Home Remodeling / Room Addition: Building Up vs. Building Out
Is It Less Expensive To Build Up Than Out?
The short answer is no – building up on an existing house is always more expensive than building out. Sometimes, however, you have no choice if there is no room on your lot to build out.
Why is Building Up More Expensive?
Foundation Must Be Fortified
Usually the existing foundation has only been designed to support one story and would have to be added onto in order to support two stories. In addition, interior load-bearing walls might need to be added necessitating demolition of parts of the existing floor for installation of additional footers.
You Must Add a Staircase
Either part of the existing house space would be lost, or real estate outside would need to be built two stories tall, to provide space for a staircase to access the second floor, and there’s the cost of the staircase itself as well.
Part of the Roof Must Go
Then there’s the cost of removing part of the existing roof and reworking electrical, mechanical, and possibly plumbing systems.
There’s more, but by now I think you’ve got the point.
If you have specific questions about any home improvement project, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.
Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more! In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.