YES…

adding a second story and constructing the add-a-level may seem like a daunting task that would require you to move out. However, many families have chosen to remain in their homes throughout the entire construction process in order to save money. There will be a few days during the demolition process that you might want to be away from the existing house, however, you absolutely can live in your home while adding a second story above.

Factors that make us say YES:

• Once the ¾” plywood deck is on the new floor system above, this creates a solid barrier between the new working space above and the bare drywall ceiling below.
• If you are looking to do work on the first floor, you can have the design/builder plan to separate the work space from your living space and to plan the construction with the least amount of intrusion into your living space as possible.
• The Builder should be covering the stairwell and any old abandoned vents that allow air dust and air to pass from the workspace to the living space. They should not share the same air.
• For the most part, people aren’t home during the day while work is being performed. This is something that is best done during the school year while the kids are not home and the homeowner is at work. For those that work from home, it is best to set up an office in the basement so that it can be used if necessary.
• Most of the work on the first floor can be done after the addition is completed so you can move up there, saving on temporary storage and living expenses.
• Most of the exterior work is done from the outside and rarely requires anything to be done on the inside.
• Most of the 2nd-floor interior work can be done by coming in and out of windows and on occasion the electrician, plumber, or HVAC contractor will have to make connections in the basement to pass their rough inspections.

Hopefully after reading this article, you have a better idea of what you're up against if you decide to live in the home while having an add-a-level done. It's more common than you think and most people do stay in their home through this construction process saving lots of money having to relocate or find storage for their belongings.

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