energy efficiency

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Increased value

Why

would you choose AnotherStory?

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No moving required

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No short term renting

No commute disruption icon

No disruption to commutes

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Dustless renovation*

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Privacy protected

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Less risk to possessions

How

Patented Technology

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We build your second story without breaching the first

Living uninterrupted during construction

While you live uninterrupted and dust-free until stair installation

Stair installation and cleanup

Stairs are installed and cleanup occurs at the end of the process

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what to considering when adding a second story to your ranch home

11 Things To Consider Before Adding a Second Story To Your Home

October 02, 20234 min read

11 Things To Consider Before Adding a Second Story To Your Home

Embarking on the journey of adding a second story to your home is both exciting and daunting. The promise of additional space, enhanced functionality, and increased property value is alluring. However, several considerations come into play to ensure the project's success. In this article, we'll delve into 11 crucial factors to ponder before going vertical with your home. Plus, we'll highlight how Another Story stands by homeowners throughout this transformative journey.

11 Things to Know before adding a second story on your home

The Emotional Journey of Home Expansion

Expanding your home isn't just a physical or financial endeavor; it's an emotional journey. The anticipation of new spaces, memories to be made, and the potential challenges can stir a mix of emotions. Understanding and preparing for these feelings can make the process smoother. Whether it's the excitement of design choices, the anxiety over construction disruptions, or the joy of the final reveal, acknowledging this emotional roller-coaster is crucial. With Another Story, homeowners are never alone. Our team provides not just technical expertise but emotional support, ensuring that the journey, with all its ups and downs, leads to a happy ending.

1. Structural Integrity Before dreaming of a spacious second story, it's paramount to assess the foundational strength of your existing home. Can the current foundation and walls bear the weight of an additional floor? Consulting with a structural engineer is essential. At Another Story, we collaborate with seasoned engineers to ensure your home is structurally sound and ready for its upgrade.


2. Zoning and Building Codes Every locality has its set of zoning laws and building codes. These might dictate restrictions on building height, setbacks, or floor area ratios. Navigating these regulations can be complex. Another Story's team is well-versed in local codes, ensuring your addition is compliant and free from legal hiccups.


3. Architectural Consistency A second story should feel like a natural extension of your home, not an afterthought. This means maintaining architectural harmony in design, materials, and finishes. Our design team at Another Story prioritizes this consistency, ensuring your home retains its charm and aesthetic appeal.


4. Staircase Placement The addition of a second floor necessitates a connecting staircase. Its placement is crucial, both for aesthetics and functionality. It shouldn't disrupt the existing floor plan or feel out of place. Our architects work closely with homeowners to design staircases that blend seamlessly and enhance the home's flow.


5. Heating and Cooling A second story means more space to heat and cool. Will your existing HVAC system suffice, or is an upgrade in order? Another Story's experts evaluate your current system, recommending necessary enhancements to ensure optimal climate control.


6. Plumbing and Electrical Extending utilities to a new floor is no small feat. Planning the routing of plumbing and electrical systems is essential to avoid future complications. Our team ensures these systems are efficiently extended, providing the conveniences of modern living to your new space.


7. Cost and Financing Understanding the financial implications of a second-story addition is crucial. Beyond the obvious construction costs, unforeseen expenses can arise. Another Story offers transparent cost breakdowns, helping homeowners set realistic budgets. Plus, we guide you through financing options, ensuring your dream addition aligns with your financial capabilities.


8. Duration of Construction Time is of the essence. While homeowners eagerly await their new space, it's vital to have a realistic timeline. Another Story prides itself on timely project completion, but we also ensure homeowners are prepared for the duration, offering guidance on living arrangements during construction if needed.


9. Impact on Property Value A well-executed second story can significantly boost your home's value. However, it's essential to strike a balance, ensuring the investment doesn't exceed neighborhood property values. Our team provides insights into maximizing your return on investment, ensuring your addition is both a joy to live in and a wise financial decision.


10. Environmental Considerations In today's eco-conscious world, considering the environmental impact of construction is paramount. From potential shading on neighboring properties to ensuring energy efficiency with insulation, Another Story prioritizes green building practices, ensuring your addition is both comfortable and eco-friendly.


11. Future Needs A home should cater to its residents' evolving needs. Whether it's accommodating a growing family, creating space for elderly relatives, or carving out a home office, your second story should be future-proof. Our design consultations focus on these long-term benefits, ensuring your new space serves you for years to come.


Maximizing Space: Beyond Just Adding a Floor

While the primary goal might be adding a second story, it's essential to think holistically about space utilization. How can the new addition enhance the flow of the entire home? Are there opportunities to introduce more natural light, create multi-functional spaces, or even improve outdoor connectivity? Another Story's design philosophy goes beyond just adding square footage. We aim to enhance the overall living experience, ensuring every inch added is optimized for functionality, aesthetics, and comfort.


Adding a second story is a significant undertaking, filled with decisions and considerations. With Another Story by your side, the journey becomes smoother. Our commitment to guiding homeowners through each step, from initial consultations to the final touches, ensures your home addition is a resounding success. Ready to elevate your living space? Reach out to our team today.

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Benjamin Stout

Ben Strout is an award-winning architect and a founding member of Another Story. He has been part of the teams that have created landmark destinations in Birmingham, including: Edgewood Creamery, Paramount Bar & Grill, and Brick & Tin to name just a few. Another Story is a trusted choice in Birmingham for architectural solutions and the only provider of a no-move option for second-story additions to homes. Ben Stout works with homeowners and contractors worldwide on using the Another Story method for second floor home additions.

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WHAT IS THE

FULL CONSTRUCTION PROCESS ?

Day 1

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Initial Phone Call

Week 1-4

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Feasibility Study

Week 4-6

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Programming

Week 6-10

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Design Development

Week 8-12

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Bidding / Value Engineering

Week 12-18

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Financing

Week 18-22

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Construction Documents / Permitting

Week 22-42

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Construction (Dustless)

Week 42-44

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Stair Installation

Week 45

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Clean Up

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In the first three weeks of being able to be in the added square footage, we were able to easily welcome out of town friends with 3 kids... Our kids have been able to retreat to their own spaces upstairs when they need some time away and read books together without having to be in the higher traffic areas of our home. We could not be more grateful for what the added space has added to our days as a family.

Rachel Buie testimonial

Rachel Buie

Birmingham, AL

WHAT IS

OUR CONSTRUCTION PROCESS?

Day 1

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Initial Phone Call

Week 1-4

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Feasibility Study

Week 4-6

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Programming

Week 6-10

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Design Development

Week 8-12

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Bidding / Value Engineering

Week 12-18

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Financing

Week 18-22

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Construction Documents / Permitting

Week 22-42

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Construction (Dustless)

Week 42-44

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Stair Installation

Week 45

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Clean Up

Results will vary on a project by project basis. Some projects have been finished within 6 months, however all counties are different.

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[This] team has more vision, imagination and problem solving ability than all five previous architects (combined) with whom we have done projects. Their design-build approach simplifies multiple meetings and miscommunications between a separate contractor and architect. The end result of our renovation is stunning.

Location

Homewood

Birmingham, AL

USA

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