Adding a floor means new loads on every element of the building: slabs, beams and columns, then foundations, right down to the soil the building stands on. A building originally designed for two floors may not carry a third without strengthening, even if it looks solid. So before thinking about an additional floor permit and the new facade design, one question must be answered: can the building take it? This guide explains the structural assessment steps, possible outcomes, strengthening options and lighter alternatives, the technical reference, and the permit route after assessment.
Structural Assessment Steps
1. Gathering Information
- The original structural drawings if available, and the loads the building was designed for.
- The original soil report. Read: The soil investigation report.
- The building's history and previous additions.
2. Site Inspection
- The condition of columns, beams and slabs.
- Actual element dimensions compared with the drawings.
- Signs of settlement or cracking. Read: Cracks in buildings.
- Signs of rebar corrosion or concrete deterioration.
3. Testing
Where needed: tests to estimate concrete strength and locate reinforcement, especially when the original drawings are missing.
4. Analysis
Recalculating elements and foundations under the new loads to the code.
Possible Outcomes
| Outcome | Action |
|---|---|
| The building can take it | Design the new floor and obtain the addition permit |
| It can with strengthening | Design strengthening for elements or foundations, then add |
| It cannot | Consider lighter alternatives or abandon the addition |
Strengthening Options and Alternatives
| Option | When it is used |
|---|---|
| Enlarging column sections (concrete or steel jacketing) | Columns that cannot carry the new loads |
| Fibre strengthening (FRP) | Improving beam and column capacity with little added weight |
| Foundation strengthening | Foundations inadequate for the additional loads |
| A light steel-framed floor | Reducing the weight added to the existing structure |
| A smaller annex | When the building cannot take a full floor |
Read: Concrete or steel structure and Adding an annex or rooftop room.
The Reference
The Saudi Building Code includes an existing buildings code (SBC 901) covering repair, alteration, change of occupancy and additions to existing buildings, and a code for repair and rehabilitation of existing concrete structures (SBC 310).
Don't Forget the Planning Requirements
Even if the building can carry it structurally, the building regulations must allow the extra floor in terms of number of floors, height and parking. Read: Setbacks and building ratios.
After the Assessment
The addition is made through the add and modify building components service on Balady. Read: The additional floor permit: a complete guide, and see our addition and modification permit service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the addition use a steel frame to reduce weight?
It may be an option, determined by the assessment and design. Read: Concrete or steel structure.
There are no original drawings. Can it be assessed?
Yes, but it needs more site inspection and testing, and an as-built survey. Read: As-built drawings.
Can we live in the building during the addition?
It depends on the scale of works and safety measures; the supervisor and contractor decide.
Is the assessment expensive?
Its cost is small compared with adding a floor to a structure that cannot carry it.
Do I need a third-party review?
It helps on large buildings or when in doubt. Read: Third-party structural review.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that assesses whether your building can carry an extra floor, designs strengthening where needed, then designs the new floor and obtains the addition permit. See our structural inspection reports service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.