Is it worth it to add a second story?

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.

Is it better to build up or out?

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.

How can my home’s foundation be reinforced to support a second story?

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.

Top-Rated Second Story Addition Building Services Experts in Maywood, IL

4Ever Remodeling

6881 N Milwaukee Ave

4.91(

366

)

•Approved Pro

4Ever Remodeling

6881 N Milwaukee Ave

4.91(

366

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

Recommended by 97% of HomeAdvisor customers

1318 local quotes requested

Welcome to Stress-Free and High-Quality Remodeling. A great remodeling experience doesn’t happen by accident—it starts with choosing the right company that offers excellence through expert project consultants, professional designers, dedicated project managers, master installers, on-time project completion, and a 3-year project warranty. Our smooth, simple, and innovative approach ensures that every step of your remodeling journey is enjoyable, fulfilling, and frustration-free. From design to management to installation—we do it right. No exceptions. If you're ready to successfully complete your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or home remodeling project, schedule your in-home consultation with one of our friendly team members at 847-809-3355.

"Good experience very satisfied with results V"

Evelyn D on September 2025

Welcome to Stress-Free and High-Quality Remodeling. A great remodeling experience doesn’t happen by accident—it starts with choosing the right company that offers excellence through expert project consultants, professional designers, dedicated project managers, master installers, on-time project completion, and a 3-year project warranty. Our smooth, simple, and innovative approach ensures that every step of your remodeling journey is enjoyable, fulfilling, and frustration-free. From design to management to installation—we do it right. No exceptions. If you're ready to successfully complete your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or home remodeling project, schedule your in-home consultation with one of our friendly team members at 847-809-3355.

"Good experience very satisfied with results V"

Evelyn D on September 2025

Century City Baths

712 Thomas Drive

4.69(

29

)

•Approved Pro

Century City Baths

712 Thomas Drive

4.69(

29

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers

1466 local quotes requested

Century City Baths is your one stop shop for all your bathroom remodel needs. Whether it's a tub to shower conversion, or an update to a moldy or out of date tub/shower system, or a full gut to your bathroom, we are the complete turn-key solution. Using only the highest quality and most durable materials we are able to design a bathroom that will truly last a lifetime and eliminate most maintenance. Our design consultants work hand-in-hand with our customers to make their dreams come true. Our production team works as a team with you and your design consultant to make the process as quick and efficient as possible. Serving all of Chicagoland, our business model has always been that the best customer is the one that is the most educated. That is why all of our estimates are free of charge and are good for a full calendar year. We are confident that the quality, design, longevity, and above all, affordability will make us a no-brainer to every customer. Book your no-obligation, completely free of charge consultation today, and you can have the bathroom of your dreams too!

"Thank you Century City Baths. As a full-time teacher living in a small apartment, my kitchen was more of a stress zone than a sanctuary. But after this remodel, it’s become one of my favorite places to unwind. They completely rethought the space: vertical storage for my coffee mugs and prep tools, a compact dishwasher (life-changing), and smart lighting that makes it feel brighter and bigger. I even have a pull-out pantry that keeps snacks organized — and yes, it holds all my tea bags for late-night grading sessions. The design is simple but calming — soft colors, clean lines, and everything in reach. I may not have a big kitchen, but now I have a space that works for me, not against me. It’s practical, peaceful, and feels like a little reward at the end of a long day."

Jaime T on September 2025

Century City Baths is your one stop shop for all your bathroom remodel needs. Whether it's a tub to shower conversion, or an update to a moldy or out of date tub/shower system, or a full gut to your bathroom, we are the complete turn-key solution. Using only the highest quality and most durable materials we are able to design a bathroom that will truly last a lifetime and eliminate most maintenance. Our design consultants work hand-in-hand with our customers to make their dreams come true. Our production team works as a team with you and your design consultant to make the process as quick and efficient as possible. Serving all of Chicagoland, our business model has always been that the best customer is the one that is the most educated. That is why all of our estimates are free of charge and are good for a full calendar year. We are confident that the quality, design, longevity, and above all, affordability will make us a no-brainer to every customer. Book your no-obligation, completely free of charge consultation today, and you can have the bathroom of your dreams too!

"Thank you Century City Baths. As a full-time teacher living in a small apartment, my kitchen was more of a stress zone than a sanctuary. But after this remodel, it’s become one of my favorite places to unwind. They completely rethought the space: vertical storage for my coffee mugs and prep tools, a compact dishwasher (life-changing), and smart lighting that makes it feel brighter and bigger. I even have a pull-out pantry that keeps snacks organized — and yes, it holds all my tea bags for late-night grading sessions. The design is simple but calming — soft colors, clean lines, and everything in reach. I may not have a big kitchen, but now I have a space that works for me, not against me. It’s practical, peaceful, and feels like a little reward at the end of a long day."

Jaime T on September 2025