ADD A LEVEL TO YOUR HOME: LIFT THE FIRST FLOOR OR BUILD ON TOP OF IT

This second story preserves the original Craftsman style entry and general look and feel of the house from the street. The roof was removed and the new roof built at a higher pitch, allowing space for the upper level addition.

When considering adding a full level to your home, you may want to add a second level on top of your existing home or consider lifting the first level and putting a new first level below. There are pros and cons to both approaches. 

Benefits of Adding a Level

• Increases the square footage while maintaining property open space

• Creates a taller home which improves curb appeal

• Increases the energy efficiency of the property through increased solar exposure and decreasing the surface to volume ratio

• Can improve upon the relationship between the interior and the outside

The main benefit of lifting a home is the ability to create a modern first-level with high ceilings that is just above your existing grade for easy accessibility. Many of the new modern main levels have nine or ten foot ceilings, creating a fantastic light-filled contemporary lower level. Another benefit of lifting an existing home is the preservation of historic details of the existing roofline. Many older homes have lovely roof lines and detailed cornices and overhangs. If you lift a home you preserve and have the opportunity to enhance those elements. 

On the other hand, the existing home may have a lovely detailed existing porch and entry and historic interior finishes for dining and living rooms which would be lost or become out of place if you put those elements on a second level. The main benefit of adding a second level is the preservation of historic interior and exterior details of the existing home such as existing porches and entrances, existing fireplaces and built in bookshelves and other features you see in our lovely older homes. 

Of course there are other design and cost considerations for each strategy to consider. In my experience, there are no significant cost savings going with one strategy over another. An experienced architect who has worked with both approaches can discuss the many design and cost implications of each approach and help you to decide whether you will be better served by lifting your existing home or keeping the first level and adding the second level above it. 

Want more details on these different approaches? With over 30 years of experience, our over 300 projects include many works that have received wide acclaim for excellence in design. I invite you to contact us with any project that you may be considering.