Pros and Cons for Beaverton Homeowners
At Keith Green Construction, we understand that adding a second story to your home is one of the most essential home improvement decisions you will ever make. It’s not just a building project — it’s a domino effect of change in your home and life. Having served Beaverton and the Portland metro area for more than 32 years, we’ve counseled many families through this and assisted them in weighing the pros and cons before making that decision.
For many Beaverton homeowners, relocating isn’t an option. However, housing prices, tight available lots, and the desire to remain in a cherished neighborhood often make building up the most practical option. Like any sweeping plan, it has pros and cons that must be weighed.
Adding More Space Without Adding to the Footprint
One of the most delightful benefits is the ability to double your square footage without increasing the footprint of your home. That’s especially valuable in Beaverton, where lot sizes may be constrained and zoning restrictions can prevent it from spreading out.
A second story allows you to add bedrooms, bathrooms, or a personal retreat for family members without giving up your yard. We’ve constructed second stories that fit everything from large master suites to bonus areas for entertainment or office space.
Increased Property Value
It’s not just a lifestyle issue – adding a level to a home is also financial. There is so much more that larger homes with more bedrooms and bathrooms sell for in competitive Oregon markets. Indeed, Beaverton’s population growth and demand for housing mean a retrofitted property of this kind is particularly valuable.
Since we’ve been in business for over 30 years, we know what buyers are interested in within the area. When we build a second story, we create with you and your future resale in mind, so you can enjoy what you have for years and years to come, and see a significant return on your investment.
Stunning Views and Natural Light
Another bonus in building up is capturing a fresh perspective and optimizing sunlight. Many Beaverton homeowners are amazed at how different the neighborhood can look from a second story. Whether it’s treetops, parks, or distant mountain ranges over the horizon, the added elevation adds a sense of openness and beauty.
We are AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) certified in door and window installation, and we make sure that your new second story has energy-saving, well-hung windows that are as energy-efficient as they are lovely to look at.
The Hard Knocks of a Second Story
A More Expensive Add-on Than Others
A second story is undoubtedly a bigger investment than other kinds of additions. The structural work — shoring up the foundation, framing new space, and making it earthquake-ready — entails strategic thinking and skilled physical labor.
Our construction professionals at Keith Green are certified (CCB 109148) and experienced and can complete any of these projects. However, we are not like other second-story addition companies in that we charge more than kitchen bump-out construction or building a single room — the difference is that our company invests your dollars into workmanship that is made to last.
Temporary Disruption During Construction
Since a second story usually involves altering the home’s structure, families might opt for temporary living elsewhere during a portion of the construction. We know this process can be stressful, which is why our project managers ensure that each phase of work is scheduled and make sure everyone is on the same page, so you never have to wonder what’s next.
Some clients decide to stay in the home during construction, while others decamp with relatives or rent another short-term unit. Whatever you choose, we’ll work with you to minimize disruption and keep the project moving smoothly.
Engineering Complexity and Permit Requirements
According to architects, however, it’s not a simple matter of stacking rooms atop a completed house. Designing the old structure to bear the new load takes careful engineering. Before construction starts, soil factors, foundation elements, and framing integrity must be analyzed.
We take care of that by collaborating closely with engineers and permit shops. With over thirty years of working within the Beaverton area, we’ve established good relationships with local authorities, which helps things run smoothly when obtaining permits (it can make for much pricier delays if not).
Our Tried and Tested Method for Second Floor Additions
Thorough Assessment and Design
Every project starts with a thorough examination of your home. We will examine the foundation, roof, and framing to see what improvements might be necessary to accommodate construction. With your input, we then make a custom layout that will work for you and meet local building codes.
We also think about how it will look from the exterior. We always aim to ensure that the second floor doesn’t look slapped on, like an afterthought, to the original plan.
Skilled Construction and Project Management
Construction Once your design has been approved, our construction team goes to work. With Euroshield rubber roofing installations, Malarkey roofing products, and our certifications for CertainTeed systems and IB Roof Systems, we offer the gold standard in industry expertise for every component of your job.
Our project managers are on location to manage every round of the process, maintaining the highest safety, quality, and productivity standards. You’re never more than a stone’s throw from your salesman, foreman, and project manager so that any questions can be answered quickly, and decisions are never tossed in the breeze.
Commitment to Eco-Friendly Solutions
We’re passionate about sustainability. That’s why we make alternative materials — like recycled rubber roofing, energy-efficient windows, and upgraded ventilation systems — available whenever possible. These materials do more than minimize environmental impact – they also promote a more comfortable and efficient home for a lifetime.
For families who want to build responsibly, this means peace of mind that your home addition in Beaverton is contributing to a greener tomorrow.
Is a Second Floor Addition Right for You?
Deciding to build up depends on your needs, budget, and long-term goals. There are a few common reasons why we suggest a second story for families:
- Their present love: neighborhood; their need: space
- Only have a desire not to lose valuable yard space
- Don’t plan to leave their home anytime soon
- They are aiming to raise their home’s resale value dramatically
Then again, if you’re after a smaller-scale solution or have less money to spend, a one-room addition or an ADU would be a better bet.
Key Reasons Beaverton Homeowners Choose Keith Green Construction
For over 30 years, our family-owned company’s mission has been to help Beaverton homeowners beautify their homes confidently. Our qualifications – CCB 109148 licenses and certifications from top manufacturers – confirm our dedication to excellence. But beyond that, our business is all about relationships, trust, and customer satisfaction.
We build more than just buildings — we create peace of mind. From keeping you informed to guaranteeing workmanship, we work on your home as if it were our own. Since we are local, you can call us anytime you need us, long after we have completed the project.
Build Up with Confidence: Contact Keith Green Construction
A second story is an aggressive endeavor, but it can be one of the soundest investments you will ever make in your home with the right partner. At Keith Green Construction, we offer a blend of experience, certifications, environmentally friendly practices, and customer service that is everything you need for a lasting solution.
If a second-story addition to your Beaverton home might be your solution, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, take a closer look at your home, and give you a free, no-obligation estimate so you can make an informed decision.