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Second story addition builders in Kensington

Avatar for BasementRemodeling.com

BasementRemodeling.com

1680 E Gude Dr
4.75(
256
)
Approved Pro

BasementRemodeling.com

1680 E Gude Dr
4.75(
256
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 92% of Angi customers
Recommended by 92% of HomeAdvisor customers
125 local quotes requested

BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.

"To the entire team, please allow me to express my gratitude, appreciation and extreme satisfaction with your high quality work. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcomes. The team was kind, professional and supportive throughout the entire process. We encountered a challenge with water intrusion from our basement door, and the team was flexible to accommodate troubleshooting with our basement waterproofing team, which allowed us to define the root cause and work to find a solution. The brief delay was unavoidable and the team repaired the area that required deconstruction quickly with high quality. They were also collaborative with our basement waterproofing vendor to ensure we maintained proper water protection. We absolutely recommend the Basement Remodeling team to anyone looking to create a beautiful basement space in their home. From start to finish we felt valued and were treated extraordinarily well."

Kelly L on June 2025

BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.

"To the entire team, please allow me to express my gratitude, appreciation and extreme satisfaction with your high quality work. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcomes. The team was kind, professional and supportive throughout the entire process. We encountered a challenge with water intrusion from our basement door, and the team was flexible to accommodate troubleshooting with our basement waterproofing team, which allowed us to define the root cause and work to find a solution. The brief delay was unavoidable and the team repaired the area that required deconstruction quickly with high quality. They were also collaborative with our basement waterproofing vendor to ensure we maintained proper water protection. We absolutely recommend the Basement Remodeling team to anyone looking to create a beautiful basement space in their home. From start to finish we felt valued and were treated extraordinarily well."

Kelly L on June 2025


Avatar for First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

7154 Montevideo Rd
4.69(
118
)
Approved Pro

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

7154 Montevideo Rd
4.69(
118
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
1336 local quotes requested
15 years of experience

First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.

"Prompt service. We are very happy with the quality of work. We would hire them again."

Jesse T on May 2025

First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.

"Prompt service. We are very happy with the quality of work. We would hire them again."

Jesse T on May 2025


Avatar for SBC Outdoor Services

SBC Outdoor Services

804 Nursery Road
4.03(
31
)
Approved Pro

SBC Outdoor Services

804 Nursery Road
4.03(
31
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Terrific value
1660 local quotes requested
23 years of experience

OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.

"They quoted me $7300 for about 170 square feet of paving stones. I had received several offers for less than half that for the wood patio that I preferred, so I did not go with them."

Emily Y on March 2019

OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.

"They quoted me $7300 for about 170 square feet of paving stones. I had received several offers for less than half that for the wood patio that I preferred, so I did not go with them."

Emily Y on March 2019


Avatar for ESM CONSTRUCTION LLC

ESM CONSTRUCTION LLC

1001 Rockville Pike 1532
5.00(
9
)
Approved Pro

ESM CONSTRUCTION LLC

1001 Rockville Pike 1532
5.00(
9
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
747 local quotes requested

We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!

"After consulting with several companies, I decided to hire ESM Construction LLC for the remodeling of my one-bedroom condo. Their pricing was competitive, and Edgar displayed a wealth of knowledge. He was also exceptionally responsive, addressing all my questions promptly. The crew arrived on schedule, and they were both friendly and professional. They completely transformed the condo, installing brand new flooring, ceilings, paint, a bathroom, kitchen, and appliances. I never felt rushed, and every aspect of the project was completed in a timely manner. Edgar and his team were attentive and patient, never once saying, "No, we won't do that!" Finding honest and reliable contractors can be challenging these days. We interviewed several contractors with five-star ratings, but many seemed overpriced, like quoting $5K for cabinets that only cost $3K depending on kitchen size. Some of the five-star contractors even came off as somewhat arrogant due to their reviews, which raised concerns about potential issues. If you spot even one negative review, take it seriously; we’ve paid a steep price for ignoring such warnings in the past. Edgar's team even rectified mistakes made by previous contractors. From the moment we spoke with Edgar, we recognized his down-to-earth demeanor and extensive expertise in his field. We are thoroughly satisfied with our decision to go with ESM Construction LLC and wholeheartedly recommend this company."

Delia Z on February 2025

We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!

"After consulting with several companies, I decided to hire ESM Construction LLC for the remodeling of my one-bedroom condo. Their pricing was competitive, and Edgar displayed a wealth of knowledge. He was also exceptionally responsive, addressing all my questions promptly. The crew arrived on schedule, and they were both friendly and professional. They completely transformed the condo, installing brand new flooring, ceilings, paint, a bathroom, kitchen, and appliances. I never felt rushed, and every aspect of the project was completed in a timely manner. Edgar and his team were attentive and patient, never once saying, "No, we won't do that!" Finding honest and reliable contractors can be challenging these days. We interviewed several contractors with five-star ratings, but many seemed overpriced, like quoting $5K for cabinets that only cost $3K depending on kitchen size. Some of the five-star contractors even came off as somewhat arrogant due to their reviews, which raised concerns about potential issues. If you spot even one negative review, take it seriously; we’ve paid a steep price for ignoring such warnings in the past. Edgar's team even rectified mistakes made by previous contractors. From the moment we spoke with Edgar, we recognized his down-to-earth demeanor and extensive expertise in his field. We are thoroughly satisfied with our decision to go with ESM Construction LLC and wholeheartedly recommend this company."

Delia Z on February 2025


Avatar for Washingtonian Companies

Washingtonian Companies

8645 Ziggy Lane
5.00(
4
)
Approved Pro

Washingtonian Companies

8645 Ziggy Lane
5.00(
4
)
Approved Pro
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1318 local quotes requested

Transform your space with Washingtonian Companies, your interior/exterior design-build team. Whether it's roofing, windows, siding, decks, kitchens, bathrooms, or additions, we are your trusted partner to bring your vision to life and help personalize your surroundings.

"We were 100% satisfied with Washingtonian and with their work building our addition and deck. Not only was the workmanship and quality of the construction outstanding, but they operated with honesty and integrity. Their goal was our satisfaction and building a quality addition and deck. They accomplished all three and were reliable, dependable and conscientious. At no time did we believe that they had over-committed or were unable to deliver on what they had promised. They never cut corners to rush to another job nor did I ever feel that they were not spending the necessary time to ensure that the work on our job was thorough and complete. Travis, Kris and their crew were 100% professional, communicative and transparent. We will be using Washingtonian again, without hesitation. Our experience was excellent and they did an awesome job."

Walter J on January 2024

Transform your space with Washingtonian Companies, your interior/exterior design-build team. Whether it's roofing, windows, siding, decks, kitchens, bathrooms, or additions, we are your trusted partner to bring your vision to life and help personalize your surroundings.

"We were 100% satisfied with Washingtonian and with their work building our addition and deck. Not only was the workmanship and quality of the construction outstanding, but they operated with honesty and integrity. Their goal was our satisfaction and building a quality addition and deck. They accomplished all three and were reliable, dependable and conscientious. At no time did we believe that they had over-committed or were unable to deliver on what they had promised. They never cut corners to rush to another job nor did I ever feel that they were not spending the necessary time to ensure that the work on our job was thorough and complete. Travis, Kris and their crew were 100% professional, communicative and transparent. We will be using Washingtonian again, without hesitation. Our experience was excellent and they did an awesome job."

Walter J on January 2024


Avatar for East Coast Landscape Design

East Coast Landscape Design

2000 SPENCERVILLE ROAD
4.59(
139
)
Approved Pro

East Coast Landscape Design

2000 SPENCERVILLE ROAD
4.59(
139
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
956 local quotes requested
46 years of experience

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING. East Coast creates inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, water features and drainage solutions that bring beauty, new outdoor experiences and exceptional value to your life and home. SPECIALIZING IN: Patios, walkways, driveways, landscaping, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, drainage and erosion control (including eco-friendly permeable pavers, dry riverbeds and rain gardens through RainScapes and RiverSmart rebate programs). TRUSTED: Employees drug tested and background checked. License #42490. Insurance #Q89-0102236-M. ADDITIONAL EMAIL: mark@eclandscapedesign.com

"that Roberto and the crew did a great job on the retaining wall and driveway. The workmanship was excellent, and Roberto accommodated my every request for alterations in the design without question. In addition, his suggestions contributed to creating the finished product that I had envisioned."

Robert R on February 2025

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING. East Coast creates inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, water features and drainage solutions that bring beauty, new outdoor experiences and exceptional value to your life and home. SPECIALIZING IN: Patios, walkways, driveways, landscaping, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, drainage and erosion control (including eco-friendly permeable pavers, dry riverbeds and rain gardens through RainScapes and RiverSmart rebate programs). TRUSTED: Employees drug tested and background checked. License #42490. Insurance #Q89-0102236-M. ADDITIONAL EMAIL: mark@eclandscapedesign.com

"that Roberto and the crew did a great job on the retaining wall and driveway. The workmanship was excellent, and Roberto accommodated my every request for alterations in the design without question. In addition, his suggestions contributed to creating the finished product that I had envisioned."

Robert R on February 2025


Avatar for S & J Painting & Remodeling

S & J Painting & Remodeling

Unknown
4.66(
746
)
Approved Pro

S & J Painting & Remodeling

Unknown
4.66(
746
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
1112 local quotes requested
24 years of experience

You’ll get both in S&J. As a family owned and operated business located in Howard County, MD we have been helping homeowners in all of Howard County MD, parts of Carroll County, Baltimore County and Northern Anne Arundel County Maryland and surrounding areas with their home improvement needs for over 20 years.

"If you are in need of home renovations or home repairs, S&J Remodeling is an AWESOME company to call on. We are extremely satisfied with their work! Following a hot water heater blowout that resulted in six plus hours of continuously running water, and knee-high water damage in our basement, we were in need of major repairs; S&J Remodeling best fit our request for proposal requirements, of which included basement remodeling, kitchen repairs, and interior / exterior painting and patching. S&J Remodeling’s pricing was competitive, and winning consecutive “Angi Super Service” accolades for 15 years running was definitely a plus!!! Their customer service and genuine friendliness is praiseworthy, certainly a quality seldom found. Stacey and Jerry’s program coordination, task execution management, responsiveness, and professionalism were instrumental in ensuring effective communication with Oscar, the on-site supervisor and myself. Their efforts led to well-scheduled and well-done task execution, allowing my wife to fulfill her 9-5 job responsibilities, and my family to maintain a high-level of comfort throughout the renovation and repair process. I will definitely call upon S&J Remodeling for any future home renovation or repairs. I recommend that you do the same!"

Roderick L on November 2023

You’ll get both in S&J. As a family owned and operated business located in Howard County, MD we have been helping homeowners in all of Howard County MD, parts of Carroll County, Baltimore County and Northern Anne Arundel County Maryland and surrounding areas with their home improvement needs for over 20 years.

"If you are in need of home renovations or home repairs, S&J Remodeling is an AWESOME company to call on. We are extremely satisfied with their work! Following a hot water heater blowout that resulted in six plus hours of continuously running water, and knee-high water damage in our basement, we were in need of major repairs; S&J Remodeling best fit our request for proposal requirements, of which included basement remodeling, kitchen repairs, and interior / exterior painting and patching. S&J Remodeling’s pricing was competitive, and winning consecutive “Angi Super Service” accolades for 15 years running was definitely a plus!!! Their customer service and genuine friendliness is praiseworthy, certainly a quality seldom found. Stacey and Jerry’s program coordination, task execution management, responsiveness, and professionalism were instrumental in ensuring effective communication with Oscar, the on-site supervisor and myself. Their efforts led to well-scheduled and well-done task execution, allowing my wife to fulfill her 9-5 job responsibilities, and my family to maintain a high-level of comfort throughout the renovation and repair process. I will definitely call upon S&J Remodeling for any future home renovation or repairs. I recommend that you do the same!"

Roderick L on November 2023


Avatar for My Kitchen and Bath Vienna, VA

My Kitchen and Bath Vienna, VA

112 Church St. NW.
4.71(
7
)
Approved Pro

My Kitchen and Bath Vienna, VA

112 Church St. NW.
4.71(
7
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
462 local quotes requested
31 years of experience

Virginia’s Trusted Kitchen & Bath Remodeler Since 1994 Class A Licensed • Insured • Bonded • Award-Winning Team 📍 Vienna Showroom: 112 Church St. NW, Vienna, VA 22180 📍 Herndon Showroom: 285 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, VA 20170 At My Kitchen and Bath, we’ve been helping homeowners in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. create beautiful, functional spaces for over 30 years. From full kitchen remodels to custom bathroom designs, our goal is simple: to make the remodeling process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. We know remodeling can feel overwhelming. That’s why we handle everything—from planning and design to materials and construction—with clear communication and a commitment to your timeline. Whether you're dreaming of custom cabinets, new countertops, or a total transformation, we’re here to make it happen. And we always treat your home like it’s our own. Every project, no matter the size, gets the care, attention, and craftsmanship it deserves. It's just how we work—and why so many of our clients come back or send their friends our way. Ready to get started? Stop by one of our showrooms or schedule a free consultation. We’d love to help you design a space you’ll love living in.

"LVwry well"

Neal O on May 2025

Virginia’s Trusted Kitchen & Bath Remodeler Since 1994 Class A Licensed • Insured • Bonded • Award-Winning Team 📍 Vienna Showroom: 112 Church St. NW, Vienna, VA 22180 📍 Herndon Showroom: 285 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, VA 20170 At My Kitchen and Bath, we’ve been helping homeowners in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. create beautiful, functional spaces for over 30 years. From full kitchen remodels to custom bathroom designs, our goal is simple: to make the remodeling process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. We know remodeling can feel overwhelming. That’s why we handle everything—from planning and design to materials and construction—with clear communication and a commitment to your timeline. Whether you're dreaming of custom cabinets, new countertops, or a total transformation, we’re here to make it happen. And we always treat your home like it’s our own. Every project, no matter the size, gets the care, attention, and craftsmanship it deserves. It's just how we work—and why so many of our clients come back or send their friends our way. Ready to get started? Stop by one of our showrooms or schedule a free consultation. We’d love to help you design a space you’ll love living in.

"LVwry well"

Neal O on May 2025


Avatar for DMV Kitchen & Bath Inc

DMV Kitchen & Bath Inc

429 E Diamond Ave
4.83(
302
)
Approved Pro

DMV Kitchen & Bath Inc

429 E Diamond Ave
4.83(
302
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 93% of Angi customers
Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers
1481 local quotes requested

DMV Kitchen and Bath Inc is a family owned and operated Full Service General Contractor specializing in Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling and Design/Build Services. We ensure a high quality finished product with flexible and attentive service at a competitive price. We pride ourselves on having the ability to make our clients visions come to life with great design ideas and execution. Showrooms: Chantilly, (VA) (703) 657-0997 and Gaithersburg, (MD)

"DMV Kitchen and Bath just finished the second project at our home. The first in late 2022 was a major upgrade and enlargement of a primary bathroom and creation of a walk-in closet. We love it and it turned out gorgeous. The second project was finished in November 2024 and the results are even better. We needed to repair a room in the basement that had had water damage. We decided to include a variety of other updates for our home at the same time. DMV worked closely with us to bring our vision into existence. In the basement we now have a new fourth bedroom, including 2 large new closets along with new lighting, paint and doors in other rooms on that level. The large laundry room was gutted with new kitchen cabinets and pantries installed along with new lighting. The other 2 bathrooms in the house were upgraded to the same vanities and cabinets as the primary bathroom. Javier provided great assistance helping us with the design, selection of materials, and practicality of various ideas and solutions. David, as leader of the construction crew, was exceptionally good at communicating with us and coordinating and supervising all of the workers involved in the project. David and his staff did great work. We are very pleased with the final project. We highly recommend DMV."

Barbara R on November 2024

DMV Kitchen and Bath Inc is a family owned and operated Full Service General Contractor specializing in Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling and Design/Build Services. We ensure a high quality finished product with flexible and attentive service at a competitive price. We pride ourselves on having the ability to make our clients visions come to life with great design ideas and execution. Showrooms: Chantilly, (VA) (703) 657-0997 and Gaithersburg, (MD)

"DMV Kitchen and Bath just finished the second project at our home. The first in late 2022 was a major upgrade and enlargement of a primary bathroom and creation of a walk-in closet. We love it and it turned out gorgeous. The second project was finished in November 2024 and the results are even better. We needed to repair a room in the basement that had had water damage. We decided to include a variety of other updates for our home at the same time. DMV worked closely with us to bring our vision into existence. In the basement we now have a new fourth bedroom, including 2 large new closets along with new lighting, paint and doors in other rooms on that level. The large laundry room was gutted with new kitchen cabinets and pantries installed along with new lighting. The other 2 bathrooms in the house were upgraded to the same vanities and cabinets as the primary bathroom. Javier provided great assistance helping us with the design, selection of materials, and practicality of various ideas and solutions. David, as leader of the construction crew, was exceptionally good at communicating with us and coordinating and supervising all of the workers involved in the project. David and his staff did great work. We are very pleased with the final project. We highly recommend DMV."

Barbara R on November 2024


Four Seasons Builders

5.00(
2
)
Approved Pro

Four Seasons Builders

5.00(
2
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
228 local quotes requested

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Four Seasons did high quality work, finished on time and within budget. Ken followed through with all contractual commitments and his crew was fantastic."

Mohammed A on October 2024

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Four Seasons did high quality work, finished on time and within budget. Ken followed through with all contractual commitments and his crew was fantastic."

Mohammed A on October 2024

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FAQs for second story addition building service projects in Kensington, MD

For many homeowners, building up is worth the expense because it provides the extra bedrooms or living areas that can’t be accommodated within the existing footprint. A larger, updated home often commands a higher resale price, recouping a sizable share of the project cost while allowing you to stay in the neighborhood you love. Run the numbers with a real estate agent and contractor to ensure the expected return and day-to-day benefits align with your goals.

Whether it makes more sense to build up or out depends on your lot, budget, and local code. Building up preserves yard space and involves less foundation work, but you may need to vacate the home during construction. Building out avoids staircases and can proceed while you stay put; however, it encroaches on the yard and may face setback limits. Compare both options with your contractor before making a decision.

A structural engineer will first inspect the existing foundation for cracks, footings, and load capacity. Depending on the findings, the crew may pour new concrete footings, install steel or concrete piers, add reinforced beams, or tie additional rebar into the slab. These upgrades redistribute the weight of the new floor and bring the structure up to code. Your contractor will outline the specific reinforcement plan and timeline once the engineering report is complete.

The Kensington, MD homeowners’ guide to second story addition building services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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