"Rob Reali" wrote

We're looking at adding a second floor to our home, however I have no
idea where to begin or what the costs might even be.......an architect
or a contractor?

Scrape off half the paint, let the yard grow wild, and put on some ratty clothes.
Then get out the video camera, make a really pitiful tape of yourselves, and send
it to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". They'll build you a new house, free.