Hey there, fellow LA homeowner! Ever looked at your single-story house and thought, “Man, I love this place… but where’s my rooftop view of the Hollywood sign?” Or maybe you’re just desperate for an extra bedroom that doesn’t double as a home office/guest room/yoga studio. Whatever your reason, adding a second story is a big move—literally. But before you start daydreaming about that new master suite, let’s get down to brass tacks: how much does this actually cost in Los Angeles? And more importantly, how do you avoid turning your dream project into a money pit?
At America Green Builders, we’ve helped dozens of Angelenos navigate this exact journey. Spoiler: It’s not just about slapping some walls on top of your existing house. There’s permits, design headaches, and the eternal question: “Wait, why is my contractor quoting me the price of a luxury car?” Let’s break it all down—no fluff, no jargon, just straight talk (and maybe a little sarcasm because, hey, we’re all friends here).
Why a Second Story? (And Why Not Just Move?)
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Los Angeles real estate is… a lot. Buying a bigger house might feel like selling a kidney to afford that extra square footage. But adding a second story? You’re doubling your space without sacrificing your killer location in neighborhoods like Mission Hills or that backyard avocado tree you’ve been nurturing since 2018. Plus, you avoid the soul-crushing process of house hunting in a market where “fixer-upper” often means “haunted by the ghost of bad DIY decisions.”
But here’s the kicker: a second story isn’t just an “addition.” It’s a full-scale remodel that affects your entire home. Think foundation reinforcements, updated electrical systems, and ensuring your first floor doesn’t collapse under the weight of your new Italian marble bathroom. Which brings us to…
What’s the Real Cost of Adding a Second Story in LA?
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. In Los Angeles, adding a second story typically costs between $300,000 and $600,000. Yeah, we know—it’s a wide range. But LA’s pricing is as unpredictable as the 405 Freeway at rush hour. Here’s what shapes that number:
1. Size & Scope
- A basic 500 sq. ft. addition for a bedroom or home office? You’re looking at $300–$400 per sq. ft.
- A full-blown second story with a small bathroom remodel, walk-in closets, and premium finishes? That’s $500–$800 per sq. ft. (Pro tip: Skip the gold-plated faucets unless you’re aiming for MTV Cribs nostalgia).
2. Structural Work
Your existing home wasn’t built to hold a second story. Surprise! That means:
- Reinforcing foundations ($20k–$50k)
- Upgrading walls, beams, and roofing ($30k–$80k)
- Permits and engineering fees ($10k–$25k)
3. Design & Labor
Hiring remodeling contractors who specialize in second stories? Expect to pay 15–25% of your total budget for their expertise. And FYI: “Cheap” contractors often mean redoing shoddy work later. (Ask us how we know.)
4. The “LA Tax”
Let’s be real—everything here costs more. Permits take longer, materials are pricier, and finding an ADU contractor or deck contractor who isn’t booked out for six months? Good luck.
Second Story vs. Other Options: What’s Smarter?
Not sure if a second story is right for you? Let’s compare it to other popular LA upgrades:
| Project | Average Cost in LA | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Story Addition | $300k–$600k | Doubles living space; adds value | High upfront cost; lengthy permits |
| Garage Conversion | $50k–$150k | Affordable; faster permits | Loses storage space; limited ROI |
| ADU Construction | $150k–$400k | Rental income potential; flexible use | Zoning restrictions; smaller square footage |
| Room Addition | $100k–$300k | Simpler design; lower cost | Eats into yard space; less dramatic ROI |
Our hot take? If you plan to stay in your home long-term, a second story is a solid investment. But if you’re tight on budget, a garage conversion contractor or outdoor living contractor might be a better first step.
Why Work With America Green Builders? (Hint: We’ve Got Your Back)
Look, we get it. Googling “room addition near me” or “deck contractor Los Angeles” floods you with 5-star reviews that all sound suspiciously alike. But here’s why our clients keep coming back:
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or “oops, your plumbing’s from the 1920s” surprises.
- Local Expertise: We know LA’s permit labyrinths like the back of our hands. Mission Hills? Silver Lake? We’ve built there.
- Full-Service Team: From kitchen remodeling to custom home building, we handle it all. No juggling 10 different contractors.
Oh, and we’ve got a slight obsession with sustainability. Energy-efficient materials? Solar-ready designs? Yeah, we’re into that.
3 Burning Questions (Answered Without the B.S.)
1. “Will a second story actually add value to my home?”
Absolutely. In LA, adding square footage is like striking gold. Expect a 60–80% ROI if you sell later. Bonus points if you include a bathroom or killer views.
2. “How long does this take? I’ve got a wedding/divorce/baby due…”
Plan for 8–14 months. Permits alone take 3–6 months (thanks, LA bureaucracy). Pro tip: Start planning before life throws you curveballs.
3. “Can I live in my house during construction?”
Technically yes, but prepare for dust, noise, and using your microwave like it’s 1999. Many clients crash with family or Airbnb it.
Ready to Take the Leap? Let’s Build Up!
Adding a second story isn’t just a renovation—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Imagine sipping coffee on your new balcony, finally having a home gym that isn’t a dusty treadmill in the garage, or just… not tripping over your kids’ Legos every five seconds.
At America Green Builders, we’re all about making your vision real—without the nightmares of budget overruns or cowboy contractors. Whether you’re eyeing a small bathroom remodel or a full custom home building project, we’re here to help.
So, what’s next?
- Call us for a free consultation. We’ll chat budget, timelines, and whether you really need that rooftop hot tub.
- Check out our reviews (they’re legit, we swear).
- Stop Googling “hardscaping near me” at 2 a.m. We’ve got you covered.
Let’s turn that second-story dream into your new reality. Because in LA, the only way to go is up—right?
