Second-Story Additions for Homeowners in Greater Boston
When the lot has no room to build out, the way to add space is up — a full second floor on a ranch house, a partial addition over one wing, or new rooms over the garage, planned and built by one team, from the first site visit to the final inspection.
Licensed & insured — proof on request · English & Chinese spoken
One addition. One contract.
Full second story on a ranch house
The classic way to turn a one-level home into a two-level home with bedrooms upstairs.
Partial second story
Adding a master suite or two bedrooms over part of the house instead of the whole footprint.
Second story over a garage
New living space on top of an existing attached garage.
Bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs
Bedrooms only, or bathrooms and a master suite too; that decides the plumbing and the size of the new floor.
A new stair to the added floor, with heating and cooling for the new floor.
Foundation and first-floor framing reinforcement, where the design team finds the existing structure needs it before it can carry a new floor.
Roofline and siding matched to the rest of the house.
Electrical, plumbing and lighting for the new floor
Handled by licensed partner trades, scheduled and coordinated by us, so you don't manage separate contractors.
Six steps, in order. Nothing skipped.
Site visit & the two questions
We look at the lot, the house, and what you need the new space for. Two questions come first: What goes upstairs — bedrooms only, or bathrooms and a master suite too? And can you stay in the house during the work?
Zoning check, before anything is drawn
We check the rules that decide what you can build on your lot: setbacks from your property lines, lot coverage, and height limits. Height limits matter most for a second story. If a design does not fit the zoning rules as written, some towns allow it with a special permit or variance from the town's zoning board — that adds steps, so we tell you early.
Plans & written estimate
A licensed architect or designer draws the plans, or you bring your own. Every estimate is written and itemized before work begins, so you can see exactly what is included.
Permits
When the work needs a building permit, we file it. Electrical and plumbing permits are pulled by the licensed trades for those trades.
Build
The roof section comes off. Reinforcement goes in first where the design requires it, then framing, roof, exterior, and the systems and finishes inside. You get a written project plan before work starts and regular progress updates along the way.
Final inspection & walkthrough
The work is inspected at each stage. At the end we walk the new floor with you, work through the punch list, and leave it clean.
Before you call.
Still unsure? Call (857) 858-2600 — English or Chinese.
Do I need a building permit for a second-story addition?
Yes. An addition needs a building permit, and the work is inspected at each stage. We file it with your town. Electrical and plumbing permits are pulled by the licensed trades for those trades.
Can my ranch house support a second floor?
It depends on the foundation and framing. Older foundations and framing may need reinforcing before they can carry a new floor. That is a structural question answered by your design team before construction starts, not a guess.
Is a second story better than building out?
If your lot is tight or setbacks leave no room, going up is usually the only option. If you have room, building out can be simpler. We look at both on the site visit.
Do you handle the permits?
Yes. When the work needs a building permit, we file it. Electrical and plumbing permits are pulled by the licensed trades for those trades.
Can we live in the house during the work?
Part of the roof comes off, so you may need to stay elsewhere for part of the project; we talk this through on the site visit. Which rooms are out of use, and when, is planned with you ahead of time — floors and stairs are covered, work areas are sealed off, and we clean up at the end of each day.
What zoning rules decide whether I can add a second story?
Setbacks from your property lines, lot coverage, and height limits. Height limits matter most for a second story; we check them before your architect starts drawing. If a design does not fit the zoning rules as written, some towns allow it with a special permit or variance from the town's zoning board. That adds steps, so we tell you early.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. After a site visit we give you a free written estimate, itemized so you can see what is included.
Is the work covered after it is finished?
Warranty terms, including the labor warranty period, are written into your contract.
Serving Boston & the surrounding communities
Serving Needham, Newton, Wellesley, Brookline, Dedham, Westwood, Dover, and nearby communities — including Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville, Watertown, Waltham, Arlington, Belmont, Lexington, Concord, Milton, Norwood, Acton, Bedford, Burlington, Winchester, Woburn, Medford, Malden, Melrose, Stoneham, Reading, Lincoln, Weston, Sudbury, and Wayland. Not seeing your city? We probably serve it — call (857) 858-2600.
Start with a site visit
Tell us what you need upstairs — bedrooms, a bath, or a full suite — and we will walk the house and check the zoning before anything is drawn.
Why Boston Homeowners Choose Sun Shore Construction
We're not the cheapest. We're the team you'll recommend to your neighbors.
Full Service General Contracting
From bathroom remodels to kitchen renovations and full home upgrades — one team handles everything.
Boston Area Specialists
Remodeling homes throughout Massachusetts since 2020. We know local building codes inside out.
Licensed & Fully Insured
MA Home Improvement Contractor registered. Licensed and fully insured — proof available on request.
Detailed Written Estimates
Every estimate is written and itemized before work begins, so you know exactly what is included.
Clear Communication
A written project plan before work starts and regular progress updates, so you’re never left wondering.
4.9★ Customer Reviews
Real homeowner reviews on Google + Houzz. We earn the rating one project at a time.
See the Transformation
Real Sun Shore projects — drag the handle to see each space before and after
Trusted by Massachusetts homeowners — licensed & bilingual, serving Greater Boston since 2020