Licensed General Contractor · CSLB #1142540

Second Story Additions in Southeast LA

Your family is growing but you love your neighborhood. Maybe your parents are moving in, your kids need their own rooms, or you bought the house together and everyone needs more space. A second story addition gives you the bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space you need without giving up your yard or your community.

Serving South Gate, Downey, Lakewood, Whittier, Pico Rivera, Cerritos, Norwalk, and across Southeast LA.

Completed second story addition exterior in Southern California
LICENSED
CA General B #1142540
VETERAN-OWNED
U.S. Marine Corps
BONDED & INSURED
For your protection
50+ YEARS
Combined experience

What to Expect

What a Second Story Addition Includes

Structural Engineering

Load calculations, foundation evaluation, and structural plans. We coordinate with licensed engineers to make sure your existing home can support the new floor.

Framing and Structure

New load-bearing walls, floor joists, roof framing, and exterior sheathing. This is the backbone of the addition.

Permits and Inspections

We handle all city permit applications, plan submissions, and inspection scheduling. You don't have to chase the building department.

Full Interior Finish

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, flooring, paint, fixtures, and trim. Move-in ready when we hand you the keys.

Timeline

Most second story additions take 4 to 8 months from permit to completion, depending on scope, city turnaround, and material selections.

What You Decide

Layout preferences, finish materials, fixture selections, and budget range. We guide you through the options and give you clear pricing on each.

Featured Project

1,200 SF Second Story Addition
and Full Renovation

A single-story home that needed to accommodate a growing multigenerational family. We added a full second floor with new bedrooms and bathrooms, extended the ground floor footprint, and renovated the entire interior: kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and finishes throughout. The family stayed in their neighborhood and got the space they needed.

1,200
Square Feet Added
2 Story
Structure Type
100%
Inspections Passed
Self
Performed
Second story wood framing from rear of home Crew on scaffolding applying stucco to second story addition Completed two-story home with flagstone walkway and landscaping
Renovated kitchen with stainless range, marble backsplash, and white cabinets Renovated bathroom with freestanding tub and modern vanity Rear view of completed two-story addition with balcony
See Full Project Documentation →

Investment

What Does a Second Story Addition Cost?

Every project is different. These are typical ranges for second story additions in the Los Angeles County area. Your actual number depends on scope, structural requirements, finishes, and permit complexity.

STANDARD FINISH
$350 – $450
per square foot
MID-RANGE
$450 – $600
per square foot
HIGH-END
$600 – $800
per square foot

We provide detailed, itemized estimates after an on-site consultation. No hidden fees. No surprises.

Get Your Custom Estimate

Common Questions

Second Story Addition FAQ

Do I need a permit for a second story addition?
Yes. Every second story addition in Los Angeles County requires building permits, structural engineering plans, and multiple inspections. We handle the entire permit process for you.
Can my existing foundation support a second story?
It depends on your home's existing foundation. A structural engineer evaluates your foundation early in the process and designs any reinforcement needed. This is included in our scope.
How long does a second story addition take?
Most projects take 4 to 8 months from permit approval to completion. City permit turnaround, scope complexity, and material lead times all affect the timeline.
Can I live in my home during construction?
In many cases, yes. During the framing and roofing phases there will be significant disruption, but we work to minimize impact and keep you informed at every stage.
My parents are moving in. Can we design the addition with a separate living area for them?
Yes. Many of our clients add a second story with a separate bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area for aging parents. We can design the layout to give everyone privacy while keeping the family together.
We bought this house with our parents and need more room. Is a second story the right move?
If you have a small lot and can't build out, going up is usually the best option. A second story can double your living space without losing any yard. We see this often with multigenerational families in Southeast LA who pooled resources to buy together.
Can I also build an ADU or additional unit on my property?
In many cases, yes. California ADU law and SB 9 (the HOME Act) allow homeowners to add additional units beyond their primary home. Some properties can support a main house, a second story addition, an ADU, and even more units depending on lot size and local zoning. We can review your property during a consultation and walk you through all the options available to you.
What cities do you serve?
We serve homeowners in Downey, Lakewood, Cerritos, Whittier, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, South Gate, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, and across Southeast Los Angeles.

Free Download

2026 Home Addition Cost Guide

Get ballpark pricing for additions, ADUs, and garage conversions in Southeast LA. No sales call required.

No spam. No pressure. Just pricing data.

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Next Step

Ready to Add a Second Story?

Tell us about your project. Jose personally reviews every request and responds within 24 hours.

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Or call Jose: (213) 578-5303