How Much Does a Home Addition Cost?

Many people turn to home additions to create larger living spaces or add rooms they need, from sunrooms to extra bedrooms. These major projects are often more affordable than buying a new home with the same features, but they are also a major expense, easily costing thousands of dollars.

Learn more about expenses to consider when you estimate the cost of your home addition so you can plan for it in your budget.

Home Addition Cost Estimates

The cost of a home addition can vary depending on a lot of different factors. You might spend $10,000, $100,000, or anywhere in between.

Here are common factors that affect the cost of a home addition:

• Type of addition: Some rooms are more complex than others. A bedroom doesn't require as much infrastructure as an in-law suite, for example. The more complicated a room, the more expensive it costs.
• Materials used: The cost of construction materials such as lumber and features like spa tubs or kitchen appliances can affect the price of an addition.
• Contractor: You may get a wide range of estimates from different contractors for the same project.
• Square footage: The bigger the addition, the more it will cost, all other factors being equal.
• Location: Construction costs may be higher where the cost of living is higher, such as in metropolitan areas.
• Up versus out: Building an addition above the ground floor is more challenging for builders, so a first-floor addition is generally less expensive than a second-floor addition. In other words, it is cheaper to build out than to build up.
• Economic conditions: Broader economic trends play a role in home addition costs. For example, a tight labor pool can cause a shortage of construction workers, which in turn could result in builders paying higher wages to try to fill positions. Ultimately, in this case, the cost of home additions would increase.

Home Addition Cost by Room

The cost of a home addition can vary wildly. One of the biggest factors affecting the cost is the type of addition you build.

Each room requires different features that can affect the costs. For example, a simple mudroom of just drywall and durable flooring is less expensive, on average, than a new kitchen that needs appliances, plumbing, and ventilation.

Here are some average cost ranges by room type:

Adding an In-Law Suite

An in-law suite, which provides a separate living space, is a type of home addition that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is among the most expensive types of addition, usually costing a minimum of $44,000, but it also adds significant value to your home.

Features such as a small kitchen, living room, and bathroom can make an in-law suite more expensive than a simple bedroom addition. Typically, an in-law suite has its own entrance.

Adding a Sunroom

Sunroom costs can vary widely, from approximately $16,000 to $80,000, depending on the size and materials. Large windows are a common feature of sunrooms, which are generally made from vinyl or aluminum.

Sunrooms, with their versatile uses, can add value to your home, giving an ROI of about 50% to 80%.

Adding a Master Suite

Adding a new master suite can cost between $25,000 and $100,000 (or more). Yet, this is also a valuable addition, with an expected ROI of about 55% nationwide.

Several features can affect the cost of a master suite, with the addition of a bathroom being among the main ones. Also consider the overall square footage, type of closet space (walk-in or reach-in), and whether you will build out on the first floor or build up. Building a vertical addition on the second or third floor is significantly more expensive than building out on ground level.

Adding Another Bathroom

Adding a new bathroom is a popular home addition for homeowners with growing families. Costs can vary widely, ranging from $6,200 to $90,000, with an expected ROI of 50% to 60%.

More affordable bathroom additions have lower-cost features, like simple shower stalls, toilets, sinks, and basic flooring. On the higher end, luxury bathrooms may include high-end features such as a hot tub, double sinks, a walk-in closet, heated floors and towel racks, or a separate room for toilets.

Adding Value to Your Home

A home addition is a great way to upgrade your living space without going through the hassle of buying and selling a house. However, as you can see from the price estimates above, the costs can be significant.

Fortunately, home additions also often add significant value to your property, so you can recoup some of the costs when you resell, and you can build equity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)