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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

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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

Second-story construction illustration

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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beautiful home after avoiding costly mistakes while renovating a second story addition

5 Ways To Avoid Costly Mistakes On Your Second Story Home Addition

October 04, 20234 min read

5 Ways To Avoid Costly Mistakes On Your Second Story Home Addition

Adding a second story to your home is an exciting venture. It promises additional space, enhanced property value, and a fresh aesthetic appeal. However, like any significant project, it comes with its set of challenges. Mistakes can be costly, both in terms of finances and time. Fortunately, with careful planning and foresight, these pitfalls can be avoided. In this article, we'll explore five ways to ensure your second-story addition is smooth sailing.

The Hidden Benefits of Vertical Expansion

When most homeowners think of adding a second story, the immediate benefits that come to mind are increased space and property value. However, the advantages don't stop there. Vertical expansion preserves your outdoor space, allowing you to maintain gardens, patios, or play areas. Additionally, by building upwards, you can potentially achieve better energy efficiency. Heat rises, meaning the second story can benefit from the warmth of the lower floor during colder months. Plus, with the right window placements, you can optimize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and further cutting down on energy costs.

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Start by Getting A Quote For Your Home

1. Comprehensive Structural Assessment Before you start dreaming of a spacious new bedroom or a sunlit study, it's crucial to determine if your home's foundation can support an additional story. A thorough structural assessment by a qualified engineer is non-negotiable. This step ensures that your existing home can bear the weight of the new addition, preventing future structural issues and costly repairs.


2. Understand Local Zoning and Building Codes Every locality has specific zoning laws and building codes. Ignoring these can lead to legal complications, project delays, and unexpected expenses. Before finalizing your plans, ensure they comply with local regulations. This might include restrictions on building height, setbacks, or floor area ratios. Familiarizing yourself with these rules or working with a knowledgeable contractor can save you from costly revisions.


3. Prioritize Architectural Harmony A second story should complement, not clash with, your home's existing design. Ensuring architectural consistency is not just about aesthetics; it can also impact your property's resale value. Work with architects who prioritize harmony in design, materials, and finishes. This approach ensures that your addition feels like a natural extension of your home, rather than an afterthought.

Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Home Renovation

Embarking on a home renovation, especially one as significant as adding a second story, is an emotional roller-coaster. The excitement of envisioning the new space, the anxiety of construction disruptions, and the joy of seeing the final result can be overwhelming. It's essential to prepare mentally for these emotional shifts. Celebrate the milestones, be patient during the challenges, and always keep the end goal in sight. Remember, with every phase, you're one step closer to realizing your dream home.


4. Plan for Utilities Early On Extending utilities like electricity, plumbing, and HVAC to the new floor can be complex. Last-minute decisions can lead to suboptimal solutions and higher costs. Early planning ensures efficient routing of utilities, preventing future complications and ensuring the new space is as functional as it is beautiful.


5. Budget for the Unexpected While it's essential to have a clear budget for your second-story addition, it's equally crucial to allocate funds for unforeseen expenses. Whether it's unexpected structural work, changes in material costs, or design alterations, having a contingency fund ensures your project doesn't stall due to financial constraints.


Another Story's Commitment to Seamless Additions At Another Story, we understand the intricacies of home additions. Our team is dedicated to guiding homeowners through each step, ensuring costly mistakes are avoided. From initial consultations to the final touches, our expertise ensures your second-story addition is a resounding success.


The world of home additions is constantly evolving, with new technologies and design philosophies emerging regularly. Modern construction materials are lighter, stronger, and more eco-friendly. Innovative design software allows for 3D visualizations, ensuring homeowners can see and feel their new space even before construction begins. Plus, with the increasing emphasis on green building practices, many second-story additions now incorporate sustainable elements, from solar panels to rainwater harvesting systems. Staying updated with these advancements ensures your home addition is not just modern but future-ready.


A second-story home addition is a significant investment. While the promise of added space and value is enticing, it's essential to approach the project with diligence and foresight. By considering the above factors and partnering with experienced professionals, you can ensure your home addition is both rewarding and free from costly mistakes.

Dreaming of a flawless second-story addition?

Let Another Story make it a reality. Get in touch now!

costly mistakes when adding a second story to your home


mistakes on a home addition

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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