adding a second floor

XB, You didn't ask, but if I were to consider a second story to my home, I would first make sure that the foundation will support that extra weight. ci

yes, that's one of the considerations. I don't know the wall thickness, so that's the reason I was asking about someone from the company who specializes in this type of stuph. If for some reason the walls of the foundation can't support it, I don't know what type of remedy this would take. Again, this is something I was wandering about. If it takes 70-80K that's just too much.

Hi Boris, welcome to A2K.

I found this, which doesn't directly answer your questions but seems to have some clues:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/houseproject/overview/0,13541,199500,00.html

I found a LOT of things about how incredibly costly it is, to the point of suggesting that you just move, instead, so that would imply to me that it is over the 70-80K that you mentioned.

Here's a site that offers to connect you with a contractor in Boston:

http://www.123contractorsearch.com/Building-Contractor/Boston.html

This looks promising:

http://www.bostonestimating.com/

Good luck!

Don't forget the Better Business Bureau. http://www.bosbbb.org/

Boris, I was remiss in not welcoming your to A2K in my first response. so WELCOME. Also, it's a good idea to check with your state licensing board. c.i.

Boris
First, welcome to A2K.

As the daughter of a contractor I can tell you that adding a second floor will cost you over $80,000.

Thank you for your warm welcome. This project definately needs more thought. I was planning on doing it next year at the yearliest anyways, but who knows if ever. I will talk to one of the architects I know.

There ya go. Good luck!

Boris, don't forget to consult with a structural engineer. No offense to the architects out here, but the question of the structural integrity needs and engineer to answer.

Swimpy mentioned structural engineer, but you also need to consult with a soil engineer. c.i.