Posts tagged with "second story with ocean view"

Best Contractor To Add A Second Story

Hey, if you’re a San Diego homeowner and you are **this close** to having an ocean view, then you're in the right place!

Ocean view, home value, outdoor living. These and many more are the apeals of building a second story addition. Check out these common questions and their answers below:

  • Is the project possible?
  • Can I just "get a few bids" to see if it's feasible?
  • How long will it take to build?
  • Is there a way to keep it under $100,000?
  • What types of permits will I need to pull?

A large project takes time and due diligence. Give us a call to schedule your free consultation.

Teknik Testimonial

Is The Project Possible?

In the world of remodeling, anything is possible. 

But it is possible to get the right answer to the wrong question. Try these collaborative questions and prompts when speaking with the design-build firm that you choose:

  • This is how I plan to use my second story addition, **insert description**. Allow questions and discussion to flow.

  • This is what frustrates me about the current layout/what it's missing **insert description**. How might you change it to accommodate x, y, or z function?

  • I plan to have my two boys use this as their bedroom, bathroom and play room, what can we do to bring the plumbing upstairs?

  • I'd like this second story addition to be an apartment eventually, but I'm not determined to have a second kitchen up here; what do you think?

These questions may be all wrong for your project but the format is collaborative and discussion based. They will allow you to discuss if your project is possible after project specific dialogue. 

Can I Just "Get A Few Bids" To See If It's Feasible?

You're welcome to try, but you'll find that most reputable contractors will charge you incrementally for the phases of design and you will not want to be design with multiple firms. 

Go ahead and survey their reviews, past clients, office staff, process, and choose your contractor early. Then work with them on design, layout, special features and value engineering. 

The art and the science of estimating projects occurs in tandem with or just after design and scope decisions are made. It requires tremendous focus.

The most common mistake we see people make is to get pre-qualified or fully qualified for a home equity line of credit and then see what they can have built for that amount.

We recommend doing more research up front. Don't talk to lenders until you know that what you're looking to build is possible, within reason, for approximately what you're looking to spend.


If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one. 

- Russian Proverb

How Long Will It Take To Build?

For some perspective, the smallest remodel projects tend to be small bathrooms.

These small bathroom projects are often completed in two to four weeks. But with just a few hiccups, these small projects can extend to two or three months, and sometimes longer. 

It has become more difficult to build project schedules due to COVID-19 and how the pandemic affects each sector of the construction industry uniquely. 

For a large remodel like adding a second story addition, it is common to spend a few months in the design phase, and five to eight months in the build phase.

Many second story additions without any major hiccups do run more than twelve months from the first design consultation to the completion of the punch list

Is There A Way To Keep It Under $100,000?

Lol. Nah. Not even close.

What you could build for less than $100,000 wouldn't allow the project to be worth the hassle for most people. 

If you took the exact layout of the second story you're looking to build and, hypothetically, got bids to do that same scope except as a first story instead, it would cost significantly less.

Why? Because you'd be able to start from scratch, zero, a clean slate, tabula rasa. 

You'd be avoiding all the additional labor and materials required to gently navigate demolition and structurally enhancing your existing home $$$ before starting to build your second story. 

Second story addition projects can be extremely costly, so it is best to set your budget up front, and allow 7% to 10% for extras or unforeseen scope requests. 

Even the most thorough and experienced contractor cannot include everything.

Take It From Our Happy Customers


"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date."  - Jack B., San Diego, CA

“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.”   - Gary G., Encinitas

“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.”  - Gina H., San Diego, CA

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!

What Types of Permits Will We Need To Pull?

Each project is different and the specific permits required for your project will depend on the scope. 

Typically you'll see these permits cover most projects. 

  • Structural
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
  • Combination

Your contractor will take care of coordination and can answer all project-specific questions you may have. 

Why Choose Teknik for Your Second Story Addition?

You need to choose a firm who has a track record that includes both of the following: 

  1. Foreseeing issues before they arise and solving issues before they become project delays or worse.

  2. Being professional, prompt, and communicative when unforeseeable issues arise so that you can rest at ease. 

If they and their team posses both of these qualities, they will help you avoid these classic industry pain points:

  • Late Completion  
  • Going Over Budget 
  • Overuse of Subcontractors

Still have concerns? That's normal! You'll be 100% protected with our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee!

1 - Dream Design

Step 1: Dream Design


We’ll collaborate with you to transform your dark and outdated space into bright and inviting space.  It all starts with your free consultation so book now!

Step 2 - True Quote

Step 2: True Quote


You can trust our service agreement!  We get to know your home intimately before working on it to ensure we stick to budget with no change orders.

Step 3 - Complete On-Time

Step 3: Complete On-Time


We'll make your dream come true and do it on-time and on budget!  Then it's party time!  Perhaps leave out your friends who get jealous easily.

Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!