8866 Alcott Street #304, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Our Latest Second Story Addition Projects
Below are photos of our featured second floor addition projects, which we recently finished.
MDM – CORINTH 2ND FLOOR
ADU Emelita converts garage space into a modern, functional living area for guests or rentals.
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MDM – ESTHER ADU STEVEN WEST LOS ANGELES
ADU Klump is a sleek garage conversion that maximizes space, offering a stylish and functional living area for guests or rental use.
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KLUMP
ADU Motor is a contemporary garage conversion, transforming unused space into a functional and stylish living area for guests or rental opportunities.
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MDM – KLUMP
ADU Motor is a contemporary garage conversion, transforming unused space into a functional and stylish living area for guests or rental opportunities.
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Best Second Story Addition Company in Los Angeles
Have you been tempted to expand your home with a new bedroom, bathroom, and more, but realize that you don’t have the space to do so? Expanding your home but keeping it at one story means using up precious outdoor space, and you might not want to give that up for more living space. The solution? Turn to a second story addition company in Los Angeles.
Here at MDM Custom Remodeling Inc., we are well-versed in creating the second floor addition in Los Angeles that you need to expand your space and create the home you’ve always dreamed of having. We offer an extensive portfolio of second floor home expansion work for satisfied customers who are happy in their new, expanded space. Our approach is to handle everything from design to final construction, taking into account your needs and wants as well as the Los Angeles city or county requirements.
Second Floor Home Expansion in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know
Rather than sell your home and go through the long (and expensive) process to find a bigger place, a 2nd floor home extension in Los Angeles could be a much better option. The process of adding that second story includes working with us to create the plans, getting the permits, dealing with the construction, and preparing to decorate the new space and expand to living in it. You’ll also need to plan with patience while the second floor home expansion projects are happening, as your home will be somewhat of a construction zone for a few months!
Creating the plans for second floor addition takes into account many factors, including the strength of the current structure and where your home is located. That doesn’t just pertain to zoning laws (which we’ll discuss in a minute), but also pertains to the geography of the area itself. For instance, adding a second story addition to a home in the city might take much less time and work than adding an addition to a hillside abode.
The good news is that here at MDM Custom Remodeling Inc., we have experience with homes that are quite easy to reach as well as those that are a nightmare to access. We also have the design know-how you need to help you build the second story of your dreams without running afoul of any local laws or ordinances. So while looking for a second floor addition contractor in LA, look no further than us.
The Timeline of Adding a Second Story in Los Angeles
Understanding the timeline for the second floor home extension is important, as many homeowners choose to move out of their space during the construction. This is especially true if you are having a full second story built, as that can affect every part of your downstairs living area. When you work with our second story addition company, we will keep you apprised of what to expect every step of the way.
Project Duration
It will take between six and ten months to complete the second floor addition. This timeline starts once all necessary permits are obtained.
Staying in Your Home
MDM Custom Remodeling, Inc. assists homeowners in continuing to live in the house during construction when feasible, based on the floor plan design.
Southern California Climate Considerations
Unique climate factors, such as Santa Ana winds and wildfire risks, could affect the project timeline, with possible delays during these events.
Zoning & Soil Testing
Location factors like zoning regulations, soil testing, and difficult terrain may be required to ensure the ground is ready for the extra weight of a second story.
First-Story Preparations
To accommodate the second story, we might need to remove fixtures, flooring, door frames, and windows, and reinforce the foundation on the first floor for stability.
The Average Cost to Add a Second Story
When you choose to add a second story in Los Angeles, you’ll want to be cognizant of the costs. The cost to add a second story of 500 square feet starts at about $350,000 and goes up from there. The final cost depends on the design and how much the addition affects the first floor. If you are adding 1,000 square feet for the second floor, you can expect a cost of around $700,000. While that might seem expensive, keep in mind that a full second story home expansion is essentially doubling your home.
There are factors that might send that cost up or down. These include:
- Adding a bathroom on the second story
- How difficult it is to run new plumbing and electrical through the home
- The potential need to upgrade your electrical panel
- Hillside terrain, which is usually more challenging to access and work on
- If re-roofing the entire house is necessary
- The cost of staying in a rental property during the construction.
Keep in mind that these costs are only those of construction. You’ll also need to tack on the costs of furnishing the place, as well as interior design if you wish to hire a professional to style the space.
However, the return on investment for this second story addition project can be quite impressive. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, a master suite addition to a home in Los Angeles brought an average return on investment of 52.9% for a luxury addition, and a whopping 66.5% for a midrange construction. That major boost in home value is in addition to the enjoyment you will get from having an expanded space. And keep in mind that it is simply for a master suite addition – when you add a full second story, you might choose to have more bedrooms and bathrooms, which can increase your home value even more.
We are happy to take a look at your home and overall property and determine where you can save money on second story addition. We are committed to creating a second floor addition design that suits your vision and comes within the range of your budget.
Getting a Permit for a Second Story Home Extension in Los Angeles
When you choose second floor home expansion in Los Angeles, you’ll need to secure the right permits before work begins. In addition to a general building permit, you will likely need to obtain plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits as well. The approval for permits can take a few months to complete, more if you live in a protected historic area or have exceptional circumstances, such as living on rocky terrain or needing soil inspection before the build can be approved. We can help you figure out which permits you need.
We can also help ensure that your second story home extension conforms to Title 24. Also known as Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Title 24 creates an energy consumption limit for your home, which reduces unnecessary energy use in new buildings. These standards are updated every three years, and as professionals serving the Los Angeles area and beyond, we stay up-to-date on all the changes and pass that knowledge on to you through careful design plans.
Second Story Home Expansion in LA: What About Zoning?
Zoning laws in Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas can vary widely, even from one street to another. If your home is already in an area zoned for residential use, it should be no problem to add another story to it – unless it might interfere with the clearance for power lines, height restrictions in a particular neighborhood, or if the new build blocks your neighbor’s view. There are also special rules for flat-roofed and pitched-roofed homes.
If you live in a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, you might have special requirements for how your home should look, and that might preclude a 2nd story addition designed the way you want it. We can help you create the plans that will ensure your home meets zoning and other requirements in your particular area.
If it turns out that your plans for the home run counter to zoning laws, you can always petition for an exception to the rules, but keep in mind that it could add significant time to the project.
MDM Custom Remodeling, Inc.: Best Second Floor Addition Company in Los Angeles
Whether you are expanding your home to make room for a larger family, looking to add a second story to create the ideal space for entertaining, or hoping to increase your home value for a better sale price in today’s competitive Los Angeles real estate market, building a second addition on your LA home is a fantastic way to do it.
Our family-owned company has two decades of experience in taking a homeowner’s vision and transforming that dream into reality. Our custom design plans keep you in the driver’s seat on creating the space that speaks to you. Our professional crew helps ensure that your construction is handled right the first time, with no problems facing you in the years to come.
If you’re ready to create the home of your dreams in Los Angeles, let MDM Custom Remodeling, Inc. help you build the second story addition that will turn your home into an exceptional space.
2nd Story Addition FAQs
Thinking of adding more space by building up? Our FAQ section answers the most asked questions about second story additions in Los Angeles, including permits, costs, and whether your home qualifies.
Phone: (323) 210-3350For a second story addition, you will need building permits from the city, and in most cases, structural and safety inspections as well. These permits cover things like foundation strength, framing, electrical, and plumbing to make sure the new level is safe and up to code. It can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to worry about any of it. As a second floor addition contractor, we take care of the paperwork, applications, and approvals for you, so the process is smooth and stress-free.
You have already found us. Our fully licensed and insured team specializes in 2nd story additions right here in Los Angeles. From design ideas to structural planning and building, we will work with you step by step. So, your new level blends perfectly with your home and gives you the space you need.
Actually, there is no one answer to it! The cost depends on the size of the addition, the design, the finishes you want, and many other things. Since second story projects are bigger, they are usually a significant investment, but they add a lot of space and value to your home. We will give you an honest, detailed estimate so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
In most cases, yes — it is definitely possible. We will check the structure of your home, the lot, and zoning requirements to make sure everything works. If it is doable, we will guide you on the best way to add a second story that’s safe, functional, and designed just for your family.
Other Expert Remodeling Services for Your Home
ADU Contractor
Bathroom Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling
Home Remodeling
Room Addition
Garage Conversion
3D & Architectural Design
What Homeowners Say About Working With Us
Planning a second floor addition is a big decision, and hearing from others can help. Homeowners across Los Angeles share their experiences after working with us, from planning to completion. Their reviews on Google and Yelp offer honest insight into how projects were handled and what the process was really like.
Schedule A Consultation
Ready to bring your ADU vision to life? Schedule a consultation with our expert team and contact us today! We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from design to construction, to ensure your project meets your needs and budget. So, please fill out the form below, and let’s create the perfect addition to your home!