skip to main content

Modular second story addition pros & cons

9 months ago

last modified: 9 months ago

I'm considering a second story addition sometime in the next 5 years. It would be about 2000 sq ft and "I" shaped (two cross sections and one longer section in the middle). The shortened timeline and reduced risk of mold issues with a modular addition is very appealing. I do expect it to cost maybe 20% more. Anyone have personal experience with this? What are some cons (and pros) I might be missing?

Edit: We would be adding 4-5 bedrooms and 1-2 baths, including a master bath, as well as a 2nd story laundry room.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

cat_ky
9 months ago
Before you make any plans, make sure your existing foundation on your house can handle all that extra weight. There is a big chance that it cant, so its very important to find out first.
tracie_erin thanked cat_ky
tracie_erin
Original Author
9 months ago
Hi cat_ky, yes, we would get a structural engineer in here to assess the foundation and structure prior to moving forward. Homes in my neighborhood do have a good track record of being able to support a second story, so hopefully that will be the case for us as well.
Related Discussions
Modular vs. Stick-Built second floor addition
Q
Comments (7)
We took an intermediate approach and used "panelized" construction for our addition. The wall panels are factory built with extremely little waste on a flat dry surface, sheathed and insulated with closed cell foam. (The CAD-driven milling machine that cuts all the parts for optimal use of materials is way cool!) Everything went together just fine the first time. Panels are trucked to the site and put in place with a crane or lull. Interior finishing and rough-in are the same as stick built, which made our inspector happy. It didn't save any money, but cut about 8 weeks out of the schedule and I think quality was better.
...See More
Addition: roof pitch options? (pros/cons?)
Q
Comments (13)
Option 1 we've covered. Option 2 is ok IF main roof and new roof are continous and pitch doesn't change. Except change of style in front,option 4 is very similar to the way I did mine several years ago and there hasn't been a problem. Peak (aka ridge) in option 4 must start at least a few feet up from edge of main roof. Change of style at front will be fine only if the dormer pitch doesn't meet wall on main house. You can't use enough flashing and tar to prevent leaks if it does. Dormer should be positioned away from main wall so that new roof run's continuesly along wall from peak to drip. Close attention must be given to flashing high side of chimney. I won't try and give you step by step but instead tell you to make certain roofer know's what he's doing. If the person framing and decking isn't one and same as applying shingles,have roofer give instructions on how frameing, decking and flashing should meet wall and chimney. Framer/decker is in best position to install most flashing at wall and chimney. I'm a huge fan of crickets on high side of chimney,esp if there is a large expanse of run off above. Option 5 might be having new ridge hit old wall a foot or more below drip of old roof if measurments work. As stated earlier for best appearance pitch is best maintained throughout if it can be done without interfering with pratical considerations. Shingle mfgr reps are a good source to bounce drawings off of before construction if you have doupts.
...See More
Looking for info (Pros and Cons) on Modular Homes
Q
Comments (29)
@katinparadise, @patriceny -- I'm glad to hear about positive experiences with these homes. I was concerned that all would be bad. I think you're right about the perception problems, from what I've seen so far, and the confusion with manufactured/mobile homes. Maybe the industry should come up with another name for them ! lol Though the name does makes sense since that's what they are -- built in modules or sections. I saw one article that said they were shipping containers ! Now I know that people do create homes out of shipping containers, I know enough to know that modular homes are not shipping containers. I am looking at the potential cost-savings of a modular, but also like the idea that they're built inside, out of the elements, with less chance of materials being stolen and/or ruined. It's also good to know that they're financed and taxed and appraised just like any other home. Thank you both for all the information you've shared. It's been much appreciated and very helpful. Don't hesitate to share anything else that might come to mind.
...See More
Enclosing second story living room to make additional bedroom?
Q
Comments (44)
Hi TIffany, first let me say how sorry I am you had to go through the fire and then get Covid, not to mention the gypsy-life. I'm glad you came through it with so much drive and enthusiasm. A lot of people would have just given up. So, you will have a dining room in that room. One of the things you could do to bring in more light is to have some lovely built-ins constructed (don't know your style) facing the window with mirrored doors and maybe a mix of clear glass as well to house your dishes, trays and ornaments. I assume you will have a chandelier (light!) and possibly some down lighting or spot lighting. I saw an interesting dining room, though I doubt this is your style, but they painted the ceiling a metallic gold. It was fairly muted but it reflected whatever light was in the room in a subtle way. I saw another application where the designer created a coffered ceiling but instead of paint the little squares were mirrored. It was lovely because in daylight it picked up the green of the outdoors and cast it about the room. You could also hang pictures with picture lighting on top, paint the room a fairly deep rich color and have the pictures pop that way. You might be able to do all of the above if you're careful. Also, could you modify the window and have a glass canopy at a 90 degree angle extend out above it so that even more light will enter. Alternatively you could put in a small bay window there which might bring in more light. Not sure what you're going for in terms of style.
...See More
millworkman
9 months ago
Make sure that the site is open enough for the required crane to set the modular sections of the home and that the septic, etc. is not in a place that inhibits the heavy machinery.
3onthetree
9 months ago
Not enough info, but your 1st floor, after probably taking off the entire roof completely, will determine exactly what you can do with your 2nd floor addition (disregarding any additions to the 1st floor). Trying to force a modular unit onto that may not achieve the best, or even desired, outcome. The reason modular is efficient is maximizing the size and "connectivity" of the modules - and that limits the design possiblities - where mating to an existing floorplan will have some inherent limitations in structural points, stair location, and MEP routes, and may require a non-modular layout.

However, if your 1st floor is a capital "I" shape with a flat roof, then the universe aligned for you.
Travestine
9 months ago
last modified: 9 months ago
Terrible idea for an addition that has to mate up perfectly with exterior support walls and interior plumbing. Despite the hype, those things just are not built accurately enough to mesh with an old house. And if the old house is the typical parallelogram or trapezoid, forget it entirely. That needs site building to mate.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Movin’ On Up: What to Consider With a Second-Story Addition

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn how an extra story will change your house and its systems to avoid headaches and extra costs down the road

LATEST NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALS What Stories for Pros Do You Want to See on Houzz?

By Gwendolyn Purdom

We want to publish more stories that serve you and your business, and we’re looking for your expert input

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Confidential: The Pros and Cons of Double Stacked Cabinets

Does it make sense for you to double up on cabinets? Find out here

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Pros and Cons of Making Your Bed Every Day

By Leonora Sartori

Houzz readers around the world share their preferences, while sleep and housekeeping experts weigh in with advice

MOST POPULAR Pros and Cons of 5 Popular Kitchen Flooring Materials

Which kitchen flooring is right for you? An expert gives us the rundown

KITCHEN ISLANDS The Pros and Cons of Kitchen Islands

By Mitchell Parker

Two designers make the case for when adding a kitchen island is a good idea — and when it’s not

KITCHEN CABINETS The Pros and Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinets and Open Shelves

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Whether you crave more storage or more open space, this guide will help you choose the right option

LIGHTING The Pros and Cons of Recessed Lighting

By David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com

A lighting designer shares three things recessed lights do well and three things to watch out for

REMODELING GUIDES Concrete Driveways: Poring Over the Pros and Cons

By Erin Lang Norris

Concrete adds smooth polish to driveways and a sleek look to home exteriors, but here are the points to ponder before you re-surface

BATHROOM DESIGN Bathroom Surfaces: Ceramic Tile Pros and Cons

By By Any Design Ltd.

Learn the facts on this popular material for bathroom walls and floors, including costs and maintenance needs, before you commit

Sponsored

More Discussions

kitchen Remodel Dilemma: Quartz backsplash and tile on other side

11

Floor Plan Help

1

help with flooring ideas for 2nd floor and stairs

3

kitchen flooring advice needed

3

Dekton Ukiyo Experience?

0