Second Storey Addition — Do You Need a Structural Engineer in Ontario?

A second-storey addition is one of the most significant structural projects a homeowner can undertake. It adds significant value and living space — but it also adds significant loads to your existing home's structure. Here's what a structural engineer needs to assess and design.

Why a Structural Engineer Is Essential for a Second Storey Addition

Adding a second floor means adding the weight of an entirely new floor system, walls, and roof to an existing structure that was never designed to carry that load. A licensed structural engineer must:

• Assess whether your existing foundation can support the additional load
• Evaluate your existing load-bearing walls for capacity
• Design any required foundation upgrades or reinforcement
• Design the new floor framing system — beams, joists, and connections
• Design the new structural walls and roof system

Can My House Support a Second Storey?

Many Ontario homes — including older bungalows and raised ranches — can be successfully upgraded to support a second storey addition. In many cases, the existing foundation is adequate, and the structural reinforcement needed is limited to specific elements. AMGH Engineering conducts a thorough assessment to determine exactly what is required for your specific home.

What If the Walls Are Finished and I Can't See the Structure?

When structural elements are not visible, AMGH Engineering makes documented structural assumptions based on the home's age, construction type, and geometry. These assumptions are noted on the drawings and verified by the contractor during demolition — with prompt revisions provided at no extra charge for minor adjustments.