Talk to a local architect(s) to start.

Move on...

Looks like neighbors on both sides have 2 story houses. Were they modified or original builds? If you move, don't get a 2 story house in a 1 story neighborhood.

You definitely need an architect and an engineer.

Now the f'in comment link doesn't seem to work. I don't know what's wrong with it. Ugh

2nd story additions are common around here and I have yet to see one that makes financial sense or blends in very well with surrounding homes. Unless your neighborhood is an absolute gem and someplace that is vital to your happiness, I would for sure keep looking for another home that gives you the space you’re looking for. If you give yourself time, the right one will come along.

Our quotes to add two bedrooms upstairs were 75k+ if that helps at all.

As a resident of south FL... my advice is to sell and move. We debated this for a hot second on our last home (similar style) but it was not worth it. If you for some reason needed to sell in the next 5 or even 10 years you will never recoup what you put in. Unless you bought 25-30 years ago and have double the equity. Between roof costs, impact window costs, permit costs plus the tax increases it isn't worth it. We ended up finding a great home with a great layout and the extra space we needed plus over an acre of land which is hard to find here. Keep looking!

thank you! what city did you buy in, if you don't mind me asking?

@Deena Lang lake worth.. very close to wellington. You?

I'm a Realtor in the area. My comment is to sell and move rather than build a second story. I'm not saying it to obtain business but because the expense to add the second story would be not only enormous but most likely unrecoverable when it comes time to sell your home unless you plan to be there for a very long time.

Just looking at the posted pic, it looks like you are in an HOA so you have an additional layer of approvals through the HOA's ACC (Architectural Control Committee) which may be more difficult to navigate than the building department! You have a slab foundation that is currently set up for one story and not two which adds a level of expense to an already expensive proposal. In a different type of neighborhood it would make sense to add the second story. In this neighborhood with limited floorplans (assumption), I think you would be facing an uphill battle and then when it comes to resale, your home could be the white elephant depending on when you sell it. Second story additions in South Florida HOA neighborhoods are rare for a reason.

If you sell and move to a home that is already existing with the size you require or want, it will be substantially less expensive than recreating the home you have now. What are the missing features of the homes you have looked at already? Are those features easier to replace than an entire second story?

@itsourcasa I used to live in Wellington and loved it, but Lakeworth is beautiful as well. Mind me asking where you found your game changer home? I could definitely use some development names to investigate 🙂

You definitely need to consult an architect. The high entryway and the multiple rooflines will make this an expensive renovation.

@Deena Lang message me, I can't seem to message you.