Whether you purchased your home with the knowledge that you’d one day have to expand or your family has unexpectedly outgrown your space over time, there’s no doubt about it – you need a home addition!
Now, as much as we’d all like to have unlimited funds to spend on our homes, the truth is that home expansion costs can put a real strain on your wallet. Because of this, it’s wise to have a rough idea of your home expansion costs long before you get started.
To learn how to plan for the cost of your home addition, just keep reading!
How Much Does a Home Expansion Cost?
It’s impossible to give an exact figure for the cost of a home expansion, as every home, and home addition project, is different. That said, averages can give you a ballpark idea of what to expect.
The national average home expansion cost is $46,000. However, the typical range is a much larger window – between $14,000 and $150,000.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Expansion
The amount you spend will depend on the type and size of the expansion you want to make. For example, a single-room addition to the back of the house is far less complex (and therefore less expensive) than an addition that has the potential to compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Because of this, the first step is to decide the location and style of the addition you’re interested in. You can expect the addition to cost anywhere between $80-200 per square foot.
Labor and Materials
In addition to the size and scope of your project, the contractors you hire can drastically change the cost of your addition. Now, keep in mind that cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
Sometimes you get what you pay for, and when it comes to your home, do you really want to take chances? With quality companies like Scherrer Construction, you’ll get more out of your addition and avoid running into problems down the line.
Once you’ve gathered a few options, don’t be afraid to reach out for estimates. Contractors are typically more than happy to give them at no charge, and you can compare offers before you make your choice.
How to Save on Your Addition
Because adding onto your home means working with tricky projects such as plumbing and electrical, it’s not something you should tackle unless you’re a professional. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t save money by doing certain things yourself!
If you’re interested in a bit of DIY to cut costs, here are some ideas:
- Remove furniture from connecting rooms
- Demolition projects
- Clean up every day
- Haul away debris
A huge chunk of your total costs will come from labor, so any little bit that you can do yourself helps!
Start Saving for Your Home Expansion Costs Today
The best way to ensure that your budget is large enough to cover your home expansion costs is to start saving as soon as possible. Even if you’re still unsure about the project, there’s no harm in setting aside some money just in case!
Every week or paycheck, put a little money in your savings account for your expansion. Before you know it, you’ll have everything you need to get started. Also, it is best to clear how much you are willing to spend to your room addition contractor Birmingham AL to maintain the budget.
To learn more about turning your house into your dream home, take a look at our blog!
