If you love where your home is situated but are looking for more space, going up may be exactly the solution you’ve been searching for.

Upper floor additions are a great option for homeowners who have a great house in a neighborhood they love — but don’t want to lose space in the backyard for a main level extension.

Adding a new floor adds significant value to your home and is usually a lot more economical than moving to a new home. It’s also a fantastic way put yourself in the design chair as you map out how best to use the extra space: extra bedrooms or a master suite, a home office or media centre.

But adding a new floor will also be very disruptive to the household, so careful planning is in order to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

What you need to consider before you begin:

	Set a budget. As with all remodeling projects, establishing a firm budget should always be your first step. Once you know exactly what you are able to spend, you will be able to make the important decisions along the way. Remember that an extra 15 percent should be built in for any unexpected problems that may arise.
	Draw some preliminary sketches for how you envision the space. Remember that you will need a new stairway to the new level. By thinking through your options you will be better prepared when it’s time to sit down with your contractor.
	Hire a skilled contractor. Building a new level onto an existing structure requires special skills that not every builder may possess. Make sure you hire a contractor who has experience in doing this type of work. An experienced contractor will be able to guide you through the entire process with valuable resources and information.
	Find out if there are any height restrictions in your area. Most cities and towns have established ordinances in regards to how tall a building can be. Chances are if it is just a second story addition you will be fine, but another level may be too tall. Check with your local planning department.
	Determine whether your home’s foundation and framing can bear the weight of another level. Talk to either a contractor or a structural engineer to determine if the foundation will need reinforcing or support columns need to be added to strengthen the framing.
	During the framing process your roof will be removed and, depending on what you are planning, will most likely need to be replaced. This will have an impact on the construction schedule — and possibly your entire household — so you should plan accordingly.
	Make sure your current heating, cooling and ventilation systems are capable of handling the extra space. Talk to a HVAC specialist.
	Find out if you will have to install a new electric panel and service to handle the increased load from the new space.
	Your new level will have new materials, such as new siding and windows, you may have to consider upgrading your existing level for continuity. Your contractor will be able to guide you as to what your options are.