Dylan Badura

1 article published
Second Story Addition

Second Story Addition: What Homeowners Need to Know Before They Build

Key Takeaways

  • A second-story addition adds full floors of living space without changing your home's footprint, which suits the tight lots common across Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Northwest DC.
  • Your foundation, walls, and framing must be evaluated by a structural engineer before the design is finalized.
  • Permits, zoning, and historic review shape what you can build, and timelines differ between Montgomery County and the District.
  • Cost tracks with structural scope and finishes, so plan a 20 to 30 percent contingency and consult on cost during the design phase, not before.