Additions and remodeling in West Covina, Los Angeles County
Second story additions in West Covina
A second story in West Covina takes the full sun, so its roof, attic, insulation and glass decide how the new bedrooms feel. The structure is checked first.
A second story added to a West Covina house takes the sun before any other room, so its roof and attic decide how the new bedrooms feel on a bright afternoon. On an inland suburban lot, hard sun and dry wind work on that upper floor more than on any room below. Insulation, glass and ventilation planned from the start give a growing family upstairs rooms that stay comfortable.
Keeping the upper rooms cool
A cool roof material reflects much of the heat, and a vented attic with ridge and soffit vents carries off what gets through. Rafters deep enough for thick insulation help, and a radiant barrier under the deck adds more protection. Windows on the sunny walls get low-e glass and, where possible, an overhang above them. Return air from each bedroom keeps the upstairs from running warmer than the ground floor, and a separate zone or a ductless unit lets the family cool the bedrooms at night.
Structure below and the permit
Before an upper floor is drawn, we check the existing footings and the walls that will carry the new load. An engineer may call for new shear walls, hold-downs or a deeper footing at certain points. The building department reviews the plans for height, setbacks, structure and energy compliance. During the build, the family lives downstairs while the roof comes off in sections under weather protection, and the stair opening is cut late, after the upper walls are framed and sheathed.
What we build in West Covina
Additions and second stories lead the list. Every other service is available here too, alone or as part of a bigger project.
Need more room in West Covina?
Send the address and tell us who the space is for. We will check the local rules and set up a visit.