Story Additions for Colorado Residents

When you're looking to make a change in your home, an addition can be a great choice. They increase property values and enhance living space. When you need a lot of space, a second-story addition can provide the room you need by reaching for the sky instead of reducing the size of your yard. This allows you to stay in the location you love while also having the home you need. 

Common Types of Home Additions

Home additions come in many types. For homeowners who have room to expand outward and only need a little space, a room extension is a common choice. These can create more space in a single room. For homes with unused garages, converting them into a living space is also an option. However, both of these options offer limited room for expansion. 

For those who need more space, options include finishing a basement into a livable space, building an accessory dwelling unit that's detached from the main home, and adding a second story to a house. For those without a basement or a very large yard, a second-story addition is the best option. 

Second story additions come in several types as well:

  • Full Second Story Addition: This option can turn your entire single-story home into a two-story masterpiece, doubling your living space with no encroachment on your yard.

  • Partial Second Story Addition: Perfect for those who don't need a whole extra story, this approach adds living space only above certain portions of your home. 

  • Modular Second Story Addition: With this option, the second story is built in full off-site and then placed onto your home with a crane. 

Budgeting for Home Additions

Adding a second story represents a significant investment, one that will add greatly to your property's future value. Several factors beyond the obvious go into budgeting for a second-story addition. Key financial considerations include:

Structural Requirements

Second stories typically don't require a new foundation, which can save a significant amount of money; however, they require a solid evaluation of your existing foundation and first-floor support systems. Those areas may need to be reinforced to handle the additional weight.

Design Integration

Building onto an existing home requires special consideration to blend the existing architecture with the new addition. Exterior finishing, window styles, and roofline modifications all must maintain the home's aesthetic. If you want drastically different styles for the second story, changes to the first may also be advisable. 

Systems Updates

Adding additional space puts extra strain on your home's systems and may require upgrading them. This includes HVAC modifications to provide climate control, electrical system enhancements, plumbing extensions, and installing a staircase to access the floor. 

The Impact of Home Additions on Property Value

Second-story additions typically offer excellent return on investment. This is especially true in Colorado's competitive real estate market. These improvements enhance the value of a home through:

  • Enhancing curb appeal with architectural updates

  • Improving functionality for family living

  • Maintaining valuable yard space

  • Creating potential rental or multi-generational living opportunities

The additional height on your home also provides a better view of the mountains or city, something Colorado homebuyers value greatly., 

Contact Us for All Your Construction Needs

If you're ready to add a second story to your home, KLM Construction can help. We specialize in helping homeowners maximize their property's potential through expertly planned and executed residential construction projects. Our experienced team will be your guide through every step:

  • Initial design consultation and feasibility assessment

  • Structural engineering evaluation

  • Permit acquisition and zoning compliance

  • Construction planning and execution

  • Interior finishing and system integration


Contact KLM Construction today to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help your home grow with your family's needs. 

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