Cost of Building a Home Addition
By ProMatcher Staff
How Much Does a Home Addition Cost?
There is no perfect solution to calculate the cost of constructing a home addition. However, we have identified some of the most important cost factors to think about before beginning your project. Use the article below to get a better idea of how much your addition should cost.
Your geographic location. Where you live is an important factor when determining the cost of a home addition. If the cost of living in your area is high, you can expect to pay higher prices for labor and materials. If you live in a small town, the cost may be a little bit lower.
Square footage. How large will the addition be? Are you just building a small sunroom? Or, are you undertaking a major remodeling project? Larger additions are going to be more expensive. Your contractor may be able to give you a rough estimate for the cost of your addition based on the approximate square footage.
Type of addition. What type of addition are you planning on building? Does the addition need to be incorporated into the existing home structure or will it stand alone (like a garage addition)? A sunroom addition might not need HVAC ductwork or electrical wiring. Two-story additions are more expensive than sunrooms and enclosed patios. Additionally, kitchen and bathroom additions (that require additional plumbing) also tend to be a little pricier.
Surveys and plans. Plans for the addition will need to be drawn up in order to apply for a building permit. This can be taken care of by a draftsman, architect, design-build contractor, or a general contractor. Hiring an architect is typically one of the more expensive routes. You may also need to hire a land surveyor to get an accurate site plan of your property. This may come at an additional cost.
Permitting. In most cases, you will need a permit to build a home addition. Any permit inspection fees should be included in your contractor’s estimate. In many jurisdictions, it’s not possible for a homeowner to apply for a building permit. A contractor or permit expediter may need to submit the application on your behalf.
Excavation and demolition. Basic site preparation and demolition should be included in the contractor’s estimate. However, major grading and excavation projects will come at an additional cost. Also, difficult soil conditions can increase the cost of your project. Extra precautions will need to be taken to ensure the structural integrity of the addition.
Electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC. The general contractor will typically enlist the services of several licensed subcontractors, including an electrician, a plumber, and an HVAC specialist. This work should be included in the contractor's estimate.
Quality of materials. The cost of materials will depend largely on your budget and your taste. For example, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, white marble countertops, and custom cabinets is going to be expensive! Upgrading from builder-grade to premium materials and fixtures will come at a cost.
What else is included? Before signing a contract, make sure to get everything you want in writing. Making changes down the road will add to the overall cost of your project. The details are important! You should know what type of concrete foundation will be poured and exactly what brand of siding will be used to cover the exterior. Do you need gutters, HVAC appliances, or doors and windows? Will insulation be installed in the wall cavities? Do you want crown molding?
Interior design. Hiring an interior designer or home decorator will significantly increase the cost of your addition. In most cases, you'll be able to save money by furnishing the space on your own. Need help finding an interior designer? Research local rates before requesting a unique cost estimate.
Cleanup. Cleanup should be in the contractor’s estimate. After the addition is complete, you don’t want loose nails and miscellaneous debris left in your yard. For most additions, the contractor will need to rent a dumpster. Make sure that any rental and disposal fee are also included in the quote.
Get Matched to Home Addition Contractors
About the Author
|
| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
If you would like to re-print this article, please contact the author.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles published on this website are those of the authors alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of this website or its staff. The articles on this site do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement with respect to any views, company, or product. Authors affirm that article submissions are their original content or that they have permission to reproduce.
|
|