Short answer: Yes. When the existing foundation and framing can carry a new floor, a ranch can become a two-story home on the same lot. This one in New Jersey did: MG Builders added a complete second floor and updated the rest of the house to match.
The homeowners put it best in their Google review: "Our old house was Ranch style house, and we added a complete second floor along with updating the existing setup and modifying the structure as per our needs."
Here's the before, the after, and what changed in between.
Before: A One-Story Ranch
A one-story ranch with brown shingle siding, a low roof and a single garage.
After: A Full Two-Story Home
Same house, same lot. Now it has a whole second floor.
What changed on the outside:
- A complete second floor over the house.
- A stone front entry with white columns.
- A modern front door.
- A deck with glass railings on top of the garage.
- New siding, a new roof and new windows.
The inside was remodeled too. That's a story for its own post, coming soon.
Why Build Up Instead of Out
Building out means a new foundation and less yard. Building up adds a floor over the house you already have, so the footprint stays the same.
Here's an example with round numbers: a 1,200-square-foot ranch with a full second floor on top becomes about 2,400 square feet of living space, on the same footprint.
What decides it: whether the existing foundation and framing can carry the new floor, your town's zoning rules, and how much of the house you want to build over. A second story can cover the whole house, like this one, or just part of it.
In the Homeowners' Words
Here's their full Google review, word for word:
We reached MG Builders LLC for making our dream home. We checked on google and just reaching different builders, but what was different is while working on the plan for being new on how the process works, he guided and gave some suggestions which we liked in our home. Our old house was Ranch style house, and we added a complete second floor along with updating the existing setup and modifying the structure as per our needs.
Giovanni understood our taste and choices and based on same, he was able to suggest us what can be preferred color, tiles and fittings we can use in our bathrooms, entrance and look-n-feel. We meet him every weekends and used to provide us update on what was done and what will be done in next week. He suggested few modern look to our home and make it look just wow and have a great feeling when living every moment in the home.
Giovanni and his team were instrumental in every details and were also reachable after we moved for any issues/help we need. They are professionals, give attention to detail, punctuality, and helpfulness in guiding through the remodeling process. Cost wise also he seemed reasonable on what we expected and was not very major deviation. He previously set the expectations and what would it turn out, so that we can be prepared for same.
Overall it feels that we took the right decision moving ahead with MG builders and welcoming when moving to new place. It was good experience on home construction and would definitely recommend for any home improvements.
Google review, Dream Home Build.
Second Story Questions
Can you add a second story to a ranch house? Yes, when the existing foundation and framing can carry the new floor. That gets checked first, along with your town's zoning rules. This ranch got a complete second floor.
Can you add a partial second story? Yes. A second story can cover the whole house or just part of it, such as one wing.
Is it better to build up or build out? It depends on your lot and your house. Building out needs room on the lot and a new foundation. Building up keeps your yard and your footprint, as long as the existing structure can carry it and your town's zoning allows it.
Do you need a permit to add a second story in New Jersey? Yes. Under New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code, "a construction permit is required for any new construction as well as for work on existing buildings, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work." The owner or the contractor applies to the town's construction office (NJ Department of Community Affairs).
What does a second story addition cost? It depends on the house: how much of it the new floor covers, what the foundation and framing need, the new roof and stairs, extending heating, cooling and plumbing upstairs, and the finishes you pick. MG gives you a written proposal after a free visit to your home.
Thinking about building up? See MG's home additions service, or get a free estimate below.
Giovanni Merino
Owner & Founder, MG Builders LLC · 29+ Years Experience
Giovanni founded MG Builders in 1997 and leads the Edison-based remodeling company. NJ Home Improvement Contractor Business registration NJ #13VH08376600.
Read more about Giovanni →