Building a second floor on your house in Mims, Florida can really boost its value, particularly in places where space is at a premium. Often, the return on investment for adding a second story is impressive, possibly doubling or even tripling your home’s worth. A second level brings in a lot of extra space, which buyers tend to see as a big plus. Research indicates that if done right by an experience Residential Contractor In Mims FL, these second-story additions can recover a large chunk of the building expenses and might even raise the value by 60% or more.

Adding a second story to your single-story home in Mims, Florida can be a fantastic way to gain square footage without losing yard space—but it’s a complex project that requires careful planning. Here’s what’s typically involved and the key benefits:

✅ What’s Involved in Adding a Second Story

1. Structural Feasibility Assessment

• A residential contractor in Mims FL will first evaluate your home’s foundation and framing to see if they can support a second floor.
• If the existing foundation isn’t strong enough, it may need reinforcement, which increases cost.

2. Architectural Design & Engineering

• You’ll work with an architect or design-build firm to draw up plans that comply with Brevard County building codes, including:
  • Height restrictions
  • Setbacks
  • Wind load (very important in hurricane-prone areas like Mims)

3. Permitting Process

• Your residential contractor in Mims FL will submit plans to the Brevard County Building Department for review.
• You may need:
  • Building permits
  • Zoning approvals
  • Environmental or stormwater drainage reviews

4. Temporary Living Arrangements (Optional)

• You may need to vacate the home or live with ongoing construction, especially if the roof is being removed.

5. Construction Process

• Remove the roof or portions of it.
• Reinforce or rebuild the existing walls/foundation as needed.
• Frame and build the new second-story structure.
• Install electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, and roofing.

6. Final Inspections and Finishing

• County inspectors will approve the work in phases.
• After passing the final inspection, your new space is ready to use.

🎯 Benefits of Adding a Second Story

1. Maximize Land Use

• Gain significant square footage without expanding the footprint.
• Retain your yard, trees, pool, or garden—especially valuable in Mims where lot sizes vary.

2. Customize for Lifestyle

• Add extra bedrooms, bathrooms, a home office, gym, or even a rental unit.
• Improve layout separation (e.g., living downstairs, sleeping upstairs).

3. Increase Home Value

• You’re increasing livable square footage, which can significantly boost your resale value—especially if done tastefully and with permits.

4. Modernize Your Home

• You can upgrade the roof, insulation, wiring, and plumbing during the process.
• A second story also gives your home a more commanding curb appeal if designed well.

5. Stay in the Neighborhood You Love

• Avoid the hassle and cost of moving.
• Especially useful if you’re already emotionally or logistically tied to the Mims community.

⚠️ Things to Consider

• Cost: Can range from $150–$300+ per square foot, depending on materials, finishes, and structural needs.
• Timeline: Usually 4–8 months or more, depending on complexity.
• HOA/Neighborhood Restrictions: Not all areas in Mims allow vertical additions, so check with your HOA or local zoning office.

Would you like help putting together a scope of work or list of questions to ask your contractor? Or maybe get some local residential contractor referrals in the Mims, FL area?

Yes, having your residential contractor in Mims, FL produce 3D renders of the second-story addition is definitely a good idea—and in many cases, well worth the cost. Here’s why:

✅ Why 3D Renders Are Worth It

1. Visual Clarity

• 3D renders allow you to see exactly what your home will look like with the second story added—inside and out.
• Helps visualize how the new level blends with your existing architecture, rooflines, and style.

2. Design Confidence

• You can review the layout, window placement, ceiling height, room flow, and stairwell integration before construction begins.
• This reduces the risk of regret or unexpected results during or after construction.

3. Faster Decision-Making

• Being able to visualize the new design can help you quickly make calls on:
  • Exterior finishes
  • Interior layout
  • Furniture placement
  • Color schemes
• Especially helpful if multiple family members are involved in decision-making.

4. Smoother Permitting & HOA Approval

• Some permitting offices and HOAs in Brevard County may appreciate or even require 3D visuals during the review process.
• It helps convey your intent more clearly than 2D blueprints alone.

5. Contractor & Subcontractor Communication

• Renders help your residential contractor in Mims FL and their trades (framers, electricians, HVAC, etc.) better understand the scope and expectations.
• This reduces miscommunication and improves build accuracy.

💰 Cost vs Value

• Renders typically cost $500 to $2,000+, depending on detail, square footage, and whether you’re doing interior, exterior, or both.
• Design-build firms in Mims may include renderings in the design package.
• Compared to the full cost of the second story addition (often $75,000–$200,000+), this is a small investment that can save time, money, and stress later.

🧠 When It’s Especially Worth It

• If your addition includes complex architectural features (vaulted ceilings, balconies, large windows, etc.).
• If you’re trying to match an existing style or historical look.
• If you’re planning to sell the home later and want to see how the changes affect curb appeal and value.

🛠️ Pro Tip:

Ask your contractor if they use real-time design software like Chief Architect or Revit—this allows for live design walkthroughs and quick updates to the renderings as you tweak the plans.

Would you like a checklist of what to include in the rendering, or help creating a design brief for the residential contractor in Mims, Florida so they know exactly what to model?

Seth Erhart