The 2024 Home Addition Costs Guide

Explore home addition costs with our detailed guide. Learn about prices, factors, and tips for budgeting your next home expansion project.
Living room and deck in a home addition

In This Article

    Ready to expand and refresh your home with an addition? Whether you’re adding a new ensuite bedroom, a sunroom, or another type of space, a home addition can be a great option for any homeowner. Home additions increase the square footage and functionality of your home, while also boosting its value. 

    Like any renovation project, you need to plan carefully for your home addition—starting with estimating and budgeting for your home addition costs. Read on for the latest info on the average cost of a home addition in 2024.


    Average cost of a home addition

    The exact cost of your home addition will depend on a variety of factors (more on those below), but before diving into specifics, it helps to see a ballpark figure. That way, you know if this type of project is even feasible yet for your budget. 

    Check out the following chart to get a sense of home addition cost ranges in major cities. 

    Location Average cost of home addition
    New York City  $200–$600+ per sq ft 
    San Francisco $300–$700+ per sq ft 
    Chicago $100–$500+ per  sq ft 
    Philadelphia $100–$500+ per  sq ft 
    Los Angeles $200–$600+ per  sq ft 

     

    Types of home additions and their costs

    There are all sorts of reasons why you might want a home addition. The purpose of the space will help determine that project’s needs and how much it will cost to complete. 

    The following chart shows some of the most common types of home additions and their estimated costs.

    Type of home addition Cost by type
    Basic room addition $80–$480+ per sq ft
    Bathroom addition $200–$600+ per sq ft
    Kitchen addition $250–$750+ per sq ft
    Sunroom addition $150–$550+ per sq ft
    Mudroom addition $100–$500+ per sq ft
    Second-story addition $150–$450+ per sq ft

     

    Factors affecting home addition costs

    The total cost of your home addition project will be influenced by a number of factors you should take into account, including: 

    • Square footage of the home addition space
    • The complexity of the architectural design plans
    • Whether you’re adding onto the ground floor or a higher story
    • Labor fees in your area
    • Types of materials selected
    • The age and condition of your building
    • Electrical or plumbing needs for the new space

    For example: If your home addition requires plumbing, electricity, and/or an HVAC system, those renovation costs will add up. Each type of task requires a licensed specialist and an applicable building permit—and all of the attached fees. 

    Learn more: Demystifying the Costs of a Home Renovation Project 

    Cost saving tips for home additions

    If you’re concerned about staying within budget, don’t worry—there are plenty of actions you can take up front to help you save on the cost of your home addition. 

    Plan thoughtfully

    Upfront planning is key to renovation projects. You and a designer or architect should make a detailed plan from the start. That will help you avoid costly changes and delays once construction gets underway. 

    Set a realistic budget

    Any successful home renovation is covered by realistic budget planning. Be honest with yourself about your finances and access to funds: How much can you afford to spend on the addition? Your budget should account for labor, design, materials, permits, and any unforeseen expenses.

    Simplify your design

    It’s fun to daydream about intricate designs, but the reality is: The more complex your design, the more expensive the home addition costs will be. To work within a smaller budget, finalize a simpler design for your home addition. You can deprioritize luxury features while still meeting the needs of your new space. 

    Time your project during off-peak seasons

    Your project costs are affected by not only where and what you’re renovating, but when you’re kicking off the project. Plan your project during off-peak seasons when contractors are more available and labor costs are lower. Typically, this is during the winter months. 

    Learn more: How to Plan Your Renovation Budget

    project planning
     

    ROI for home additions

    Return on investment (ROI) is never guaranteed when you renovate your home. But typically you can get a pretty decent ROI for home additions. 

    This chart shows the latest ROI estimates for different types of home additions.
     

    Type of home addition Average ROI
    Basic room addition 50%–70%
    Bathroom addition 60%–70%
    Kitchen addition 60%–80%
    Sunroom addition 50%–60%
    Mudroom addition 50%–60%
    Second-story addition 65%–75%

     

    Frequently asked questions about the cost of a home addition

    How do you choose the right contractor for a home addition?

    Let Block help you find the right contractor for your home addition project. We handle a rigorous contractor vetting process so you don’t have to, then match you with three of the best options in your area.

    Is it cheaper to build up or out when adding to a home?

    The cost of a home addition is generally cheaper when you build out instead of building up. That’s because it costs more to safely reinforce an addition atop an existing level of your home. If land is scarce, building upward might make the most sense, regardless of price. But if you have the land for it, building out will help lower project costs.

    Do home additions require building permits?

    Yes, building additions require permits. Obtaining the proper permits from your city helps make sure your home stays up to code—new addition and all. Check your local jurisdiction’s website to learn specifics about the types and costs of permits required for your home addition project.

    How long does a typical home addition project take?

    Your home addition project could take anywhere from three months to a year or more. The exact timeline will depend on the project scope.

    What factors can increase the cost of a home addition?

    Factors like whether or not the home addition will need plumbing capabilities can increase home addition costs. That requires paying the labor rate of a licensed professional, as well as paying any required city permit and inspection fees.