Moving up instead of moving out

If you need more space, building a second or even a third story is an option to buying a new home, particularly if you have no interest in leaving your neighborhood. Adding a second story is one of the largest changes you can make to your home. Ritz Design Build will work closely with you to deliver the home of your dreams with a design that enhances your existing home.

What to incorporate into your second story

You might need to add more bedrooms. (Do you have a baby coming?) Or perhaps a home office. (It’s time to move off the kitchen table.) Or perhaps you can add private places for your family to socialize:

• Game room – Whether it’s board games or digital games, this is where the fun happens.
• Den or study – The perfect place to read a book or catch up on your journal or blog.
• Large media room – If you’re a movie buff, there’s nothing like a home theater when you’re catching the latest blockbuster.
• Jack and Jill rooms – An efficient way to add bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs.
• Balconies – If you’re going to build a second story, you should have a balcony to maximize the amazing views here in San Diego.

We take the whole home into consideration

You see it again and again in San Diego. The box added on top of the garage, right at street level. It’s a box on a box. It’s easy and it’s inexpensive to build but has zero curb appeal. Ritz Design Build will work with you and take your entire streetscape into account when designing your second story. Here are a couple of things we’ll consider when designing you new home:

• Structural requirements – Walls have to work a lot harder when holding a second story with occupied rooms. We’ll incorporate the necessary structural support to make your home safe. (And to pass permitting requirements.)
• Stairs – The stairs have to fit somewhere in your existing floor plan. This will change the traffic flow downstairs. We’ll incorporate stairs so they fit seamlessly into your downstairs living area.
• Utilities – Your electrical, gas and water are all affected by the second story addition. We’ll work on delivering your utilities in the most efficient manner possible.
• Chimney – If you have a chimney, you’ll either have to eliminate it or extend it. (There’s nothing more cozy than a second story fireplace.)
• Windows and siding – Will new windows on the second story match existing windows or will you put all new ones in? Can siding be matched or is it time to upgrade siding on all areas of the house? Again, it’s your choice.

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