5 Factors That Affect the Cost of a Home Addition

A home addition is a significant investment. It is not only about bringing down a few walls and incorporating new fixtures into your new space, but also about changing your home’s footprint. For historic restoration contractors like us, the total cost of adding square footage to your home will depend on several factors, which you should consider to determine your overall budget. Here’s a detailed look at five of them, along with other important costs you can expect during a home addition.

1. Layout and Design

Building a new room in your home requires a good layout to ensure smoother movement within your living spaces. While a simple layout won’t add much to your project’s cost, a more complicated one will, resulting in an increase in labor costs due to the remodeler requiring more time to complete the addition. If you are not sure about modifying your home’s layout that will be affordable and beneficial to you in the long run, you can always discuss your options with your chosen remodeling team.

The following are some of the most common examples of additions that require modifying the home’s existing floor plan:

• A multi-story addition that will expand your house both up and out

• A rear kitchen as a first-floor addition that will expand the space and create better flow within the home’s layout

• A master suite as a second-floor addition

• Conversion of unused second-floor space into functional rooms like an extra bedroom or guest bathroom

2. Materials and Other Features

The quality, shape and size of the materials and components to be used in the home addition can likewise affect its overall cost. For instance, adding an extra bathroom somewhere in your home often costs more than a bedroom or entertainment area because of the installation of features, such as the toilet, cabinets, shower, bathtub, vanity countertop and other features. Striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics helps you optimize the money spent on these fixtures.

3. Size of the Addition

Home additions that create a bigger space might be more costly, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, it depends on how the new space will be used. Expanding a room where you can lounge on comfortable seating and stream movies and TV shows with family or friends might not be as expensive as, say, an additional kitchen or bathroom. Both rooms, after all, will require custom fixtures. A large chunk of your budget for the home addition will cover items that differ in quality and price range like countertops and cabinets. You also have to consider the need to install pipes and gas lines.

4. Location

The location for your new addition can also affect the overall cost of your project. On the one hand, expanding your home’s square footage vertically through a second-story addition tends to cost less because you won’t have to worry about any foundation work. Plus, you might be able to save on roof construction. Building a second-story addition usually involves lifting the portion of the existing roof in one or two large sections and reinstalling it on the new space. Building a new room out, on the other hand, will be like tackling a new construction project; it involves excavation, foundation work and finishing. Also, you’ll have to take zoning laws into account and other building requirements to ensure it is built up to code.

5. Building Permits

As with most home construction and remodeling projects, a home addition will require permits from your local building department. The complexity, size and location of the addition can drive up the permits’ cost. For the most part, getting approved involves a long waiting time. That’s because there’ll be inspections and other mandatory tests, especially if you’re working on a unique layout and design for your home addition.

Budget Allocation for Home Additions: A Breakdown

Understanding the factors that can directly affect your home addition is imperative, but that’s not all you need to consider. Given how huge this investment can be, you must also be aware of where the budget for this project is allocated. Below are some of the associated costs involved in a home addition:

• Demolition and preparation – If you are building out, a section of your property will have to be cleared and excavated in preparation for the addition. But first, you must identify your property lines before you develop a plot plan with your contractor. This will include your home, landscaping and the location of the utilities. Keep in mind that local codes restrict you from building out too close to your neighbor’s property.

• Structural supports – The home addition’s support structure, from roof trusses and beams to concrete foundation and footing, will help connect it to the main structure. These should be installed properly and built to code to ensure their durability and keep you and your family safe.

• Exterior design – The exterior components of the home addition should match your home’s architectural style. The material type and style of the roof and siding, for instance, should be the same as that of the main structure. Depending on how you’ll be using your new space, be sure to pick the right window style. With these, your home addition won’t stick out like a sore thumb from the rest of the houses in your neighborhood.

• Interior design – From basic interior fixtures like carpeting and drywall to custom features like the color scheme, furniture, lighting and storage, the interior of your home addition should be as attractive as the rest of your home.

• Utility systems – See to it that the plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems of your home addition are installed properly and tied into your main house.

Looking to transform your living space with a home addition? Count on Cottage Industries to add square footage to your home so you can experience the wonderful amenities your new space can provide. Our experienced design-build team follows distinct, well-defined procedures during every step of the process to ensure you take comfortable, incremental steps to achieving your goals.

Our company works on a wide range of home renovation projects, including whole-house remodels and bathroom or kitchen remodeling. Let’s start a conversation by giving us a call today at (610) 293-9750 or filling out our contact form to schedule a consultation.