Cost addition house: How Much Does a Home Addition Cost to Build? A Budgeting Guide (2022)

How Much Does a Home Addition Cost to Build? A Budgeting Guide (2022)

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  • Typical Range: $20,835 to $72,552
  • National Average: $46,498

Ready to add some space to your house? Home additions are a popular way to maximize an existing property by adding new rooms to the floor plan. You could build another bathroom, bedroom, living space, garage, or even an entire apartment. Each kind of room comes with its own complexity, so home addition costs have a wide range of prices: $20,835 to $72,552, or an average of $46,498. The total price depends on the kind of space you’re adding, the size, complexity, materials, and labor. Home additions make a great investment in your home, and you can often expect a significant return on your investment. If you’re committed to adding on to your house, but you’re wondering about home addition costs, then read on for the cost of home additions—and how to save money.

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Factors in Calculating Home Addition Cost

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Home additions typically cost more than a single-room remodel or renovation since there are more factors to consider, particularly if you’re adding more than a single room’s worth of space. If you add space on the ground floor, contractors will need to add a new foundation plus all the standard building materials from wood to shingles. While some additions can be a simple add-on to the back of the house, others are much more complex and require an architect to ensure the existing home doesn’t lose structural integrity. Knowing the location and style of addition you want to add will help guide the first steps of the budgeting process.

Size and Scope of the Home Addition

As is typical for any construction project, much of the cost is determined by the total size. The bigger the space, the higher the price. According to HomeAdvisor, home additions cost $80 to $200 per square foot. Adding a spare room is a common project, and the average cost ranges from $32,000 to $80,000 for a 20-foot by 20-foot room, with the higher end including more customization or luxury fixtures.

Labor and Permits

There’s no way around most labor costs on a large project like a home addition. They tend to make up 30 to 50 percent of the total price. You’ll be paying for skilled laborers like electricians, roofers, siding contractors, drywallers, and painters, depending on the type of space being built. Additionally, home additions are significant projects that require building permits from local authorities. Obtaining a permit will be the first step a general contractor takes to make sure the project can proceed as planned. Expect to pay between $400 and $1,850 for permits.

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Materials

The range of materials used for home construction is vast: concrete, wood framing, drywall, paint, electrical wiring, ductwork, roofing materials, plumbing, and more. Beyond these basic materials, include any customizations and accents like flooring, exposed beams, lighting, fixtures, windows, and doors into your budget. The cost to build a garage will also be different since you may need fewer common materials for an unfinished garage but then have to include a big-ticket item like an automatic garage door. Each material comes with an associated cost that is based on current market prices for the region.

Geographic Location

Home construction costs vary from state to state and city to city. Homes with the same square footage could have a valuation discrepancy of millions of dollars in some coastal urban areas compared to others cities farther inland. Home addition costs will be reflected by the home’s current valuation and the cost of labor and materials in the region. A booming construction market tends to push prices higher, too.

Building Up vs. Building Out

There are two directions you can build when adding onto a house: up or out. Building up tends to be less expensive and could be your only option on a smaller property. If you have an existing garage, building on top of it is more economical since the foundation is typically built to withstand more weight. Building out is often more expensive since a new foundation will need to be laid, and there may be structural issues to address to make sure the roofline and walls remain strong with the new addition. Talk with your contractor about which option works best for the property and budget.

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Site Preparation, Excavation, Demolition

No matter where you build the add-on, the contractor has to prepare the site for new construction. This could include demolishing part of the roof or house, landscaping, or concrete that’s already on the ground. It costs $1,276 to $5,024 to prepare a site for new construction.

Architectural Services

If you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to build a garage?” then be sure to also factor in an architect’s services. Adding a significant structure to your house should look intentional and match the current style and design to maximize ROI (return on investment) and curb appeal. For $2,020 to $8,400, an architect can draft an updated blueprint that includes all structural considerations and the aesthetics of the home addition. Permit approval will also require these blueprints.

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Contractor Services

Hiring a general contractor may seem daunting and expensive, but the peace of mind knowing they are capable of handling a complex project is worth it. General contractors usually cost $150 per hour, and their total cost can add up to approximately 10 to 30 percent of the final bill. General contractors will obtain permits, hire and coordinate subcontractors, purchase materials, and ensure the job proceeds on schedule.

Cleanup

Home additions generate quite a mess despite efforts to minimize the dirt and debris. As part of the construction process, the contractor should include time and effort for cleaning up the project. This should consist of hauling away any debris or extra materials and cleaning up dirt, dust, and debris from the floors, walls, counters, and windows. It usually costs $550 for a post-construction cleanup.

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Additional Costs and Considerations

Most of the additional costs for home additions are made up of essential materials. The difference in total price will be based on how much of each material is required for the size of the addition, as well as the quality of the material.

Foundation Materials and Installation

Adding a foundation for a home addition is a critical first step that can’t be skipped if building out. On average, the materials will cost $400 to $700 for 100 square feet, but the installation will cost $4,000 to $12,000. Much of these costs will be based on the size of the foundation. To find out how much it is to build a garage, talk with a garage contractor to find out if you’ll need to reinforce the concrete or build it thicker for your vehicles.

Roof Framing and Materials

A waterproof roof makes for a livable space that protects from the weather, so don’t skimp on these materials. Roof framing costs $700 to $900, and roof materials cost $500 to $5,000 for 100 square feet. You’ll want to use the same material as your existing roof, with the closest color match possible. Adding shingles will cost between $80 to $100 per square foot, but steel roofing costs between $75 and $350 per square (10 feet by 10 feet).

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Siding and Trim

Many homes use vinyl siding to complete their exterior with a uniform look, so if your house has siding, you’ll need to budget for adding siding to the new construction. Vinyl siding averages $4 per square foot, and the trim costs $2 to $5 per square foot.

Drywall Ceiling and Walls

While in some climates you could install an unfinished garage without drywall, every other home addition will require drywall to cover up the insulation and electrical wiring and create the dividing walls between other rooms. To drywall 100 square feet, expect to pay $400 to $600. It costs about $1 to $3 per square foot to install drywall on the ceiling and walls.

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Insulation

Any structure considered a habitable space (not a garage) is required to have insulation. The type and thickness requirements are based on local building codes that a contractor will know. It costs $2 per square foot to install insulation. Adding more or thicker insulation will cost more, and using blow-in insulation typically costs at least $2.88 per square foot.

Doors and Windows

Adding natural light is a common preference when adding to a house—but it comes at a cost. Windows are a fast way to increase the cost of an addition, whether by their size or number. At a minimum, it costs $235 to install a window, but you could spend up to $2,500 for a customized window. Doors typically cost $1,000 to install, but hollow interior doors are less expensive than heavy exterior doors or glass doors. In both cases, adding a heavy frame or molding will add cost as well.

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Electrical

Electrical wiring is essential for all home additions to make sure you have light and power for all those electronics. An electrician can wire the room to spec for a rate of $40 to $100 per hour. They’ll make sure the house is built to code to pass inspection when the construction is complete.

Flooring

Whether you’re considering the cost to add a bathroom or a bedroom, you’ll need to decide on the type of flooring you want to install. Linoleum and vinyl are the least expensive options, but you could also choose tile, carpet, or hardwood floors. The price ranges widely from $3 to $20 per square foot, so choose the option that fits your budget.

Plumbing

You might not need to install plumbing if you’re only adding on a bedroom or office; however, bathrooms, kitchens, and in-law apartments will need some plumbing installed to be fully functional. Plumbers typically charge $45 to $200 per hour to install plumbing and fixtures for a bathroom or kitchen.

HVAC

Adding an HVAC system (or extension from an existing system) is necessary for habitable spaces. A garage may not need heating and air conditioning, but a bedroom will. Expect to pay around $1,150 to install new ductwork and vents for an add-on, but that price will increase if you need to add a new zone to the system to accommodate a significant addition.

Landscaping

After the construction is done, you’ll need to turn your attention to the landscaping around the addition. Heavy equipment may have damaged more of the grass than expected, so consider replacing it with new sod to freshen up the space. Otherwise, factor in the cost to update the new area to match the existing landscaping with bushes, trees, or other features. Landscaping a new area could cost between $500 and $2,500.

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Home Addition Cost: Types of Home Additions

Choosing to add on to a house doesn’t have to be limited to a garage or bathroom. If your budget allows, you could expand the home’s footprint with functional and emotionally satisfying spaces ranging from bedrooms to sunrooms to family rooms. These less common options are completely doable and often solve the problem some homeowners have when they cannot find a new, larger house in their desired neighborhood. If you have the space, talk with a contractor about the associated costs of adding on any of the following types of additions.

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Room Addition

Most homeowners are looking to add an extra one or two rooms to their house. This can be done on the ground level or the second floor. Room addition costs mainly depend on the kind of room being installed.

  • Bedroom: A 10-foot by 12-foot bedroom costs $9,600 to $24,000 to build or an average of $80 to $200 per square foot. It costs less than a room that requires plumbing, but you’ll still need to add HVAC ductwork and finish work.
  • Bathroom: Bathrooms can quickly surpass a budget if you have visions of a spacious, spa-like interior. High-end fixtures are the fastest way to increase the cost of a bathroom. You’ll pay between $20,000 and $90,000 to build a new bathroom, but consult with a contractor to determine how much does it cost to add a bathroom for your specific space.
  • Sunroom: In sunny regions, adding a sunroom is a popular option that adds style and helps blend indoors and outdoors. You could build an all-glass or partial-glass sunroom, so the costs range from $25,000 to $80,000. Sunrooms typically don’t include any heating, so you’ll save on HVAC costs. Alternatively, you could purchase a prefabricated sunroom for $11,000.
  • Four-season room: If having a sunroom all year makes you excited, then plan to budget for a sunroom that includes heat during the colder months. This feature will push the price to the higher end of the $25,000 to $80,000 spectrum, with an average of $300 per square foot in some cases.
  • Family room: Creating a larger space for friends and family to gather is increasingly popular. When an outdoor deck isn’t an option due to frequent bad weather, opt to build a new or expanded family room. An 18-foot by 12-foot expansion will cost $17,300 to $43,200, with the higher end including custom built-in cabinets or high-end flooring.
  • Kitchen: If your kitchen is too cramped, then adding more space can be helpful. Due to the complexity of the plumbing and electrical requirements, kitchen additions are more costly: $48,000 to $95,000 for 200 square feet.
  • Laundry room: Design inspirations have made adding a laundry room a top option for home additions in recent years. You could add a new, stylish, functional laundry room for $5,000 to $7,000 for a space that helps you enjoy this chore.
  • Home theater: For cinephiles, adding a home theater might top the wish list. This type of room typically goes in a basement, but extra soundproofing measures will be taken for an additional cost if it needs to be added on the ground level. Obtain a quote to know where your project would fall within the $20,000 to $70,000 range.

Adding a Second Story

When a homeowner decides to add a second story, it’s usually to add more than a single room—adding just a single room on top of a house would look odd. Adding a second story costs $100 to $300 per square foot but could run up to $500 for complex jobs that require more shoring up of the original house. It’s common for second-floor additions to cost $150,000 to $200,000 for an additional 1,000 square feet of space.

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Home Extension Costs

In some cases, you may only need to do a home extension to get the extra space you need. These jobs range from garages and balconies to in-law suites and mudrooms.

  • Garage: If it’s time to protect your cars or add more storage for outdoor equipment, you can expect to pay $23,900 or $49 per square foot for a 2-car garage. An enclosed garage will significantly increase your home value. Adding a detached garage without heating or air costs around $9,000 to $12,000.
  • In-law suite: An in-law suite could range from a simple bedroom to a fully functioning studio apartment–style suite, depending on local building codes. The simple bedroom option costs $44,000, but a detached, fully independent, plumbed suite costs at least $100,000.
  • Front porch: Porch options run from simple step expansions to full wrap-around verandas. Once you decide on the purpose of the porch, whether it’s functional or for entertainment, you can estimate the costs between $12,000 and $30,000.
  • Modular addition: If you own a modular home, be aware that adding on is not always possible if the foundation can’t support it. But it’s possible to have a room addition prefabricated and added for a cost of $20,000 to $30,000. Speak with a contractor to learn which option is feasible for you.
  • Bump-out: A bump-out is a small extension of an existing room. The cost depends on the house’s existing structure and materials, but the average cost is $4,000 to $9,000.
  • Mudroom: A coat closet at the front door doesn’t seem to do the trick for larger families, so you might want to add a mudroom extension. For 36 extra square feet, you could pay $3,600 to $7,200 for a small room with closets, a door, and easy-to-clean flooring.
  • Cantilever: If you’re adding a second floor to your house and want a larger footprint, you may need to cantilever the upper floor. This extends the upper footprint beyond the lower footprint by adding proper joists or even shoring it up with beams on the exterior. A cantilever addition costs $15,000 to $25,000 on average.
  • Balcony: If space on the ground is at a premium—or you just want your own private outdoor space—a balcony is a fast way to gain an outdoor living area. A contractor can securely build a balcony suspended off an upper floor for $4,000 to $9,000.

Attic Conversion

Converting an open attic to a usable living area costs about as much as adding a new room, mostly to make sure there’s proper insulation, ventilation, light, and egress options. You can expect to pay between $40,000 and $50,000 for attic addition or conversion—they’re basically the same thing.

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Benefits of a Home Addition

It’s a toss-up to decide where to spend your hard-earned money sometimes. If buying a new house isn’t an option, but you need extra space, then doing a home addition is a great solution. Home addition costs are well spent when improving and expanding a home. Here are several popular reasons to add to your home that will get you excited for this project.

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More Space

This is likely the number one reason homeowners spend money on home additions. More space is a considerable benefit for growing families, holding large gatherings, or adding storage or living space. Adding only a few feet of space to a cramped bedroom can help couples regain their own space. Expanded living rooms offer more room for families and friends to gather for important events. More space allows for you to adhere to your lifestyle values.

Added Property Value

Many household construction projects increase your property value—the question is by how much. No project offers a dollar-for-dollar return, which is why it’s wise to avoid extravagant upgrades that won’t make a significant difference. However, some projects can boost your property value. A master suite addition returns 63 percent, a bathroom returns 53 percent, and a second-floor addition returns 65 percent. You could speak with a real estate agent or home appraiser to get an idea about which additions and features will best help your property value.

Added Luxury

If your bathroom is as small and basic as it gets, bumping out your bathroom could be a huge benefit that adds spacious luxury to an intimate area. Having a little extra room to take care of your personal needs is fast becoming necessary to appeal to future home buyers. Additionally, expanding a kitchen to add more appliances or counter space is another way to make a common living area appear more luxurious.

More Storage

Building a garage offers two immediate benefits: protection for your vehicles and extra storage space. If you already have a garage but still need extra storage space, bumping out a larger area for a laundry room and mudroom could be a perfect idea. With built-in cabinets and closets, you’ll have plenty of space to store outdoor items or seasonal clothing and bedding.

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Moving Alternative

Almost every homeowner dreads the moving process simply because of the tremendous hassle of packing, moving, and then unpacking your life’s possessions. There’s also the possibility that you cannot find a house that suits your needs in the area you specifically want to raise your family. Choosing to build an addition on your home solves all of those problems—if you have space—and it’s usually cheaper than buying a new house.

Home Addition Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Home additions aren’t much easier than building a home in the sense that each part of the complex construction process is involved—just on a smaller scale. Since home addition costs can quickly become overwhelming, it can be tempting to wonder if you can do at least some of the work on your own. You could safely tackle some DIY tasks, such as removing existing landscaping to prepare the site, doing some demolition on non-structural features, painting the finished room, or installing new landscaping. However, unless you’re skilled at other tasks like plumbing, framing, roofing, or installing drywall, a general contractor should handle the project.

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Home construction projects involve many moving parts to get the job done right and on time. From obtaining permits to scheduling contractors to ensuring materials are up to spec, the money spent on a contractor is worth it. Reputable contractors are licensed and insured to ensure you’re not liable for any accidents that could occur, saving you the potential embarrassment of calling your homeowners insurance company to explain an error you made that will now cost more to repair. You’ll also appreciate that general contractors can obtain some materials and fixtures that aren’t available to the public, so be sure to ask them about any items they may already have on hand or what they could recommend for your project. They’ll help guide your planning and building decisions as you begin this exciting process.

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How to Save Money on Home Addition Cost

Home addition costs quickly jump from affordable to expensive. Since spending more money on a home addition doesn’t guarantee an equal return on your investment, you’ll want to make sure you spend only what needs to be spent. Once you’ve got an idea of your budget and what kind of addition you need, use these suggestions to save money on your home addition cost.

  • Get several bids. It only takes a little more time to get bids from several contractors. This helps you find the one who can create your vision at the price you can afford.
  • Keep it simple but stylish. The fastest way to blow your budget is to choose expensive materials when other options work just as well. Choose what suits your style and your budget.
  • Be flexible when needed. Sometimes you may need to pivot on a choice reasonably quickly for many reasons, like a sudden supplier problem. Or you may realize the double French doors are a luxury that just doesn’t suit your budget when a single door will work just fine.
  • Use discount warehouses or repurposed materials. If you’re a fan of shabby chic or vintage fixtures and furnishings, then thrift your way out of expensive costs by finding deals at unexpected places like Habitat for Humanity or other thrift stores.
  • Carefully consider DIY options. If you’ve never hung drywall, then let the pros handle that job. But if you know your way around a paint store, then be sure to negotiate the paint job out of the bid to save on labor. Also, consider doing your own demolition of old cabinets, nonstructural walls, and landscaping. Remember, you’ll need to haul it away at a cost, though.
  • Make your decisions early and stick to them. Another fast way to rack up extra costs is to constantly change your mind or delay making decisions. A contractor juggles many tasks to make sure the project runs smoothly, so requesting change orders can become costly—as does choosing a different kind of flooring after the first kind was ordered.
  • Check for tax credits or refunds. Many programs are available for homeowners to save money by installing energy-efficient appliances or solar or renewable energy resources.
  • Consider building up rather than out. Have a contractor review your house to determine whether your floor plan will save you money with a build-up rather than a build-out.
  • Look at prefabricated stand-alone options. Sometimes the extra space you need can function as its own building. Ask a contractor about prefabricated modular buildings that can work as an office or studio detached from the house, which reduces the building cost.

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Questions to Ask About Home Addition Cost

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the process of planning and executing a home addition. You’ll need to find a contractor you trust, who is reliable, and who will achieve your vision with ease. Use any of the following questions when talking to a licensed, insured, and bonded general contractor to help make the process easier and avoid miscommunication.

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Can I see a portfolio of your work?
  • How do you calculate home addition costs?
  • Can I review a line item bid?
  • Will you provide a fixed-price contract with a detailed scope of work?
  • Will you pay the subcontractors?
  • What kind of payment schedule do you prefer?
  • What do you suggest as the top ways to save money on this project?
  • Do you already have some extra materials (like flooring) available that I could purchase at a discount?
  • After looking at my house and my ideas, do you have suggestions for materials or designs that may work better?
  • How can we make sure the addition looks like it’s intentionally part of the house rather than sticking out like a sore thumb?
  • Do I need to hire an architect?
  • Will my second-floor addition require us to strengthen the existing foundation? If so, what will that cost?
  • Will you obtain the necessary permits?
  • Are there any zoning restrictions to consider?
  • Will you or a manager be on-site when the subcontractors are here in case of problems or questions?
  • What if I decide to make a big change partway through the project?
  • What hours will the workers be here?
  • Will you have other major projects you’re working on at the same time, or will mine be a priority?
  • What is the anticipated timeline to complete my home addition?
  • How much value will this addition add to my house?
  • What kind of warranties and guarantees do you offer?

FAQs

The options are nearly endless when building a home addition, but choosing a general contractor and laying out a specific plan for your project will get you started on the right foot. As you begin finalizing your decisions, consider these answers to some frequently asked questions.

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Q. How much does a mobile home addition cost?

It’s entirely dependent on the kind of addition. A metal carport costs $2,300 to $4,850, but a porch could cost $4,600 to $22,000. These additions will not be structurally attached to a mobile home to avoid straining the structure.

Q. Does a Cape Cod addition cost more than other home styles?

It might. Cape Cod additions are a unique and stylish way to add space to your house, and with that style often comes extra costs. Speak with a local contractor near you to find out the most cost-effective way to build this style of home addition.

Q. Do I need to hire an architect for additions?

An architect is a must if you’re looking at an extensive addition that alters walls, redesigns room flow, or affects any other major structural changes to the roof or foundation. An architect’s expertise will ensure the addition is structurally sound and meets building code requirements. Suppose you’re doing a simpler addition like a bump-out or single room addition. In that case, you may not need an architect if the general contractor is experienced at updating blueprints and meeting zoning codes.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Fixr, Thumbtack, HomeGuide

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How Much Does a Home Addition Cost?

Often there comes a point when homeowners begin to feel a little cramped in their homes. Whether it’s because of children, pets, or simply too much stuff, houses have a way of shrinking the longer we live in them.

There are plenty of ways to reorganize, repurpose, or to add minimal space here and there. But the ultimate way to add large amounts of fully usable space and to enhance your home’s resale value is to build a home addition. Determining the average cost of a home addition, along with its many variables, is one of the first steps in planning a home addition.

Home Addition Costs

Average Cost $46,000
Low Cost $21,000
High Cost $73,000

Average Cost

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of a home addition is around $46,000. Adding a bathroom to that space brings the total average of a home addition up another $8,000 or more.

Low Cost

Lower cost home additions with few or no expensive services that require extensive electrical and plumbing work and builder-grade materials will cost around $40,000 per 500 square feet. Adding a bathroom brings the cost up to around $48,000 or more.

High Cost

Higher cost home additions with extensive electrical work and higher-grade materials can cost $100,000 per 500 square feet and go up from there. With a well-equipped bathroom, the minimum cost is closer to $113,000.

Factors That Increase Home Addition Costs

Size

The size of the addition is a major determiner of the total cost of the addition. If the average cost of an addition is $140 per square foot, adding more square footage of the same type incrementally increases the cost.

Type of Addition

The purpose of the addition changes its price. A room addition, for example, will cost less than an addition that will operate as a separate apartment. Unlike full-size additions, room additions do not have expensive services such as full or even half bathrooms, plus they have decreased heating and cooling needs, fewer windows and doors, and more straightforward electrical work.

Electrical Work

Electrical work is necessary for even the most basic type of home addition. Electrical code provides for minimum requirements for lighting and outlets. When home additions become large and more complicated, the electrical bill increases exponentially.  

Installing specialty spaces like a home theater, home office, or gym can drive up the cost of the home addition. Added features to other rooms such as electric radiant heating under a bathroom floor may also drive up the price.

Plumbing Work

Much like electrical work, plumbing work is done by licensed professionals. The more plumbing work, the higher overall cost of the addition. Plumbing work has to be tied into the existing plumbing in the main house. 

Bathrooms

Adding a bathroom to a home addition substantially adds to the overall cost. For one, both electrical work and plumbing work are needed. For another, bathrooms tend to use materials that are higher in price per square foot than other areas. 

For example, a moderately priced $500 alcove bathtub covers a little over 13 square feet of the bathroom at just about $40 per square foot—in addition to all of the other basic building costs. Other materials like porcelain tile or natural stone are expensive per-square-foot materials not found in other parts of the home.  

Factors That May Lower Home Addition Costs

Limit the Size

Consider if you need all of the intended space and pare down any unnecessary space. For example, decreasing the size of a living area by one-third will lower the cost of the addition.

Use a Second-Story

Building up (second story) is usually less expensive than building outward, since no foundation work is needed.

Be Flexible

Remain flexible about scheduling for possible discounts.

Supply Your Own Materials

Source some of your own materials to eliminate contractor markup charges. Be sure to discuss this well in advance with your contractor. Contractors generally won’t allow the client to supply building materials like lumber, plumbing, or concrete, but it’s common for clients to supply smaller items like bathroom fixtures.

DIY Finish Work

Doing much or all of the finish work like painting after completion eliminates labor charges and contractor markup fees. As with supplying materials, discuss this with the contractor well before the project starts. Doing DIY work at the end of the project rather than in the middle ensures that the project won’t get slowed down by you.

Resist Unnecessary Changes

Resist the urge to make capricious or unnecessary changes. Changes always drive up the cost of an addition; do so only when absolutely necessary.

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2022 Home Addition Costs | Cost To Add A Room Per Square Foot

Average Cost To Build An Addition

The average cost to build a home addition or add a room is $48,000, with most homeowners spending between $22,500 and $74,000. A room addition costs from $86 to $208 per square foot depending on the room size, materials, labor, location, and if your building-up or out.

Adding a room provides a return on investment of over 50%. To get started, get free estimates from home addition contractors near you.

Home Addition Cost
National Average Cost $48,000
Minimum Cost $7,000
Maximum Cost $155,000
Average Range
$22,500
to
$74,000

Table of Contents

  1. Average Cost To Build An Addition
  2. Home Addition Cost
  • Cost Per Square Foot
  • Cost Calculator
  • Room Addition Cost
    • Cost Calculator
    • Add a Bedroom
    • Master Bedroom
    • Bathroom
    • Sunroom
    • 4 Season Room
    • Family Room
    • Kitchen
  • Cost To Add A Second Story
  • Home Extension Costs
    • Garage
    • In-Law Suite
    • Front Porch
    • Modular Addition
    • Bump-Out
    • Mudroom
    • Cantilever
    • Balcony
  • Cost Factors To Expand House
    • Add On or Build Up?
  • Planning Your House Addition
    • Return On Investment
    • How To Save
  • Tips For Hiring A Contractor
  • Home Addition Contractors Near Me
  • Home Addition Cost

    There are many options to choose from when planning to add extra space to your home. You can add a bathroom, master bedroom suite, build an in-law apartment, build a detached garage, family room, or add a second floor.

    Building an addition increases the square footage, which adds value to a home. Each type of addition project has estimated prices primarily based on the size that we’ll cover below.

    Home Addition Cost Per Square Foot

    A home addition costs between $86 and $208 per square foot, with most spending $128 per square foot on average. The final cost depends on if your building-up or building-out, labor costs, and the quality of materials used.

    Home Addition Cost Per Square Foot
    Quality Cost Per Square Foot
    Basic $86
    Average $128
    Luxury $208

    On average, the addition consists of a basic room with necessary electrical wiring and little to no plumbing. Features such as bedrooms and bathrooms with luxury fixtures start raising that square footage price. Every door, window, and wall adds to the price. The more luxurious the design of the addition, like a chef’s gourmet kitchen with smart appliances and heavier electrical needs, the higher the price—at $400 per square foot or higher.

    Home Addition Cost Calculator

    Calculating by square footage is quite accurate when trying to assess the final cost of an addition. An average 300 square foot addition costs $25,800 to $62,400 while a 400 square foot addition runs $34,400 to $83,200. Costs below are figured at $86 and $208 per square foot to show the most basic cost to the highest.

    Home Addition Cost Estimator
    Square Feet Average Cost
    200 $17,200 – $41,600
    250 $21,500 – $52,000
    300 $25,800 – $62,400
    400 $34,400 – $83,200
    500 $43,000 – $104,000
    600 $51,600 – $124,800
    800 $68,800 – $166,400
    1,000 $86,000 – $208,000

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    Room Addition Cost

    At $128 per square foot, a 10×20 bedroom addition costs $25,600 on average, while a 20×20 family room ranges from $51,200. When adding a bathroom that requires plumbing, expect to spend from $18,000 to $47,000.

    Room Addition Cost
    Room Size Average Cost
    10×10 $8,600 – $15,500
    10×20 $17,200 – $31,600
    12×12 $12,400 – $22,300
    16×16 $22,100 – $39,700
    20×20 $34,400 – $62,200

    There are many ways to increase your square footage. You can build up by adding a second floor, or you can build out and add a room by adding a section of house that attaches through an opening in an outside wall. You can also convert one kind of room to another kind of room better suited to meet your needs. You can build a detached garage or workshop. All options qualify as a house addition.

    When considering a significant room addition, be sure to consult with an architect to draft the design and style you’re looking for. Next, hire a structural engineer to make sure the addition plans are sound before construction. Finally, hire a general contractor who will coordinate all the development and building in the correct order.

    Adding A Room To A House

    It’s impossible to figure the exact cost of adding a room to a house until you know the size of the room and every aspect of what’s built into it. The cost of labor in the area where you live will also impact the price. The following examples reflect the general cost of the project.

    Room Addition Cost Calculator
    Room Average Cost
    Bedroom $10,300 – $24,900
    Master Bedroom Suite $59,400 – $96,500
    Bathroom $18,000 – $47,000
    Sunroom $8,100 – $30,000
    Family Room $34,400 – $83,200
    Kitchen $25,100 – $43,400
    Second Story $100,000 – $350,000

    Cost To Add A Bedroom

    The cost to add a bedroom is $100 to $155 per square foot, or about $10,300 to $24,900 on average. A small 12×12 bedroom (144-square-feet) with a foundation and a roof will cost in the neighborhood of $12,400 to $22,300 if you choose to add it to the side of the house.

    Variables would include how many outlets are installed, the type and amount of lighting, the type of roof that matches the existing house, and the flooring. Other options that affect the bedroom addition cost are the size of the closet, the type of doors on the closet, and the size and number of windows and window seats.

    Master Bedroom Addition Cost

    The cost of a 464-square-foot master bedroom suite addition including a master bathroom costs between $59,400 and $96,500 or more. This custom-built project includes a 289 sqft. bedroom, a 50 sqft. closet, and 125 sqft. bathroom. A luxury master bedroom with a spa-like bathroom will cost $100,000 and up.

    A master bedroom is usually bigger, from 200 to 350 square feet. It has a walk-in closet that can be anywhere from 25 to 100 square feet in size with its own private master bathroom, which can range in size from 108 to 156 square feet. In luxury homes, the master suite can be quite a bit larger.

    Lately, the trend in luxury homes is to have a master suite, which is like a small apartment on its own. It can include a sitting room, an exercise room, or even a swim spa. Many times the walk-in closet will host its own washer and dryer, and the sitting room may have a tiny kitchenette. Add a set of French doors or a deck or balcony, and the costs rise, but so does the luxury.

    Bathroom Addition Cost

    A bathroom addition costs from $18,000 to $47,000 when building out versus remodeling an existing space. A spa-like mast bathroom can cost $80,000 or more. The National Association of Realtors report says your investment will yield a 50% return of costs when the time comes to sell, but a bonus is that buyers are quicker to buy a house with the same number of bathrooms as bedrooms. In general, adding a bathroom is one of the more expensive home additions due to the amount of plumbing in such a small space.

    Sunroom Addition Cost

    A sunroom addition costs $8,000 to $80,000 with most homeowners spending around $100 to $350 per square foot on average for materials, slab, and professional assembly. Smaller sunrooms in high wind or snow load climates cost more than larger units built in mild climates.

    Prices depend if it’s a three-season or four-season sunroom, the size, and if it’s custom built. Custom designed and engineered sunrooms cost between $300 and $400 per square foot. Most prefabricated sunroom kits are built offsite and then delivered to your home, but you’ll need to:

    1. Pour a 6” slab foundation at about $6.50/square foot.
    2. Have an electrician add power, air, and heat to the sunroom’s rough-ins at $40–$100/hour. (HVAC $2.51/LF, Electric Service $9.77/LF)
    3. Get building permits for $100–$300.
    4. Match roofing materials
    5. Add flooring at $2–$8 per square foot.
    Cost of 4 Season Room Addition

    Adding a 4-season sunroom or solarium costs $180 to $250 per square foot or about 20% more than a three-season room. Costs vary with the wind load and snow load required. Choose from a four-season room, by adding a heating and cooling system to the three-season room, or a solarium, by enclosing the patio with a glass roof and panels.

    Since sunrooms are mostly comprised of glass, they can be built to match the aesthetic of any home décor. Save on your cost to build a sunroom addition by putting in a window AC unit and a plug-in heater rather than extending the HVAC ducting into the new sunroom.

    Family Room Addition Cost

    The addition of a 400-square-foot family room costs between $34,400 and $83,200, or about $86 to $200 per square foot. The family room addition cost covers the new foundation and roofing, all outside walls with siding and insulation, and all electrical work (and plumbing is extra if a new bathroom comes with the family room). Heating and AC ductwork is installed and connected to the furnace. Flooring, windows, and lighting fixtures are all included in that price.

    Kitchen Addition Cost

    A kitchen addition costs between $25,100 to $43,400 on average, while an upscale kitchen can cost $100,000 or more. The lower price describes a standard 10×10 kitchen with fixtures that are low- to mid-range. The upper price encompasses higher-priced appliances and larger square footage. When you move into the area of gourmet kitchens, the increase in cost is mostly on high-end appliances, countertops, and fixtures.

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    Cost To Add A Second Story

    The average cost to add a second story is $100 to $300 per square foot. Building a second story addition with multiple rooms costs $100,000 to $350,000, depending on the size, complexity, and quality of materials.

    You’re essentially building an entirly new house on top of your existing home without the cost of a foundation. All the plumbing will have to be brought up to the second floor, as well as the electrical wiring. Framing and drywall must be installed to create rooms, and all walls and ceilings painted.

    Building a second story over a garage costs more if the garage is detached and the existing foundation isn’t of a high enough quality to support a second floor.

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    Home Extension Costs

    Home Extension Cost
    Room Average Cost
    Garage $14,100 – $42,300
    In-Law Suite $78,000 – $135,000
    Front Porch $2,900 – $20,000
    Bump-Out $5,000 – $30,000
    Mudroom $7,500 – $25,000
    Cantilever $10,000 – $30,000
    Balcony $3,000 – $10,000
    Dormer $2,000 – $25,000
    Greenhouse $500 – $6,000
    Entryway $700 – $1,200
    Basement $24,000 – $46,000

    Garage Addition Cost

    The cost to build a 2-car garage is about $23,900 or about $49 per square foot. The cost to add on a 1-car garage is about $10,800, while a 3-car garage can be added on to your home for between $28,200 to $42,700.

    This basic garage addition cost includes no high-end customizations. It’s merely a place to park your cars. Generally, the larger the square footage, the less it will cost, in the case of building a garage. The price depends on the cost of local materials and labor, and you’ll want to match the color and type of roofing and siding materials. A garage addition can recoup about 80% of the cost in relation to the home’s increased equity.

    Building an attached garage is cheaper, but if you want to construct a detached garage, expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 more. Also, check with local building codes and HOA rules to make sure you’re allowed to build a detached garage on your lot.

    1. 1-car detached garage $13,200
    2. 2-car detached garage $24,200

    In-Law Suite Addition Costs

    The average cost of an in-law suite addition is $90,000, with most spending between $78,000 and $135,000 for a 600–750 square foot dwelling. An in-law suite includes one bedroom and one bathroom, a kitchenette, laundry room, living room, and perhaps some storage on the back porch. It is a good investment in the value of your home, and if your guests visit occasionally, it can be rented out per night. When it comes to selling your home, this is a great listing item.

    Front Porch Addition Cost

    At an average of $45 per square foot, a small front porch addition costs about $2,900 while a porch running the full width of your home ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. Adding a screened-in porch will cost between $18,000 and $24,000. The final price depends on the size and complexity of the porch. Any porch option you decide to go with will add curb appeal and have a good return of 30%–60% on your investment.

    Adding a Modular Addition to Existing Home

    Adding a modular addition to an existing home costs $90 per square foot before the additional cost of site prep, excavation, and a poured foundation. Modular addition pricing for adding a second floor to your home with a modular home (rather than a stick-built buildup) is about $98,000.

    This is for a master bedroom suite and two other bedrooms with an open area to the house below. It is comparable to stick-built costs, but the length of time your home is under construction will be shorter since the modular is built offsite and shipped to you.

    Bump-Out Addition Cost

    A kitchen bump-out addition costs $5,000 to $30,000. Bumping out two feet along one side of the kitchen is more cost-effective than adding on an entire room to get a bigger kitchen, although you can add up to 15 feet in a bump out if you add footings or more foundation.

    If one side of your kitchen is ten feet long, bumping it out two feet will give you an extra twenty square feet without needing to add support posts (cantilevered). Two feet may not seem like much, but it is enough room to allow you to add an island or a breakfast nook, and you don’t have to pay more for additional HVAC ducts or wiring. You also don’t need to extend roofing, as most bump outs are roofed like a carport—with a flat-roofed section.

    Mudroom Addition Cost

    The cost of adding a mudroom to your home is about $7,500 to $25,000. Build a 50-square foot mudroom for about $7,500 or a 100-square foot mudroom with a bathroom and shower for about $15,000.

    Add a mudroom as a place to:

    • Change your shoes and hang up your coat.
    • Store pet supplies or a pet bathing area.
    • Use the bathroom and shower.
    • Clean up after coming in from the yard or after working on the car.
    • Install cubbies for every member of the family to store backpacks, jackets, boots, and winter gear.

    Cantilever Addition Cost

    The cost of a two-foot cantilever addition is about $17,000. A cantilever is a micro-addition bump-out that juts out from your house without the benefit of a foundation. It’s a cost-effective way to add up to two feet of width to your room. A cantilever is achieved by sistering new joists to the old joists. The new joists will jut out from the edge of the house, giving you a foundation, of sorts, to build your bump out on. The length they jut out depends upon the depth of the joist.

    • The formula is depth x 4’= length.
    • If your joists are a 2’ x 8’ (which is only 7 ¼” deep), those joists can extend 29” past the building.
    • 4’ x 7.25’ = 29 square feet

    This formula allows for the safe execution of the bump out, being sure it will support itself and any humans who might sit in that spot. Check your local building codes for the proper formula for your area.

    Balcony Addition Cost

    The cost of adding an outdoor balcony is $15 to $35 per square foot for wood or $3,600 for a small steel balcony. Posts must be anchored securely. It’s an economical way to increase your living space without having to build a foundation or a roof, and a lovely way to enjoy the sunset or the breeze during hot summer days.

    Dormer Addition Cost

    On average, it costs $2,000 to $7,000 for a small dormer and about $25,000 for a large one. Add more light, ventilation, space, views, and a possible emergency exit. Add in when your roof is replaced to save on costs. The steeper your existing roof, the lower the price of the dormer.

    Conservatory Addition Cost

    Adding a conservatory costs $200 to $600 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $50,000 to $150,000. Usually used as a sunroom or greenhouse and built with a wood or aluminum frame, it’s a four-season room with roofing, wiring, foam sealing, double-paned windows, HVAC, fireproofing, and a protective coating. It will cost more to install if you live in a high-wind or snow-load climate.

    Additional Home Expansion Costs

    • Greenhouse – $500 to $6,000 – Order online or have one custom built.
    • Camelback – $100 to $150 per square foot – Build a second story behind and over a portion of the front of the house, so the front look of the home stays the same.
    • Entryway – $700 to $1,200 with $5 to $7/SF of that for the extended roofing – Build an extended roof with columns in front of the house to provide a sheltered area for visitors.
    • Basement – $24,000 to $46,000 – Finish out your empty basement for extra living space.

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    Cost Factors To Expand House

    Many factors can increase the price of any home remodeling project by thousands of dollars. For example, the need for a new plumbing system, pouring a reinforced concrete slab, or landscaping around the new addition will add to your final cost.

    The following construction costs to expand your house are based on adding a 278-square-foot bedroom or bathroom to your home.

    Cost To Expand House
    Construction Average Cost
    Site Work $1,660
    Foundation $2,675
    Framing $4,285
    Exterior Finishes $3,500
    Major Systems $3,410
    Interior Finishes $7,080
    Final Steps $1,730

    Cost Factors

    • Permits – Permits typically cost $100 to $300 each. If you need to run special tests, such as soil testing, expect building permits to run over $1,000.
    • Architectural Design – Architects cost $2,000 to $5,000 or $100 to $250 hourly to design your addition.
    • Site Preparation, Excavation & Demolition – To prepare the site for construction expect to spend $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
    • Concrete & Foundation – Pouring a foundation and concrete footings costs $4 to $8 per square foot or about $113 to $126 per cubic yard.
    • Roofing – Roofing on new construction typically costs $7 to $10 per square foot depending on the materials used.
    • Insulation – Blown-in insulation typically costs $2.88 per square foot to install.
    • Siding – Installing exterior stucco siding and trim finishes costs about $8 per square foot.
    • Drywall – Gypsum wallboard or drywall costs $2 per square foot to install.
    • Windows – The average cost for a standard-size window that is double-hung, double-pane, and energy-efficient is $400 to $800.
    • Flooring – Resilient flooring or carpeting typically costs $2 to $4 per square foot for installation.
    • Plumbing – Installing rough-in plumbing and fixtures will cost between $450 and $1,800 per fixture.
    • Electrical – The cost to install an electrical system with wiring typically costs $2 to $4 per square foot.
    • HVAC & Ducting – Installing additional ductwork typically costs $800 to $1,600.
    • Crown Molding – The average cost to install crown molding is $7 to $16 per linear foot depending on the materials chosen and labor costs.
    • Landscaping – Fixing the landscaping around your new addition can cost $500 to $2,500
    • Final Cleanup – To rent a dumper and dispose of debris, expect to spend $500 to $1,000.
    • Overhead & Profit – Overhead and profit for the construction company will typically add 10% to your final cost.

    Should You Add On or Build Up?

    Many people assume that it might be cheaper to build up to avoid laying a new foundation. Building up can cost a little less at $100 to $150 per square foot, but not always. Foundations are built to withstand a specific load, and building another story may require beefing up the foundation as well as the existing walls.

    • Build Up – If your home is too close to the property line or you can’t add any more impervious cover percentage on the lot (the ground surface that doesn’t absorb rainfall), building up may be your only option. If you must build up, consider building over the garage. A garage is built over a slab foundation and can handle the weight of another floor. Check with local building codes and HOA rules regarding how high you can build up.
    • Build Out – The cost of a new foundation (to build out) may be comparable to the cost of beefing up the existing foundation and strengthening the walls that might be needed if you build up. Also, consider the cost of bringing the plumbing and electric wiring up to the second level.

    Permits and Restrictions

    Room addition permits cost $200 to $600 on average. Permits ensure that your addition will not go over the allowed impervious cover percentage on your lot, and inspections ensure the drainage around your home is functional, electrical and plumbing work is done to code, and you don’t break any rules on the height of your house and fence.

    When it comes to dealing with getting permits for a house addition, having a contractor is a godsend. Some permit approval has been known to hold things up by up to six or even twelve months, whereas a contractor can get the job done faster.

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    Planning Your House Addition

    Creating home addition plans is a major project and as such, will require the use of a general contractor—unless you are experienced in all phases of construction and like to have a weekend project that will last for months.

    A good general contractor will know which permits to obtain, and they will have subcontractors ready to work on the various parts of your addition. Things like electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC will need to be subcontracted. They may even subcontract the painting, roof, and concrete foundation work. A contractor will also be able to give input on your home addition ideas.

    Home Addition Plans

    Home addition plans and blueprints cost $1,000 to $3,000. You’ll need to have a plan, so everyone on the building crew knows what their job entails.

    Are Architects Needed for Additions?

    Hiring an architect is the best idea to be sure the addition flows seamlessly into your existing home. While no building code says an architect must be hired, it’s good to hire one at the beginning of the project. An architect is trained in design and engineering.

    Architects know how to solve problems with the design, flow, integration, the complication of roof lines, and making your existing home look like the addition has been there all along. If your architect isn’t good, your contractor will charge more because of the shoddy work and communication. A good architect, on the other hand, can help increase your home’s value with their designs.

    Will the Addition Add Value to Your Home?

    The majority of additions add value and offer a 50% return on investment. Some types of home renovations will have a better return on investment than others. Generally,

    • An extra bedroom recoups 50%
    • Second bathroom recovers 60%
    • In-law suite recoups 100%
    • A two-story addition recoups 60%

    Your home should still fit into the context of the neighborhood. If you live in an area with all one-story homes, adding a second floor to your home may not realize a good return. If you decide to sell your home, you need to keep the comparable prices of the surrounding area in mind. No matter how nice the addition to your home is, if it’s priced far above similar homes, you won’t see as great of a return on investment.

    Some things we do to our homes are just for us, with no thought for resale value, and that’s okay—our homes should be exactly the way we want them.

    Agree on Price and Payment Schedules

    Before you begin any home addition, you must have a good understanding with your general contractor. Everything should be put down in writing with detailed line-by-line costs, and both parties should fully agree to the terms.

    It’s a normal thing to put a down-payment on a construction project and then to make payments along the way. Your contract with your general contractor will spell out when those payments are due, such as after framing is completed or three months into the project.

    Keep in mind that unexpected costs will come up. It’s impossible to know what’s behind the walls or under the floor until those spaces are opened up and exposed to the light of day. There should be a contingency amount of money built into your contract, but even that could be exceeded.

    How Can You Save Money?

    There are many ways to save money on a home addition project. Even if you’re not a handy, DIY kind of person, you can do things like preparing the site, clean up, haul away, or deliver to save on remodeling costs.

    • Prepare the site – Before anyone can start working on a project, it must be accessible. If you’re going to attach a new room to the outside of your home, landscaping may need to be moved or taken out. Furniture needs to be moved, and window coverings are taken down. There is no reason to pay someone to do these things.
    • Demolition – Do your own demolition. Tearing down the walls and hauling off the debris can save you money.
    • Purchasing – Ask your contractor if they have leftover materials that could be used for your addition. Many times the general contractor is glad to get rid of them, instead of ordering new materials. Use stock sizes of things instead of custom. If you’re putting in a new bathroom, buying a pre-made vanity cabinet will cost less than one you order, made to your measurements.
    • Clean up – Construction is a messy business. Lumber scraps, sawdust, drywall dust—all should be cleaned up as the project moves along. You don’t want drywall dust settling into the newly painted/finished hardwood floors. Clean up every day. Some contractors charge as much as $200 a day just for cleanup.
    • Haul away – There is always debris to haul away, such as the wall of your home that gets demolished to attach the new addition, the lumber scraps, the cabinets that are taken out to make room for the new cabinets, or the old bathroom fixtures. Don’t demolish the cabinets that you take out of your existing kitchen, reuse them in your garage or an outdoor potting shed.
    • Deliver – The general contractor will deliver most items as things come in from the manufacturer or lumberyard, but you can make yourself available to make trips to the home improvement store or lumberyard to pick up various things. Your general contractor may or may not be willing to give this job to you, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

    You can also save money by doing finish work like painting or sanding baseboards.

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    Tips For Hiring A Home Addition Contractor

    You always want to hire the best contractors you can afford. This is your home they are working on, and you want it to be safe and right. Some things to keep in mind when hiring a contractor are,

    • Make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded. Call your state’s licensing bureau and their insurance company and check to make sure both are still valid.
    • Check online reviews on several different review sites, including HomeGuide and Google.
    • Make sure they have been in business for at least 3 to 5 years.
    • Get 3 to 5 bids to compare.
    • Be very specific about what you want. Do the research and determine what kind of flooring, windows, roofing, and paint you want.
    • The more details you can give the contractor, the more accurate the cost estimates will be.

    Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted home addition contractors:

    Get free estimates

    References

    References

    21 Homeowners’ Project Costs on HomeGuide. HomeGuide.com.

    Pray, R. (2019) Craftsman National Construction Estimator. Craftsman Book Company

    Pray, R. (2019) Craftsman Home Improvement Estimator. Craftsman Book Company

    Pray, R. (2019) Craftsman Repair and Remodeling Estimator. Craftsman Book Company

    2019 Crown Molding Costs | Per Foot Prices & Cost To Install. https://homeguide.com/costs/crown-molding-cost

    How Much Does A Home Addition Cost?

    You’re feeling pinched in your house; you need more space. Or, you love your house — but you still need more space. A home addition could be the solution. It’s a thought many homeowners have had over the last two pandemic years, and given the shortage of housing and skyrocketing property prices, adding rooms to residences has gotten more common than ever — even though they are some of the most expensive and time-consuming of home renovations.

    The cost of a home addition typically ranges from $21,000 to $74,000, putting the average project right at $46,000. But really, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $150,000 depending on the type and size of the addition, the materials used, labor and your location, according to HomeAdvisor. Here’s how the prices play out, what contributes to the costs, and some tips on financing and saving money on the project.

    How much do home additions cost?

    Since “home addition” can encompass a tremendous variety of things — anything from a single small room to an entire story or wing — generalizing about cost is tough. Generally the size of the addition (the number of rooms or floors involved) and the nature of the addition (the types of rooms) are the key factors, along with the building materials and the types of contractors required. Other factors that often influence cost include design of the house, the surroundings and zoning requirements. Because of these variations, homeowners with two similar properties undergoing the same additions can end up with significantly different tabs.

    Depending on all the above, a home addition can cost as low as $25 per square foot or as high as $400 per square foot. Interestingly, ground-floor rooms cost less per square foot than second-story rooms: $80 to $200 vs $100 to $300, according to Angi.

    Online calculators can offer a rough idea of what you’re in for, but of course for the most accurate quote, you’ll need a professional builder’s estimate, customized for your particular project. Also keep in mind that unforeseen expenses may pop up, and for this reason, it is a good idea to budget about 20 percent extra for the home addition.

    What affects the cost of home additions?

    Getting down to cases, what variables play into the cost of a home addition?

    The size and extent of the house addition

    Home additions are typically priced per square foot. However, while size does matter, calculating the price by square foot alone (which is what a lot of online calculators basically do) will likely result in an inaccurate estimate. A 100-square-foot addition will not cost double what a 50-square-foot addition costs, but just increase the price by one-third.

    Why? Because no matter what its size, a home addition often involves the same amount of work for the contractors, from initial design to final clean-up. Far more significant is the complexity of the project.

    Basic home additions — that is, closets or bare-bones rooms with rudimentary electrical wiring — generally cost the least because they are easier and quicker to complete. Once plumbing gets involved, the cost begins to climb. And it continues to do so with each additional detail, like windows or doors or walls.  The more complex or luxurious these features, plus furnishings and appliances, the higher the costs. 

    The house addition’s location

    Indoor and outdoor obstacles need to be removed or relocated to make room for an addition, which in turn drives up the project cost. Where do you plan to build your home addition, and what’s there right now? Think about landscaping, HVAC systems, electrical wiring and even hidden features like underground pipes.

    The house addition’s building materials

    Most people who build home additions want the new parts of their homes to match the existing residence. So, you’ll have to pay for whatever materials were originally used to build your house — and if that means wood siding, triple the cost of  vinyl siding, c’est la vie. You’ll also likely need to extend the roof to cover the addition, and this too should ideally match the original.

    Common construction materials costs
    Paint $25-$40/gallon
    Drywall $12-$20/panel
    Concrete $125/cubic yard
    Steel $15-$25/square foot
    Lumber $400-1,500/1000 board feet
    Insulation $2/square foot
    Cement $130/ton

    Contractor costs for the house addition

    From architects and engineers to painters and roofers, a lot of labor costs, and different types of laborers, get involved in home additions. Relating to the complexity of the job, the more skilled or specialized the sub-contractor, the  more expensive their services will be (think plumbers and electricians). All told, contractor labor costs make up about 30 to 50 per cent of a total budget, according to Angi. Make sure to get quotes from at least five different general contractors before you make up your mind. 

    Local zoning laws

    Every municipality has different zoning laws for home additions, and your home addition cost could go up if you need to obtain permits and meet certain compliance standards. Water drainage, septic systems and electrical wiring are just a few examples of components that could be regulated. A qualified local builder will be able to inform you about the requirements in your area.

    Home addition costs by room type

    Another way to calculate costs of a home addition is by the type of room. For example:

    • Simple room: The cost of adding a spare room or simple living room up to 10×10 square feet could be between $8,600 and $15,500. Increase the square feet, and the cost will quickly go up, anywhere between $17,000 and $60,000.
    • Master bedroom: Because they usually have an attached bathroom and closets, master bedroom addition costs can quickly skyrocket. For a master bedroom between 200 and 400 square feet, the expense could be as low as $59,000 or as steep as $100,000. The more luxurious the project, the more money it involves; but these “master suites” recoup their cost and increase a house’s value by around 55 percent, the National Association of Realtors’ “2021 Cost vs Value Report” says.
    • Bathroom: Building out a bathroom can cost between $18,000 and $47,000. Although it is one of the most expensive rooms to add or remodel, according to the National Association of Realtors, it also increases the resale value of the house by more than 50 percent.
    • Kitchen: The cost of adding a kitchen mostly depends on the square footage and the price of the appliances. For a standard, 10×10 kitchen with low- or mid-range appliances, the cost can be $25,000 to $43,000. Luxury kitchens with high-end appliances can cost as much as $100,000.
    • Second story: Adding a second floor to a home is almost like building an entire house from scratch. The cost can run $300 to $500 per square foot, especially since replacement of the roof is going to be involved. Depending on how many rooms are being built, the total expense can easily slide into six figures.

    Tips for saving on home addition costs

    If you’re worried about how much house additions cost, there are plenty of tricks you can use to bring the final price of a new room down, including:

    • Converting or extending an existing space, instead of a building entirely new one.
    • Taking advantage of tax refunds/rebates for energy-efficient construction and features
    • Using less-expensive materials: many synthetics or pre-fab materials quite convincingly sub for “the real thing” 
    • Avoiding fancy customizations.
    • Identifying jobs or finishing touches you can complete on your own.
    • Shopping around for the best interest rate on financing.

    How to finance the cost of your home addition

    Given how expensive home additions are, you might need to borrow to pay for the project. Even if you have the means to cover your home addition, it is smart to consider financing options. The following are some of the loans available to homeowners. 

    Home improvement loan: Also called a personal loan, it works like any standard loan: Borrow a lump sum, on which you have to pay interest for the repayment period that you choose. If your expenditure is not enormous and you only need a fixed sum of money for your project, you could take out a home improvement loan and repay it over a period of 12 to 60 months.

    Home equity loan: This option works like a second mortgage, where you borrow money using your house as a collateral. A home equity loan has a fixed interest rate and a set repayment period, and if you itemize the interest, it may also be tax-deductible.

    Home equity line of credit: Although a similar concept as a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) acts like a credit card, where you can borrow against it, repay the loan, and then borrow again, up to a certain limit. It also has variable interest rates.

    Next steps in your home addition

    If you love the location of your house but wish you had more space — or different sorts of space — a home addition may be a great option. Before you commit to one, determine the scope of your project. Think about what type of addition would be best for your lifestyle needs.

    Then, secure the ideal contractor and source of funding for your situation. Shop around for the best home improvement loans. Also, look at your budget and the costs of borrowing. Don’t borrow more than you can comfortably afford, and be sure you can comfortably repay the debt.

    As your project gets started, remember to be patient and keep in mind that there are likely to be roadblocks and delays along the way.

    Home additions don’t come cheap — the most elaborate, multi-room projects can easily exceed $100,000. Still, they’re a lot less expensive and less hassle than buying and moving to another place. And when done right, a home addition can make a house feel brand new. 

    Learn more:

    • The top 4 home renovation mistakes — and 4 tips for avoiding them
    • How much does it cost to finish a basement?
    • How much does HVAC installation cost?

    Adding a Bedoom or Office? How Much Does a Room Addition Cost?

    You love your space, but honestly, you could use a little more space. If you add a home office, an ensuite, or just a few more feet to your kitchen, you could transform your house into a forever home. So around how much would a room addition cost? According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners spent on average $20,803 to $72,585 to add onto their homes. That’s a helpful start, but that’s a pretty big range.

    To zero in on the most current average costs and how much of the cost you can hope to recoup when you sell, we spoke with several experts:

    • Allison Harris, a top real estate agent with Keller Williams in Savannah, Georgia, who has over 251 real estate transactions under her belt
    • Jerome Leyba, a top real estate agent for Keller Williams in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who specializes in new construction
    • Mark Poulton, a project manager at TraVek Inc. with 36 years of building an home remodeling experience
    • Jim Pitzen, a licensed architect and design consultant at the S.J. Janis Company

    We break down room additions by the project to help you craft a custom estimate. Our comprehensive guide to room addition costs covers:

    • Room addition cost overview
    • Room addition cost by project
      • Home office
      • Bump out
      • Dormer
      • Balcony
      • Laundry room
      • Mudroom
      • Porch
      • Sunroom
      • Cantilever
      • Garage
      • Bathroom
      • Kitchen
      • Master suite
      • In-law suite
      • Theater room (media or game room)
    • Labor cost breakdown
    • Questions to ask your contractor
    • Frequently asked questions about room addition costs
    • Estimate room addition costs and value in your market
    • Weigh the cost of a room addition with the reward

    Source: (Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash)

    Room addition cost overview

    Depending on the function of the room and the type of addition (ie, bathroom or home office, bump out or full addition), the size and cost of your addition will vary. Below is a list of the most common room additions and their costs. We’ll take a closer look at each project in the next section.

    Home office: $18,000 – $35,000
    Bump out: $1,700 – $18,900
    Dormer: $43,801 – $75,563
    Balcony: $600 – $2,400
    Laundry room: $5,000 – $8,000
    Mudroom: $10,000 – $14,000
    Porch: $4,600 – $22,000
    Sunroom: $10,000 – $80,000
    Cantilever: $15,000 – $25,000
    Garage: $22,000 – $43,000
    Bathroom: $20,000 – $60,000
    Kitchen: $13,300 – $37,500
    Master suite: $25,000 – $100,000
    In-law suite: $40,000 – $125,000
    Theater: $70,000 – $90,000

    Methodology

    Angi analyzes homeowner surveys to determine average spending of completed home improvement projects.

    HomeAdvisor gathers millions of real project costs from real homeowners in more than 10,000 U.S. cities and towns.

    Fixr reviews cost information with experts in different fields of home improvement or design. They also check specialized publications, cost studies, and U. S. government reports.

    Remodeling Calculator uses prices that are an aggregate of input from hundreds of pros across the U.S. as well as rigorous pricing research that is regularly updated.

    In Santa Fe, it’s a huge bonus to homebuyers if the homeowner builds an additional bedroom or finishes out an unfinished space, adding heated square footage that can be used as an office space.

    Room addition cost by project

    With the help of our experts, we determined the most asked-for room additions and calculated the costs and return on investment (ROI), when available. They include:

    Home office

    A home office is currently one the most commonly sought-after features of a home, according to Leyba. While there is increased demand for home offices, according to the Chicago Tribune, the added market value may not be what you’re expecting. However, a home office addition could be tax deductible if you’re self-employed.

    If you must have the additional space, one of the best ways to save on the cost of a home office is to bump out a wall (see below for bump out costs). However, if you need to increase square footage with an entire room addition, you can increase the value of the addition if it can also serve as a bedroom — this means including a minimum of 70 square feet, a window, and closet in your home office.

    Leyba explains, “In Santa Fe, it’s a huge bonus to homebuyers if the homeowner builds an additional bedroom or finishes out an unfinished space, adding heated square footage that can be used as an office space.”

    • Average ROI of home office: 53 – 75% if it qualifies as a bedroom
    • Average home office size: 50 – 150 square feet
    • Average home office cost: $100 – $200 per square foot

    Bump out

    Bumping out a wall is one of the most common ways to extend your living space. A bump out (also known as a micro addition) is also an economical way to increase living space without the need for additional supports or foundation. The cost to bump out a wall depends on the length and depth of the build. It’s difficult to determine the ROI of a bump out, however, there is added value in increasing the square footage of your home.

    • Average bump out size: 2 – 15 feet deep
    • Average bump out cost: $85 – $210 per square foot

    Dormer

    A dormer is a second story addition that is typically incorporated into an attic remodel. Built out from the slope of the roof, a dormer adds light, ventilation, space, and a fire escape to an attic or loft space. They also increase visual appeal and value of a home. A dormer will cost more per square foot if it’s a bathroom addition. While dormers have a low ROI, they have an added lifetime value of reducing electric bills.

    • Average ROI of dormer: 40%
    • Average dormer size: 240 square feet
    • Average dormer cost: $140 – 160 per square foot
    • Average dormer bathroom price: $160 – $170 per square foot

    Balcony

    Add value, appeal and outdoor living space to your home with a second story (or higher) balcony addition. The cost of a balcony addition depends on several factors, including: design, size, materials, type of balustrade or railing, and the contractor you hire.

    • Average balcony size: 40 square feet
    • Average balcony cost: $20 – $90 per square foot ($35 per square foot average cost)

    Laundry room

    If your laundry room is situated in a place that requires you to run up and down the stairs with a basket full of clothes, or if your washer and dryer are in a small closet off the kitchen or bathroom, you may be considering adding a laundry room to your home. Good thinking! A laundry room addition will add visual appeal and convenience and increase your home value.

    • Average ROI of laundry room addition: 50% – 70%
    • Average laundry room size: 35 square feet
    • Average laundry room cost: $230 per square foot
    • Cost to move a laundry room upstairs: $14,825

    Mudroom

    A mudroom is an informal entrance/exit to your home, typically added to a side or rear entrance. A mudroom is used to receive muddy visitors, store coats, boots, and pet supplies. The cost to build a mudroom increases if the mudroom has a utility sink, washer and dryer, or if the space is heated.

    • Average mudroom size: 50 square feet
    • Average mudroom cost: $12,000

    Source: (S.J. Janis Company, Inc.)

    Porch

    With a typical ROI of 84%, a front porch addition is a great way to add outdoor living space, curb appeal, and value to your home. Some factors that will increase the cost of a porch addition include the addition of stairs and screens.

    • Average porch size: 200 square feet
    • Average porch cost: $2,600 – $22,000

    Sunroom

    A sunroom is a great place to enjoy your morning coffee, nurture your plants, read a book, or kick back and relax. But the cost to add a sunroom to your home isn’t cheap. It’s the price of the windows that make a three-season sunroom costly. A four-season sunroom is even more costly, with the addition of insulation, heat and A/C, and sometimes plumbing.

    • Average sunroom size: 80 – 240 square feet
    • Average sunroom cost: $25,000 for three-season, $45,000 for four-season
    • Average cost for a prefab sunroom: $5,000 – $30,000

    Cantilever

    Meant to add space to the home without encroaching on the yard space, a cantilever addition is a second story bump out that is supported by angled beams (cantilevers). Most cantilever additions can be constructed without major excavation for added cost savings. Cantilevers are typically meant to add space to an existing room, not to support an entire room, however sunrooms, laundry rooms, and balconies are common cantilever additions.

    • Average cantilever size: 2 – 15 feet deep
    • Average cantilever cost: $15,000 – $25,000

    Garage

    If your garage is too small or if your home was built without one, a garage addition may be just the answer. Some factors that increase the cost of a garage construction include the addition of heat, insulation, plumbing, storage, and finished walls. In the southwestern states, where carports are more common than garages, a homeowner can save on the cost of a garage addition by converting a carport, which already has a foundation and a roof.

    • Average ROI of garage addition: 65%
    • Average garage size (two car): 400 – 576 square feet
    • Average garage addition cost: $35 – $60 per square foot

    Bathroom

    A home with too few bathrooms can quickly become a battleground. When you add a bathroom, everyone in the home benefits from the added convenience and privacy. And as homeowners, you’ll benefit from the added value when you sell. But Poulton warns it’s common for bathroom additions to get expensive fast. “The bathroom is where homeowners tend to make the most changes mid-build, which increases the cost of labor, materials, and permitting.”

    • Average ROI of bathroom addition: 60% – 70%
    • Average bathroom size: 48 square feet
    • Average bathroom cost: $200 – $300 (average bathroom), $450 – $600 (luxury bathroom)

    Kitchen

    The cost of a kitchen addition or remodel depends on the design and the extent of the build – whether you’re starting from scratch or using the existing electricity and plumbing. The cost of tearing out a kitchen includes the cost for demolition and removal. You’ll also pay more for a custom kitchen. Keep in mind that when you remodel a kitchen, how much of the cost you’ll recoup when you sell depends on the price point and condition of your home.

    • Average ROI of kitchen remodel: 83%
    • Average kitchen size: 161 square feet
    • Kitchen cost: $75 – $250 per square foot (full remodel), $100 – $300 (new build) per square foot,  $125,000+ (custom build)

    Source: (S.J. Janis Company, Inc.)

    Master suite

    A master suite or ensuite adds significant space, functionality, comfort, and privacy to the home and may increase the value as well. Most master suites include a closet and a full bathroom. How much value an ensuite adds to a home depends on the size of the home and what’s typical of the market. If the addition is an over improvement, it would likely not add enough value to pay for the cost.

    • Average master suite ROI: 63%
    • Average master suite size: 250 – 350 square feet
    • Average master suite cost: $300 per square foot

    In-law suite

    An in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) typically features a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a small sitting room. It is a small apartment, and may be attached or detached, usually with its own outside entrance. An ADU is a convenient space for homeowners to put up guests, adult children, or elderly parents.

    Poulton estimates that the cost for an ensuite starts at $300 per square foot and goes up from there. “It’s the bathroom where things start to get expensive,” he says. “Anytime plumbing is involved costs go up, because the exact location of the existing plumbing in the wall isn’t always clear.”

    And as Poulton explained above, bathrooms are where homeowners often make costly changes mid-build. According to Leyba, one floor plan that’s consistently used in Santa Fe’s new builds includes a casita (which is external and attached or detached) that is used as a mother-in-law suite or a home office. While the ROI of an ADU is entirely dependent on what’s typical of your local real estate market, it may be possible to recoup some of the construction cost by renting out the additional space while you are living in your home.

    • Average in-law suite ROI: negligible
    • Average in-law suite size: 250 – 350 square feet
    • Average in-law suite cost: $300 per square foot

    Theater room (media or game room)

    A theater room is a great place to kick back and relax with family and friends. A home theater must be built correctly for the best acoustics, so you’ll pay extra for a designer and an architect. Our estimate below also factors in the cost of purchasing and installing the theater projector and sound system, which averages $17,500.

    • Average ROI of theater addition: 65%
    • Average size of a theater: 800 square feet
    • Average cost of a theater addition: $70,000 – $90,000

    Source: (S.J. Janis Company, Inc.)

    Labor cost breakdown

    The total cost for your project will depend on the size, location, complexity and quality of the addition as well as the typical cost for materials and labor in your area. Remember that your builder isn’t the only contractor involved in the project — you’ll also pay for subcontractors. For a more detailed picture, let’s dive into the average cost for labor:

    • Architectural fees: $150 – $400 per hour
    • Excavation: $40 – $150 per hour
    • Foundation: $4 – $25 per square foot
    • Plumbing: $45 – $200 per hour
    • Electrical: $50 – $100 per hour
    • Framing: $7 – $16 per square foot
    • Drywall: $1 – $3 per square foot
    • Insulation: $1 – $4 per square foot
    • Siding and trim: $2 – $5 per square foot
    • Windows: $40 per hour
    • Roofing: $75 – $600 per square foot
    • Flooring: $3 – $22 per square foot

    Questions to ask contractor

    When considering contractors for your project, you’ll get a better idea about the costs if you ask the following questions:

    • How do you calculate the cost of this project?
    • Is this a fixed-price contract with a detailed scope of work?
    • Will I pay more if the cost for materials goes up mid-build?
    • Do you pay the architect, subcontractors, and permitting?
    • What is the payment schedule?
    • How might I save costs in this build?
    • Do you have extra materials available for a discount?
    • What warranties or guarantees do you offer?
    • What might you run into that would increase the cost of the project?
    • What happens if I have changes after the build has begun?
    • How much value will this project add to my home?

    Source: (Anthony Choren / Unsplash)

    Frequently asked questions about room addition costs

    You have questions. Our experts have answers.

    How can I save money on my home addition project?

    There are ways to cut costs on your home addition, including:

    • Remodel an existing room
    • Convert an attic, basement, dining room, garage, carport, sunroom, porch, or patio into living space
    • Bump out an entry-level wall or adding depth to a second-story room with a cantilever or dormer
    • Utilize an existing door or window opening for the new doorway so structural changes don’t have to be made to external walls
    • Hire a design builder to manage all aspects of the project
    • Plan 90% of your budget toward the cost of labor and material – saving 10% of your budget for unexpected costs
    • Look into tax incentives and credits
    • Consider prefabricated options
    • Stick to the plan to avoid change order costs

    Can I cut costs with a smaller addition?

    Large home additions don’t always cost significantly more than smaller plans. Poulton elaborates.

    “Homeowners are surprised to learn that they can’t save by building a smaller addition. While they’re using less in the way of materials, it’s still the same or similar amount of work for the builder. So, the cost per square foot goes down as the size goes up. Most homeowners opt for the larger addition at a lower price per square foot.”

    Homeowners expend a large portion of their budget on the first stages of the build such as drawings, permits, wall removal, excavation, and foundation (if necessary). So doubling the size of your addition may only increase the overall price of the addition by a third.

    Additionally, Pitzen points out that all professionals involved in the project will typically require a base payment for their services. For instance, an electrician may charge the same amount for wiring a 12 x 12 addition as they would a 15 x 15.

    Is it cheaper to build up or build out?

    It’s typically more cost-effective to build out rather than building up. When building up, your home structure must be reinforced to support the weight of the new addition and the roof must be replaced. If you’ve decided to build up, consider having the roof lifted to reduce the cost of building a new roof. Another way to save the cost of building up would be to convert an unfinished attic into living space, with a dormer or cantilever for additional space.

    What does return on investment (ROI) mean?

    Return on investment (ROI) is a tricky concept for homeowners. Simply put, ROI is the percentage of your cost you can hope to recoup at home sale. Very rarely will a homeowner recoup the entire cost of an addition or remodel. How much of the cost you’ll actually recoup depends on the amount you invest in the addition and what’s typical in your market when you sell. There are sometimes cases of extreme ROI exceptions. Leyba says he recently had a client who turned a $200K house into a $450K house by extending the garage and adding space to the back.

    Estimate room addition costs and value in your market

    Now that you have the average cost for your room addition, you can narrow in on a project estimate based on material and labor costs specific to your market. HomeAdvisor offers project cost calculators that factor in your location, addition size, and function (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc.).

    Leyba advises that when planning an addition to get the best ROI, a multipurpose room is typically going to add the most value, which means it must be heated, have a closet and an egress (window). In fact, not adding a closet or heating are two of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make when adding on, which makes the addition a bonus room. Another mistake homeowners can make is not keeping the design and layout consistent with the rest of the home.

    “If you’re using the cheapest materials you can find to cut costs and it doesn’t look like the rest of the home, you’re going to lose out on the value when you sell,” states Leyba.

    If you’re looking for current, hyper-local intel into cost and value, it’s a good practice to meet with a top real estate agent experienced in additions and remodels in your area.

    “What I specialize in is the impact of a renovation on the value of a home,” shares Harris, “I make spreadsheets and cost-benefit analysis to figure out exactly what kind of value you’re adding.”

    Source: (Fidel Fernando / Unsplash)

    Weigh the cost of a room addition with the reward

    Looking at the numbers, a room addition will set you back a pretty penny — so how can you decide if your efforts will be worth it?

    “I think that anytime you do a major home improvement project, you have to look at it from two different lenses: the cost-benefit, meaning how much it’s going to cost and how much it’s going to increase the value of your home, but then also how much you’re gonna enjoy that space,” shares Harris.

    For some objective expertise, reach out to a top real estate agent who can help you crunch your project’s return on investment. Equipped with a market-specific ROI estimate, you can determine whether it’s smarter to renovate or to sell and upgrade to a more spacious home.

    Find Your Perfect Real Estate Agent

    We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

    Find an Agent

    Header Image Source: (S.J. Janis Company, Inc.)

    Pricing Guide: How Much Does a 20×20 Room Addition Cost?

    Building a 20×20 room addition can give you the extra space you need in your house, and it’s a lot cheaper than buying a new home. Most homeowners spend from $42,000 to $88,000 to add a room of this size. The national average 20×20 room addition cost is $65,000.

    The rate breaks down to about $80 to $200 per square foot for an average cost of $140 per square foot. To figure out the approximate cost of a larger or smaller room addition, simply multiply the square footage by $140.  

    How much does a 20×20 room addition cost?

    • National average cost: $65,000
    • Typical price range: $42,000 – $88,000
    • Extreme low end: $15,000
    • Extreme high end: $200,000

    These prices include the materials and a general contractor’s labor costs. But keep in mind, every choice you make about construction methods and materials can raise or lower that cost.

    For example, if you add on a prefabricated or modular room on the first floor instead of a custom build, the project may only cost around $15,000. But building a 20×20 second floor with more expensive construction materials, several plumbing fixtures, and intricate electrical work might increase the price to as high as $200,000.

    We’ll break down the cost factors piece by piece to help you estimate how much your specific room addition will cost. We’ll also go over the costs of other common home additions.  

    On This Page

    Cost Breakdown for 20×20 Room Addition

    What exactly goes into the cost of a room addition? From the foundation to the roof to the inside of the walls, a new room needs countless pieces installed. For a project of this scale, you’ll usually hire a general contractor, who will subcontract specialists for electrical work, plumbing installation, and similar jobs. 

    You can estimate your budget by looking at the average cost of each element of construction. You may even find ways to save money on your project.

    CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT AVERAGE COST
    Windows $193 – $845
    per window
    Insulation $200 – $1,600
    Building permits $250 – $850
    Doors $393 – $2,013
    per door
    Site preparation $400 – $800
    Drywall $600 – $1,200
    Electrical work $630 – $1,930
    Roofing $800 – $8,000
    Siding $800 – $10,800
    Plumbing $975 – $2,900
    Flooring $1,100 – $4,500
    Interior painting $1,216 – $3,269
    HVAC ductwork $1,933 – $4,767
    Foundation $2,400 – $6,200
    Design $2,740 – $9,450
    Framing $2,800 – $5,200

    Windows

    Windows come in many sizes and styles, from a large picture window offering a view of the front yard to a bay window protruding from the wall to create a reading nook. Each type of window comes with its own installation needs and costs.

    You can expect to pay between $193 and $845 per window, including materials and labor. Custom designs and more involved installations (like bay windows) will fall closer to the high end of that range. 

    Insulation

    Photo Credit: Jon Hurd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    If your 20×20 room addition will be a living space – such as a living room, dining room, or bedroom – rather than a garage, you’ll need to install insulation. Insulation will keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, putting less strain on your HVAC system and lowering your energy usage.

    You have a few options for type of installation. Common types, from least to most expensive, are batt insulation, blown-in insulation, and spray foam insulation. For a 20×20 room, the total cost of installing insulation will range between $200 and $1,600. Your cost will depend on the type you choose and your contractor’s labor rates.  

    Building permits

    Though not technically a part of the construction process, a building permit (or multiple building permits) is a necessity for a construction project of this size. Your contractor can usually pull permits from local municipalities more easily than you would be able to on your own. The exact permit you need and its cost will depend on where you live, but most homeowners pay between $250 and $850 for building permits. 

    Doors

    Photo Credit: Stormcladhomeimprovements / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    To install a door in an existing wall, your contractor will have to knock out a portion of the wall. If your contractor is building a new wall with a door, they can leave space for the door during construction. With labor rates and the cost of the door itself, installation will cost from $393 to $2,013 per door

    Site preparation

    If you’re “building out,” or expanding your home along the ground, you’ll first have to get rid of any obstacles. This can mean simply digging up a few bushes or a flower bed. In that case, you can probably save some money and do the work yourself. 

    But if you’re building into a wooded area and you need several trees removed, you’ll need to hire a professional land clearing service with the necessary training and equipment. Land clearing for a home addition will cost somewhere between $400 and $800.

    Drywall

    Photo Credit: Jon Hurd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    Most construction codes require drywall, but even if they didn’t, you would still want to install it for function and appearance. A finished room needs drywall inside, especially because of its fire resistance. Whether your general contractor installs the drywall or they hire a drywall subcontractor, this part of construction will cost between $600 and $1,200.

    Electrical work

    Photo Credit: Paul Cutler from Chaska, USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

    No matter how  you plan to use your new room, it will likely need electricity for lights and power outlets. In most cases, your general contractor will hire a separate electrician for this part of the job. Complete electrical work for a 20×20 room will typically cost from $630 to $1,930.

    Roofing

    Installing a roof for a room addition follows the same principle as installing siding. For a cohesive look, you’ll need to match the new roofing material to the rest of your home. The total cost of the roof will depend on which material you use. With materials and labor, you could spend $800 to $8,000 for roofing. 

    Siding

    Photo Credit: Forest Service Norther Region / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    Since you want your new room addition to look like it’s always been a part of your home, it’s best to match the siding to the rest of the house.

    The cost of installing 400 square feet of siding varies by material, anywhere from $800 to $10,800. Natural stone, which can reach almost $30 per square foot, is the most expensive option. Vinyl, aluminum, and fiber cement siding are the most affordable.

    Plumbing

    Depending on the type of room, you may need new pipes installed. For example, a living room won’t have a sink, toilet, or other features that require new plumbing. But you might have something less traditional in mind for your room addition – such as an art studio with a sink for cleaning up. That will need a water hookup.

    Depending on the specific fixtures your room needs and the piping necessary, you might pay anywhere from $975 to $2,900 to install plumbing for a 20×20 room addition. 

    Flooring

    Photo Credit: Gavin Tapp / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    The purpose of your new room will determine the type of floor you should install. For instance, in a family room or other living space, you’ll likely choose carpet or wood flooring.

    Carpet is by far more affordable, but many homeowners prefer wood (or faux wood) because it’s easier to clean and has a more upscale appearance. Depending on the specific flooring you choose, you’ll pay between $1,100 and $4,500 for a 20×20 room.  

    Interior painting

    Photo Credit: Abigail Batchelder / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    Looking for more of a finish than drywall can offer? You can paint your interior walls in the color and finish of your choice to customize the space. Hiring a professional to paint your walls will cost about $1,216 to $3,269

    This is another part of your room addition project where you can save significant money by going the DIY route. Painting indoor walls is a fairly easy job for most homeowners. You could spend less than $100 on paint, compared to the thousands you would spend if you paid a professional to do the work for you. 

    HVAC ductwork

    You have a couple of options for heating and cooling the new room. The simplest (and usually cheapest) route would be to purchase a window AC unit and plug-in heater for the room.

    Alternatively, your contractor or a subcontracted HVAC pro can install ducts in the walls during construction and connect them to your home’s existing HVAC system. The ductwork to efficiently regulate temperature in a 20×20 room would cost about $1,933 to $4,767 to install. 

    Foundation

    Once the land is clear, the next step is laying the foundation for your new room. This is where “building up,” or adding a second story, can save money compared to building out. When you build up, you won’t have to lay new foundation, but you may have to reinforce the existing one to make it strong enough to hold the extra weight.

    Building up isn’t always allowed. You’ll have to check your local building codes and HOA rules to find out if you can add a second story to your home. If building up isn’t an option – or if you just don’t like the idea of adding a second floor – expect to pay about $2,400 to $6,200 to lay a new foundation for your addition.

    Design

    Photo Credit: Brock Builders / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    The first step to any architecture project is design. How will the new room fit with the rest of your home? How can you make it look like a natural part of the house instead of a tacked-on afterthought? Your general contractor should be able to answer these questions and draw up your blueprints.  

    For more complicated projects, or if you want the best design possible, you might need to hire a separate architect or draftsperson to create the room addition for you. Most of the time, these design services cost 10% to 17% of the total project. On average, that comes out to about $2,740 to $9,450 depending on the scale and complexity of the room. 

    Framing

    Photo Credit: Monsta / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    When it comes to framing, you can choose between a less expensive stick-built wood frame and a more expensive but sturdier cinder block frame.

    We recommend a cinder block frame for areas with high humidity, where excessive moisture in the air can cause wood to rot. The sturdier foundation also works best in places where destructive weather such as hurricanes or tornadoes is a concern.

    Framing will usually cost between $2,800 and $5,200 for materials and labor, with wood frames closer to the low end of that range and cinder blocks at the high end.  

    See Pricing in Your Area

    Other Home Addition Costs

    When adding onto your home, the possibilities are endless. A 20×20 room is a popular multi-use addition, but your project could be any shape or size. Now, we’ll go into the average costs of more specific addition projects, from a full in-law suite to a sunroom to a small bump-out. 

    TYPE OF ADDITION AVERAGE COST
    Dormer $3,000 – $8,000
    Balcony $3,600 – $9,000
    Bump-out $4,000 – $30,000
    Laundry room $5,000 – $7,500
    Mudroom $6,800 – $15,400
    Porch $13,500 – $27,000
    Cantilever $15,000 – $25,000
    Garage $19,450 – $42,377
    Bathroom $21,000 – $60,700
    Sunroom $21,000 – $68,300
    Kitchen $41,000 – $69,500
    Master suite / master bedroom $42,200 – $98,250
    In-law suite $60,700 – $111,700

    Dormer addition

    You’ve likely seen small triangular or round-topped nooks, usually with a window, jutting out from the roofs of homes. These features, called dormers, are common in homes with steep roofs. A dormer can create extra storage space or allow you to add a cozy window seat. 

    Adding a dormer onto your home will usually cost about $3,000 to $8,000, and you can often save on construction costs if you add it at the same time as a roof replacement. 

    Balcony addition

    M&M Roofing / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

    A balcony is a relatively simple addition that gives you more outdoor living space and doesn’t require laying or reinforcing a foundation. Most homeowners pay between $3,600 and $9,000 to add a balcony to a second-story home. Your cost will depend on the size of the balcony and the structural materials you use, usually wood or steel. 

    Bump-out

    If your home needs more space but you don’t have the money to add a whole new room, you could consider a bump-out instead. A bump-out extends an existing room and can range from two feet up to 15 feet. 

    For a larger bump-out, you would have to add more footings and extend your foundation, which would significantly increase costs. Depending on size and design, a bump-out can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $30,000

    Laundry room addition

    Photo Credit: Martin Cathrae / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

    Most laundry rooms are small and simple, often under 50 square feet. They typically feature waterproof flooring, hookups for a washer and dryer, and cabinets or other storage space. The average laundry room addition costs $5,000 to $7,500.

    Mudroom addition

    A mudroom is a designated place to be messy – perfect for homes with lots of children or pets. It’s a small entrance room where you can store dirty shoes, coats, and umbrellas to keep them from mucking up the rest of the house. 

    Some typical features of a mudroom include durable and easy-to-clean flooring, coat and bag hooks, and cubbies. Most homeowners spend about $6,800 to $15,400 to add a mudroom. 

    Porch addition

    Photo Credit: Jon Hurd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    Many people dream of owning a home with a front porch where they can sit in a rocking chair and enjoy a quiet afternoon. You can achieve that dream with a new porch addition for about $13,500 to $27,000.

    Your porch could be a small space surrounding the front door, a wide veranda wrapping around the entire home, or anything in between. The cost of your porch addition will depend on its size, design, and the materials used to build it. Any porch (if well-built) will boost your home’s curb appeal and increase property value. 

    Cantilever addition

    With a little help from physics and an experienced architect, you can expand a second-story room without having to lay a new foundation. A cantilever is a modern feature involving a projecting beam attached to the wall of your home on one end and hanging in empty space on the other end. Whether it’s an option for your home depends on specific measurements that your home designer can help you figure out.

    Cantilever additions can be convenient because they don’t take up any ground space, but they have to be small for the beam to support them. Most of these additions extend only about two feet, and they cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000. 

    Garage addition

    Like in-law suites, garages can be attached or detached. A detached garage will cost more because your contractor will have to build all four walls and the rest of the structure from scratch. Other factors like size, construction materials, and the extras will also affect cost. Most garage additions cost between $19,450 and $42,377.  

    Bathroom addition

    Photo Credit: Martin Cathrae / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

    Bathrooms are typically smaller than most other rooms, but they can be expensive to install because of all the plumbing fixtures. At the very least, your plumber will have to install pipes for one sink and one toilet for a half-bath. More luxurious bathrooms might include two sinks, a walk-in shower, a bathtub, and a toilet.

    Larger bathrooms with more features will take more materials and more work to install, so they’ll be more expensive. A simple half-bath will cost close to $21,000 to add on to your home, while a more involved full bathroom could cost upwards of $60,700.

    Sunroom addition

    Photo Credit: John Buie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    Sunrooms, sometimes called Florida rooms, are spaces to enjoy the outdoors without actually having to go outdoors. A sunroom will usually feature large windows, screen walls, or even a roof and walls lined completely with glass panels. You can build your own custom sunroom or purchase an easier-to-assemble prefabricated kit.

    Most sunrooms will cost between $21,000 and $68,300. A four-season sunroom will need an HVAC hookup for heating in winter, so construction will cost more than a three-season sunroom. Sunrooms will also be more expensive to build in severely cold climates, where the structure has to accommodate snow load. 

    Kitchen addition

    Kitchens have a lot of appliances, which means a lot of wiring and plumbing behind the scenes (in other words, behind the walls). That’s why building a new kitchen or expanding your existing kitchen will likely cost more than a simpler room such as a bedroom or living room.  

    Most kitchen additions cost between $41,000 and $69,500. That total cost includes an average space of 100 to 200 square feet, general room finishings, cabinets, countertops, and new appliances. 

    Master suite / master bedroom addition

    A master bedroom has a private bathroom attached. A master suite is essentially the same thing, but larger and with more features, such as walk-in closets or even a kitchenette.

    Building a new master suite or master bedroom includes the same costs as a bathroom, with the additional cost of materials and electrical work for the attached bedroom. Depending on the size and complexity, adding a master suite or master bedroom to your home will cost anywhere from $42,200 to $98,250

    In-law suite addition

    Photo Credit: Steven Perez / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2. 0

    An in-law suite, also known as an “accessory dwelling unit,” is an extra structure on your property. It can be attached to the house or detached, and include a full kitchen and bathroom. Someone could live there seperate from the residents of the main house, which makes these suites popular with multigenerational families living together.

    Because an in-law suite is essentially a small home unto itself, adding one on your property costs from about $60,700 to $111,700. They’re usually worth the high price tag because they increase home value significantly. Some municipalities or HOAs won’t allow in-law suites, so check local regulations before you get your heart set on one. 

    See Pricing in Your Area

    Build Up or Build Out?

    Photo Credit: Jon Hurd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    When you build up, you add a room to your existing second story or add a second story to a one-story home. Building up eliminates the need to expand your home’s foundation, which could shave more than $6,000 off your total construction cost.

    If you don’t have much ground space on your property, building up gives you the opportunity to augment your home without cutting into an already limited yard. In some cases, you may have so little space that building up is your only option for adding on to your home. 

    Building up isn’t necessarily less expensive than building out. Your home’s foundation may not be strong enough to bear the weight of an added story, in which case you would have to reinforce it with additional materials. Reinforcing an existing foundation can sometimes cost as much as laying a new one. 

    Note: Some cities and HOAs have rules about the height of your home that could limit your options for building up. You’ll also need to keep the size of surrounding homes in mind, since building a two-story home in a neighborhood full of one-story homes could negatively impact your property value and decrease the return on your investment. 

    Most homeowners will choose to build out, or add another room at the ground level or on a cantilever, extending the house lengthwise instead of heightwise. A cantilever can only bear limited weight, so most build-outs will be on the first floor. That means your contractor would have to lay a new foundation. 

    Building on the ground also means you have to have enough space for the addition on your property. Even if you think you have the room, make sure the new room wouldn’t add too much to the impervious cover percentage, or the amount of ground surface on your property that can’t absorb water. Otherwise, you might subject your property to flooding and poor stormwater runoff management. 

    20×20 Room Addition Cost by Location

    Cost of construction materials and labor rates vary significantly based on where you live. While the national averages included in this guide are a good benchmark, you might end up spending much less or much more than our cost estimates because of your location. 

    Labor rates in a large city with a high cost of living will be higher than those in a small town. Climate can also affect costs. If you live in an area with frequent snow and freezing temperatures in winter, you may need a particular type of foundation or roofing material that costs more than some options available to homeowners in mild climates.  

    If you live in an area that sees hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe winds, you’ll need a sturdier structure made with pricier materials. A weatherproof room addition will definitely cost you more. 

    FAQ About Room Additions

    1. How can you save money on a room addition?

    A home addition is a huge project that requires a contractor. It’s not a simple DIY home improvement job. If you’re nervous about the cost of hiring a contractor, here are some things you as the homeowner can do to cut costs:

    — Prep the site yourself by removing landscaping and other obstacles in the way of construction
    — Tear down walls and haul debris to the dump yourself
    — Clean up the site at the end of every day so your construction team doesn’t have to
    — Do your own finish work such as painting, sanding, etc.

    2. Are architects or draftspeople needed for additions?

    You don’t necessarily have to hire an architect or draftsperson for your home addition project, but their expert eye for home design can make the finished product look a lot better. An addition designed by an architect is more likely to flow well with the rest of your home. 

    3. Does a room addition add value to your home?

    Yes, an addition increases a home’s square footage and therefore boosts resale value. 

    See Pricing in Your Area

    Conclusion

    The overall cost of adding a 20×20 room to your home depends entirely on what you plan to use the room for and what features it needs. Most homeowners pay a general contractor between $42,000 and $88,000 for the materials and labor required to build an addition of this size. The rate for a general room addition is about $80 to $200 per square foot

    For an accurate estimate of your budget, you’ll need to know specifics about the construction materials your project will use. And remember, other kinds of addition — such as a new garage, kitchen, or sunroom – each have their own price point to keep in mind.  

    Main Photo Credit: Jon Hurd / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    Jordan Ardoin

    Jordan Ardoin is a writer, editor, and classical literature student based in Colorado. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys goofing off with her cats and spending time in nature.

    Posts by Jordan Ardoin

    One-story or two-story house – what is more profitable to build at current prices for building materials

    The choice of number of storeys significantly affects the cost of the object. It may seem that two floors cannot be cheaper than one, and, accordingly, it is more profitable to build a one-story house. In fact, there are many controversial and controversial points in this topic, which we will try to analyze in this article.

    House with an attic – two-storey?

    Before starting the analysis, it is necessary to determine which houses include buildings with an attic floor. Often this moment is not specified in comparisons, for this reason they say about the attic house as a one-story house or even put this version of buildings in a separate group.

    This is due to the rather broad definition of the attic, which is understood as both residential and non-residential premises on the attic floor. There are three approaches: construction, legal and subjective.

    • From the point of view of SNiP “Residential Buildings” , an attic is considered to be a floor in which the walls do not exceed 1.5 m in height, if they are larger, then from a construction and architectural point of view, the room is considered the second floor. The ceiling at the attic floor is partially or completely formed due to the roof slopes.
    • From a legal point of view, , at registration, an attic is considered a full-fledged floor, and a building is a two-story building. To do this, the room must be heated and suitable for year-round use.
    • An outside observer in most cases will call a house with a residential attic a two-story house and, from a legal point of view, will be right.

    Differences of a two-storey house

    A “full-fledged” second floor, according to the standards, must have the following features.

    • Wall over 1.5 m.
    • Ceiling at the same level throughout the floor.
    • There is an attic (for houses with pitched roofs).

    What is different about a one-story building

    In a one-story building there is no second living space above the first. In houses with a pitched roof there is an attic, but in buildings with a flat roof there is no attic. Consider how the attic differs from the attic.

    From a legal point of view, the premises are not considered residential, have no heating and are not suitable for year-round use.

    The height of the ceiling can be less than 1.5 m, which means that you can only move there in a crouched state. In most cases, the premises are used as a warehouse.

    The attic is usually “cold”, but some homeowners insulate it to maintain a comfortable temperature.

    There are usually no window openings in the attic, only dormers are cut through for ventilation.

    It can be concluded that houses with an attic are more logically classified as two-story buildings.

    Comparison of a one-story house with a two-story house

    Built-up area

    This is the place on the site that the future house will occupy. The parameter includes the area for walls, stairs and other building structures. The smaller the plot, the smaller the building area the owner has. Also, all buildings have a usable area parameter, this is the total area of ​​​​all rooms, balconies, corridors, foyers. Stairwells, elevator shafts and ramps are excluded from it.

    With an equal built-up area, the usable area will always be larger for a two-story house. For example, let’s take a house 6×6 m, the built-up area will be 36 sq.m., the usable area of ​​a one-story house will be about 30 sq.m., for a two-story house – 60 sq.m.

    On small plots (6 acres or less), where the area does not allow placing all the necessary premises within one floor, it is more profitable to build a two-story house or a building with an attic.

    Foundation

    Foundation costs are 10-30% of the cost of building a house. As we can see, the spread is quite large, because the bottom price is influenced by a large number of factors.

    • Freezing depth – in cold regions, full profile foundations require deep penetration, shallow foundations require drainage, insulation and the formation of a sand cushion. All these measures are performed to prevent the influence of frost heaving forces on the sole of the base of the house.
    • Soil geology – foundation design must take into account the presence of floating and subsiding soils under the house. Some soils are more prone to frost heaving (clay, loam) than others.
    • Differences in relief – the presence of a strong slope on the site requires the development of a special project and complicates engineering solutions, which affects the cost.
    • Groundwater level – if the liquid is located close to the surface, then it can undermine the foundation of the house, which will lead to local subsidence and the formation of cracks on the facade. To fix this problem, a drainage device is required.
    • Availability of material – the cost of delivery and proximity to production also affect the final estimate of the work.
    • Loads from house make the base of the foundation increase and lead to an increase in the cost of the structure.

    It turns out that the construction of the same house on a different landscape will cost differently only due to the foundation. A one-story building has a large building area with an equal usable area, so the foundation will cost more.

    Some experts point out that a two-story building will be heavier, and therefore will require an increase in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe foundation. In fact, these costs largely depend on the choice of foundation technology (strip, slab, piles), and it is already designed based on geological conditions. On average, the foundation for a one-story house when calculating for 1 sq.m. will be 60-70% more expensive.

    Roof

    The roof of a one-story house will occupy a large area, and the consumption of roofing material will increase accordingly (the cost is 20% higher). In a house with an attic or a two-story roof space, it is insulated and used as a full-fledged living space all year round. In a one-story house with a flat roof, this additional space can only be used as a usable roof.

    Sometimes, when comparing houses of different heights, they say that since the attic area of ​​a one-story house is larger, the space is more functional. This is only partially true.

    Indeed, in this room you can organize a warehouse of old things and fit more of them, but it is not necessary to talk about more complex activities due to the low ceiling, uncomfortable temperature in the cold season and lack of natural light.

    Walls

    When erecting walls, one should take into account not only the cost of structural material, but also insulation with facade finishing. In a two-story house, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe walls is almost twice as large due to the second floor, and costs increase accordingly. Here it is important to determine what share in the estimate is the price of the walls in order to understand how this will affect the cost of construction.

    The choice of construction material can also be affected. So a brick with an increase in the height of the building requires a thickening of the masonry. It is often stated that for a one-story house, the wall can be made in one brick (250 mm), and for a two-story house in one and a half (380 mm). In fact, all these arguments are speculative and cannot be considered in isolation from real projects. The thickness of the mill is affected by the following parameters.

    • Strength of stone and mortar.
    • Loading method (central or eccentric).
    • Flexibility of the wall (buckling) depends on the floor height.
    • Structural solutions can increase the nominal thickness of the wall, for example, this can be achieved by adding pilasters to the structure.

    If the second floor is made in the form of an attic, then the wall area is reduced due to the lower height of the walls and the differences from a one-story building are not so significant.

    Ceiling

    A two-story house and a building with an attic will require a ceiling. The cost of the project will depend on the choice of technology and material. To formulate a specific figure, it is necessary to consider the project, take into account the cost of materials, rental of special equipment and logistics. Reinforced concrete flooring will cost more, but it will provide side benefits.

    • The house will become more inertial, it will be better to keep warm.
    • The soundproofing properties of floors will increase compared to wood.
    • Fire safety at home will improve.
    • Sound insulation from street noise will be improved.
    • More options for reinforcing the roof structure – props can be leaned onto the floor to reduce the amount of wood used on the roof.

    If a one-story building is planned to be built with a flat roof, then in fact it will also need a floor.

    Overview of other parameters

    • A two-story house takes 30% longer to build than a one-story house. This is due to more complex technological units and the lifting of materials to the second floor.
    • An increase in the area of ​​the walls leads to an increase in heat loss, while it should not be forgotten that the main heat leakage comes from the roof and windows. In a one-story house, the roof area is much larger.
    • Stairs in a two-story house will require a separate area for themselves on two floors.
    • To ensure that steps do not interfere on the first floor, soundproofing is provided on the second in a two-story building. It is usually done along with decoration.

    Comparison of the liquidity of one-story and two-story houses

    In the modern world, a house is not only housing, but also an asset, that is, in the language of financiers, property that, if sold, can bring profit. This is commonly referred to as liquidity. People no longer build “family nests” for centuries, building or buying real estate is often perceived as an investment. If a property can be sold quickly without a price drop, then it is considered liquid. Let’s consider what influences the estimation of this parameter.

    • If a house occupies more than 60 – 70% of the land area, then its liquidity will decrease, therefore, in a small area (6 acres or less), it is better to give preference to a building with an attic or a two-story building.
    • Price of land – on an expensive plot, a small one-story house will be difficult to sell at market value.
    • Large houses with three or four floors are no longer in demand, since the beginning of the 2000s, one-story houses have gained popularity, but at the same time, most of the solvent population still prefers not very large buildings with an attic.
    • Price per square meter – building a house with an attic will cost 20 – 30% cheaper than a one-story building. A full-fledged two-story house will be 10-15% more expensive than an attic one. At the same time, it is more important to compare specific house projects, and not to build a choice solely on the number of storeys of the building.

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    What materials to build a house and what materials to choose for building a house?

    And Balda used to say reproachfully:
    “Don’t you, pop, chase cheapness…”

    A. S. Pushkin

    Content:

    • Brick: the best-known building material.
    • Ceramic blocks: innovative and sustainable.
    • Wood (log, timber): an unshakable classic.
    • Aerated concrete: for a warm, inexpensive home.
    • SIP: we build a house like a constructor.
    • What is the best material for building a private house?

    Imagine that you are planning to build a cottage. The first question that arises is what materials to use? What is the best way to build a house?

    It is believed that walls account for a quarter of all construction costs. Today, when materials for construction have risen in price at times, in the first place with
    The choice often comes at a price. Everyone wants a new house not to hit the pocketbook, but at the same time to please its owner for at least 50 years. Is this possible? Let’s try to figure it out.

    To answer this question, consider what materials for building a house are the most popular, what are their advantages and disadvantages. As a result, we determine which is more durable and cheaper.

    We will analyze the following materials used in construction:

    • brick;
    • tree;
    • ceramic blocks;
    • aerated concrete;
    • SIP.

    Brick: the most famous building material

    Let’s start with bricks. It comes in two types – ceramic (red, brown, beige, etc.) and silicate (white). Both of them can be solid or hollow (with holes inside).


    Solid ceramic brick


    Hollow sand-lime brick

    Pros:

    1. Durability. Brick has a potential service life of more than 100 years. Impressive, right?
    2. Weather resistant. Brick is unaffected by heat, frost and temperature changes, it is not afraid of rain and snow. Even if it gets wet, it dries quickly without loss of working properties.
    3. Easy assembly. Probably everyone has seen how bricks are laid. Special skills are not required, you can do it yourself.

    Brick installation

    1. Strength. Ceramic and silicate bricks are approximately the same durable materials. They are adapted to high loads, and the hollow is not
      inferior to full-bodied. You can safely build even a multi-storey building from bricks.
    2. Good thermal insulation. This is especially true for hollow bricks. It “holds” heat better than a full-bodied one.
    3. Reduced weight. This is relevant only for hollow bricks. It is significantly lighter than a full-bodied one. And the lighter the material for building a house,
      the cheaper the foundation will be.
    4. Aesthetics. Even a simple raw brick looks interesting, brickwork is even used as an interior element. A ceramic brick
      There are also different colors, which adds originality to the house.

    Brick wall

    1. Versatility. Brick can be used to build any building, no matter how complex its architecture.
    2. Fire resistance. Obvious but very important property. Brick is fireproof.
    3. Noise isolation. Brick walls perfectly protect against extraneous sounds.
    4. Environmentally friendly. Brick does not emit any harmful compounds during operation.
    5. No shrinkage. In a brick house, you can almost immediately engage in interior finishing work, the building will not shrink.

    Minuses:

    • Slow building speed. Installation, of course, is easy, but you can’t call it fast. Stacking piece materials, as a rule, longer,
      than mounting large slabs or installing prefabricated panels.
    • Expensive installation. As we found out, the installation is quite long. Which means it won’t be cheap.
    • A lot of weight if we are talking about a solid brick. The following peculiarity follows from this.
    • Substantial foundation costs. They are directly related to the significant weight of a solid brick house.

    Ceramic blocks: innovative and sustainable

    This is a relatively new material in the construction market.

    Outwardly, it looks like a ceramic brick, but longer and wider – one ceramic block can replace 15 bricks. But the height of a brick and a ceramic block is always the same.

    Ceramic blocks are made from fired ceramics to which sawdust has been added.

    Ceramic blocks

    Pros:

    1. Durability. Potential service life – more than 100 years.
    2. Strength. It is about the same strength as a brick. The material is suitable for the construction of multi-storey buildings.
    3. Relatively light weight. Ceramoblocks are empty inside, so they are quite light. Therefore, you can make the foundation cheaper.
    4. Fire resistant. Fired clay (even with the addition of sawdust) does not burn. Ceramoblock withstands exposure to open fire for at least 4 hours.
    5. Simple, quick assembly. One ceramic block replaces several bricks, so construction proceeds quickly. Plates are smeared
      with cement only from above and below, the blocks are connected to each other according to the “groove-comb” principle.
    6. Environmentally friendly. The material is harmless to humans – it is made from clay and sawdust. The walls of the ceramic block “breathe”, so the house will have an optimal microclimate.
    7. Good thermal insulation. Ceramoblock perfectly “holds” heat.
    8. Frost resistance. This building material withstands severe frosts and does not crack. From it you can build houses even in the North.
    9. Sound insulation – on the level. Extraneous noise will not penetrate into the house of ceramic blocks.
    10. No shrinkage. As in the case of bricks, the ceramic block does not shrink. You do not have to wait, you can immediately deal with interior decoration.

    Minuses:

    • Price. Even if the ceramic block replaces 15 bricks, it will come out significantly more expensive than them. This is an elite building material.
    • Brittleness. Ceramoblock is strong, but at the same time fragile. It is resistant to impacts and chips. It must be carefully transported, because it is easy to split.

    Wood (log, timber): an unshakable classic

    For centuries, a wooden house has been considered the standard of comfort and reliability. Now it is not as popular as it used to be, because safer materials have appeared on the market.

    Ancient wooden house

    “Tree” is a loose concept. It usually means rounded logs or timber (glued, profiled, planed, edged). Consider the benefits
    and disadvantages of these materials for construction.


    Logs


    Profiled timber

    Pros:

    1. Environmentally friendly. From this point of view, wood is the best material for building a house. It is harmless to humans, does not emit toxic compounds.
      The wooden house “breathes”, it maintains a comfortable microclimate and optimal humidity.
    2. Unique aroma in the house. Some types of wood – pine, spruce, fir, cedar, larch – release useful substances, disinfect the air and serve as a natural flavor.
    3. Aesthetics. Wooden house looks beautiful and really “warm”. It does not require additional wall decoration outside and inside.
    4. Inexpensive foundation. Under a wooden house, you can choose a simpler and cheaper foundation (as an option, columnar), because the tree is not as heavy as a solid brick.

    Minuses:

    • Not very long service life (compared to the same brick). The potential service life of a bar is about 40-50 years, logs – more than 50.
      Much depends on how correctly you choose the material and how carefully you take care of it.
    • Flammability. Perhaps the most significant disadvantage. In a fire, a wooden house can burn to the ground. Flammability can be reduced by treating
      wood flame retardants – fire-fighting compounds.

    Burnt wooden house

    • Shrinkage. It largely depends on the material – for example, edged timber shrinks more than glued timber. But there will be shrinkage anyway.
      A wooden house shrinks up to 3-5 years. At this time, you can not do internal work, otherwise the finish may “go”.
    • High price. Once upon a time, wood was one of the most affordable building materials. But in the spring of 2021, the price has risen so much that
      a wooden house began to cost more than a similar brick one. How the situation will develop further is unknown.
    • Ambiguous durability. Do not build multi-storey buildings from wood – the material is not designed for high loads. This is a good option for private housing construction.
    • Insufficient thermal insulation. There are four important points here.
      First – to keep the heat out of the house, you need to properly install the house, to prevent gaps between logs or beams.
      Second – even if the frame is folded correctly, there may be difficulties during shrinkage, the logs will sit unevenly, gaps may form between them.
      Third – in the heat and cold, the tree expands or narrows. There may be gaps between logs or timber.
      Fourth – if the walls of logs still “keep” heat, then the beam – practically none. For houses made of timber, additional insulation will probably be required. For
      log cabins, perhaps, too. And these are additional costs.
    • Difficult and expensive installation (especially if we are talking about a log). Folding a log house is not for everyone. You need to know the technology, rent expensive equipment.
    • Cracks. Wood reacts to temperature changes and constantly changes its dimensions. In severe frosts or with serious temperature changes, it can crack.
    • The need for care. Wood may attract insects or become moldy from moisture. To avoid this, the walls must be regularly treated with protective compounds.

    Aerated concrete: for a warm inexpensive house

    Aerated concrete – fine-mesh concrete, in which there are many microscopic round pores. This is a popular material for building a private house.

    Usually use aerated concrete in the form of blocks.

    Aerated concrete blocks

    Pros:

    1. Reasonable price. This is one of the cheapest materials for building a house. Especially compared to wood, brick or ceramic blocks.
    2. Low thermal conductivity. This is another major and undeniable advantage. Aerated concrete “holds” heat many times better than ceramic blocks and bricks.
      A wall made of aerated concrete will be about 3 times warmer than the same wall made of brick or ceramic blocks.
      For a house made of this material, as a rule, insulation is not needed.
    3. Vapor permeability. Aerated concrete vents moisture easily. The house maintains a comfortable level of humidity.
    4. Light weight. Aerated concrete is just a feather compared to brick and ceramic block. It is filled with air.
      For comparison: one dense aerated concrete block, which replaces 20 bricks, weighs 18 kg. And the bricks would weigh about 80 kg.
      An average aerated concrete block can be easily lifted even by a girl without physical training – it has been verified in her own experience.
      The lighter the material, the lower the foundation costs. This also affects transportation, as light materials are usually cheaper to transport than heavy ones.

    Aerated concrete structure

    1. High construction speed. One block of aerated concrete can replace 10 or more bricks. And building a house from large blocks is faster,
      than to collect from small ones. Installation will be quick and most likely not very expensive.
    2. Easy installation. Aerated concrete masonry does not require professional skills – it is mounted in the same way as a brick. You can do it yourself.
      No equipment is needed to process the blocks – a regular hacksaw is enough.
    3. Easy maintenance. Aerated concrete should not be treated with flame retardants, mold and insect repellents.
    4. Fire safety. This building material does not burn. In the event of a fire, it will resist the fire, and will not become an additional source of flame.
    5. Strength. Private and high-rise buildings are built from aerated concrete. It is resistant to compression, well tolerates high loads.
    6. Environmentally friendly. According to this indicator, aerated concrete is not inferior to wood, brick and ceramic block – it is also made from natural materials.
    7. Weather resistant. Aerated concrete is unpretentious, it is not afraid of frost and rain.

    Minuses:

    • Questionable durability. Aerated concrete does not have a long service life. After a few decades, it may crack.
      Heat will escape through the cracks, the house will have to be repaired. As a rule, major repairs of aerated concrete houses are required after 50 years or even less.
    • Unaesthetic. Aerated concrete is a good affordable material for construction, but its appearance leaves much to be desired. house of gray
      blocks looks pretty dull, it looks like unfinished.

    Aerated concrete house without cladding

    To make the facade look neat, sheathe it with a profiled sheet
    or metal siding. They are presented in a wide range in “Metal Profile”.
    At the same time, you can experiment with coatings – they are not only plain, but also with a pattern – wood, brick, stone.

    • Brittleness . Yes, aerated concrete is easy to process. But this material easily crumbles, cracks and does not transfer the load to the bend.
      It must be carefully transported – blocks cannot be thrown.

    SIP: we build a house like a constructor

    SIP is short for structural insulated panel. These are building sandwich panels. They consist of insulation, which is covered on both sides with OSB boards.

    SIP panel

    This material is used in the construction of frame houses. They are sheathed with a finished frame or a box is assembled from it. Panels are made immediately in the form of finished walls with openings for windows and doors.

    SIP wall

    Pros:

    1. High construction speed. A SIP frame house can be erected in just a month and a half (including the foundation).
      If the construction time is in the first place for you – pay attention to this material.
    2. Fast assembly. Four exterior walls plus floor panels – and the box is ready.
    3. Reasonable price. SIP sheathed frame will cost less than an aerated concrete house (not to mention wood, brick or ceramic blocks).
    4. Good thermal insulation. In fact, the walls of the house are half OSB and half insulation. Additional
      thermal insulation is rarely required.
    5. Light weight. If we compare the same wall of SIP and brick, the first one will be more than 10 times lighter. Therefore, for
      frame house from SIP, you can choose an inexpensive lightweight foundation.

    Minuses:

    • Short life. The service life of a SIP frame house is lower than that of a wooden, brick or gas-block house.
    • Installation is simple but expensive. Special technique required. Manually, such panels are difficult to install; you will have to rent a crane. These are additional costs.
    • Airtight. SIP walls are poorly breathable. To make the house comfortable, not too humid and not hot,
      additional ventilation will be required. This is another expense item.
    • Fire hazard. OSB is a combustible material. To make a SIP house safer, the panels will have to be treated with flame retardants.
    • Strong wind or earthquake resistant. SIP houses are not recommended to be built in earthquake prone areas or where there are hurricanes.
    • Unaesthetic appearance. We’ll have to think about the exterior decoration of the house.

    What is the best material for building a private house?

    So, we analyzed five popular building materials. We conclude: from what to build a house for permanent residence?

    We’ve covered the pros and cons, now let’s focus on balancing price and durability. Don’t just focus on low cost
    sometimes it is accompanied by a short service life. And then the economy turns out to be very doubtful.

    The most budget option – SIP . A house from them can be built in less than a season. But it is worth remembering that the service life of SIP is quite short.

    Slightly more expensive, but more durable – aerated concrete . It is also one of the most economical materials used for construction. However, it is inferior in durability to wood, brick and ceramic block.

    Wood costs even more than (sometimes more expensive than brick). Its lifespan is questionable. It depends on many factors – the quality of the material,
    proper installation, maintenance of walls. If everything is in order, the house can stand for more than 50 years.

    Brick and ceramic blocks are the most expensive of those listed. And the ceramic block is an elite material at all – it is more expensive than a brick. But they can
    boast a long service life – over 100 years.

    The article mentions categories:

    metal tile

    Siding

    profiled sheets

    Sheet flat

    Sales house: housing construction will start using recycled materials | Articles

    Waste from the demolition of old houses and the construction of new ones is planned to be reused in the construction of housing. The Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) must submit to the Cabinet of Ministers their proposals on the use of secondary resources and raw materials in development, as well as in housing and communal services and in landscaping. This order was given to the departments by Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko. Izvestia got acquainted with the document. Experts supported the initiative, it should reduce the cost of construction in the future. Although there are risks: since there are no clear requirements for such materials, they may not be of sufficient quality. This gap needs to be legislatively settled, according to the State Duma.

    Everything for construction

    The Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the REO should work out the issue of how construction, housing and communal services and landscaping can use recycled materials – waste that can be reused, that is, recyclable materials and resources . By December 15, proposals should be submitted to the Cabinet. This order was given by Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko , “Izvestia” got acquainted with the document. Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister has already stated that the Cabinet of Ministers intends to resolve the issue of handling all waste, both domestic and industrial. In order not to accumulate more than 8 billion tons of such garbage, it is necessary to create a system for involving secondary raw materials in circulation, which are made from waste in construction, agriculture, and industry.

    Sales house

    Photo: Izvestia/Zurab Javakhadze

    The office of Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko confirmed to Izvestia that such instructions had been given to the departments. This initiative is being developed as part of the Circular Economy strategy until 2030, they noted. The objective of the project is to create a system in which waste will receive a second life, become not garbage, but a useful secondary material resource. Therefore, the government intends to stimulate the use of recyclable materials in construction, housing and communal services, agriculture and other industries.

    Now there are standards that do not allow the use of secondary raw materials in some types of products , the press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources told Izvestia. Therefore, it is rational to first approve the list of goods and works in which it can be used. The ministry indicated that the list could be drawn up by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, since this is its competence. Izvestia sent inquiries to this department, as well as to the Ministry of Construction.

    Reduce costs

    The issue of proper management of construction and demolition waste is quite acute in Russia: according to statistics, such waste accounts for almost a third of all waste in landfills and landfills , Andrei Kolochinsky, managing partner of VectorStroyFinance, told Izvestia. As the renovation program in the Russian Federation is implemented, its volume will grow.

    In Europe, the situation is much better: 98% of construction waste is recycled there. Therefore, the initiative to develop proposals for the use of secondary resources and raw materials in the construction sector is justified and timely, he noted.

    Despite the constant development of the Russian development market, the disposal of construction waste is accompanied by a number of difficulties, Vladimir Koshelev, deputy head of the State Duma committee on construction and housing and communal services, told Izvestia. The main problems are associated with the low development of the processing of such waste.

    — Among them are the low liquidity of the business, the shortage of reception points, their insufficient equipment and the nomenclature of reception. For example, today concrete, reinforced concrete, brick and metal can be handed over for processing. The rest of the construction waste is most often sent to landfill,” he said. — It is important to make the industry competitive through legislation: for example, increase the cost of landfilling, provide incentives for the business of processing and reusing construction waste.

    The parliamentarian also noted that now there are no requirements for secondary building materials, and raw materials may be heterogeneous, which will reduce the performance of objects. In order to avoid risks, this gap should be eliminated , Vladimir Koshelev pointed out.

    Sales house

    Photo: Izvestia/Konstantin Kokoshkin

    Evgeniy Loskutov, member of the Delovaya Rossiya construction committee, general director of the Institute for Design and Expertise, noted that Now building materials are subject to mandatory certification, so the same rules should apply to recycled resources . Under this condition, the risks of their use will be excluded, he is sure.

    With a systematic approach, the use of recycled materials in construction will be the right decision, this is a global trend, Alexander Ruchev, President of the Osnova group of companies, is sure. In Russia, the level of processing and recycling of products is difficult to assess – “we are at the very beginning of this path,” he added.

    The use of construction waste as a secondary raw material in the construction industry will reduce the cost of primary resources that are mined, causing harm to the environment , – Natalya Belyaeva, expert of the scientific and technical council of Rosprirodnadzor, told Izvestia. – Also, this can reduce the cost of recycled products.

    This approach will reduce the cost of demolition and construction by about 50%, Alexander Kobenko, member of the coordinating council, chairman of the committee on waste processing and secondary resources of Business Russia, admitted.

    Not only industrial waste can be recycled and used in construction, solid municipal waste is also suitable, Denis Butsaev, director general of the REO, told Izvestia. According to him, for example, tiles are made with the addition of bags, crumb rubber – using shoes, insulation for houses – using tires. The expert noted that the operator is holding meetings on this issue with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Construction.

    Residential complex “Forst” – Avtozavodskaya street, 26

    FORST is a business-class residential complex being built on the banks of the Moskva River in the Danilovsky District (YuAO). This is an author’s project by the Wall bureau, combining modern architecture with a unique location: five residential sections up to 65 meters high in the immediate vicinity of the water on the first line of Simonovskaya embankment, as well as underground parking, a concept park and its own infrastructure.

    Transport accessibility of a high level – just 100 meters from the territory of the complex there is an exit to the TTK, the Avtozavodskaya metro station is within walking distance. The project is implemented by Forma. Completion date is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Apartments in the residential complex Forst

    There are 808 apartments in the residential complex FORST with an area from 24 to 184 sq.m . Whitebox finish, ceiling height 2.85-3.2 m. The project’s extensive housing list includes both traditional proposals – studios, one-, two- and three-room apartments – as well as rare formats. As part of the “vertical embankment” concept, all apartments facing the Moscow River have spacious loggias with a fence made of translucent structures. The area of ​​the loggias varies from 8 to 22 sq. m. The floor in the loggias is covered with porcelain stoneware, with an installed heating system.

    Some of the apartments have private terraces – open spaces with glass railings that do not interfere with the view of the city panorama. Of the rare formats, there is a Scandinavian version with a romantic bonus: two-room apartments with master bedrooms and a window in the bathroom. Rare formats include thirteen apartments on the ground floor with private patios – private outdoor courtyards surrounded by shrub hedges.

    The exclusive offer of the project is a traditional Scandinavian option: a layout with a sauna, provided in some penthouses and in one of the apartments. For the arrangement of the sauna, special waterproofing is performed and additional electrical power is allocated.

    All penthouses of the FORST project are equipped with chimneys for installing wood-burning fireplaces, have panoramic windows and private access to terraces . The dimensions of the penthouses reach 184 sq.m, the height of the ceilings is 3.9 m. Finishing work in the penthouses is not provided.⠀

    Characteristics and internal infrastructure

    The architectural concept of FORST residential complex was developed by WALL architects led by Ruben Arakelyan. A coastal plot of 2.1 hectares was allocated for development on a sharp bend in the water artery of the Moskva River. Here, at the intersection with two elements – water and transport (Avtozavodsky Bridge, TTK), – the architects proposed to build a residential complex in the form of monumental rock formations – the Norwegian fjords. The architects tried to convey this northern metaphor through silhouette resemblance – through vertical ledges and multi-storey buildings.

    Four sections of variable number of storeys from 8 to 20 floors placed along the embankment bend line and one separate block form a complex silhouette in the style of Norwegian architecture. The facades of the complex are covered with layers of gray brick in five shades – from dark to light, with an imitation of the effect of layered rock. The design of the lobby is sustained in an eco-style with the priority of using natural wood textures: high shelving of the library, lounge areas with soft chairs and wooden armrests, a fireplace.

    A landscape painting with quotes from the Norwegian fjords is completed by a private park set up in the local area . The designers of the British bureau Gillespies managed to create a real Scandinavian atmosphere. In the design of the park, untreated stone surfaces were used – natural boulders, crushed granite paving, granite crumb paths, a playground in the spirit of a Scandinavian village. Several floristic zones are organized in the park with the addition of northern trees – Canadian shadberry, riverine maple, mountain pine.

    A streetball court and a work-aut zone have been created for active communication. For kids, private kindergarten will be opened with the location on the first floor of the second section, designed for 95 places. As part of the Moscow embankment reconstruction project, while developing their section of Simonovskaya embankment, the architects created several lounge areas with views of the opposite bank and laid running tracks. All the first floors of the complex with exits to the embankment are reserved for commercial infrastructure. There will be a cafe, a bakery, a vinotheque, a fitness club, dry cleaning, a pharmacy, a beauty salon and other household services.

    The underground part of the complex is equipped with parking for 273 parking spaces , charging stations for electric cars. In the same place, an area has been allocated for the organization of 152 kellers.

    External infrastructure

    Residential complex FORST is located in the area of ​​actively developing infrastructure. Within walking distance is the shopping center “Design Mall”, “Leroy Merlin”, hypermarket “Riviera”, where you can go for any purchases from food, clothing to furniture and household appliances, as well as have a snack in a cafe, dine in a restaurant, watch new movies in cinema.

    Not far from the complex on the Marc Chagall Embankment, a new city park “Tyufeleva Grove” was opened with landscape design by the Dutch architect Jerry van Eyck. The nearest sports complexes are located on the other side of Avtozavodskaya Street. These are the CSKA Ice Palace with children’s sports sections and the water area of ​​the promising ZIL complex with swimming and freediving schools. There is an outdoor swimming pool on the territory of ZIL.

    The first residential building made of concrete was printed in Russia for 594,000 rubles / Sudo Null IT News0001

    More than 70 years ago, the first 24-hour concrete house pouring machine was built in the United States by engineering genius Robert Gilmore LeTorneau. Here is a video from 1946. In general, this idea of ​​Thomas Edison is more than 100 years old (patent). Over the decades, concrete printing technology has changed, full-fledged 3D printing for individual projects has begun to be used. Now these houses look much nicer. For example, in February 2017, a residential building was printed in Stupino, near Moscow, on an Apis Cor construction printer. This is the first house in the Russian Federation, printed as a whole, and not assembled from printed panels.

    Building area 38 m². The total cost of turnkey construction, including the foundation, walls, ceilings, roofing, electrical wiring, doors and windows, exterior and interior decoration, amounted to 593,568.19 rubles (detailed estimate), but this is without the cost of the work of some specialists.

    The printer is completely mobile. The loader brings it in the back and installs it on the prepared foundation at the construction site.

    The printer is connected by a hose to a large concrete mixer, that is, an automatic system for mixing and supplying the mixture. It looks like this.

    Then the work begins. All work on the construction of the house took about two months in Stupino. The project started in December 2016 and ended in February 2017. The advertised 24 hours is just the pure machine time of the Apis Cor printer. It was included at different stages to print self-supporting walls, partitions and building envelopes.

    The device has an interesting design. It is located on a movable arm in the center and prints around itself, gradually rising. After the printing of wall structures is completed, it is removed with a crane – and it continues to work outside.

    The appliance itself consumes 8 kW during the process, so you need to provide it with electricity during construction work.

    The cost of printing a concrete house is much cheaper than building a conventional “box” of blocks.

    In addition, such houses have a lot of additional advantages, which makes them truly unique.

    1. Virtually arbitrary shape of the walls. Rounded walls with any corners. Here, the accuracy of construction is perfect, a drunken bricklayer will definitely not screw up your project. The printer has a built-in automatic leveling and stabilization system.

    2. The walls are ready for painting with decorative plaster immediately after processing. You can roll yourself in one day and paint the house in arbitrary colors, and then repaint to suit your mood at any time. Plastering with a level and beacons is not required. There is an additional reduction in the cost of finishing work. This applies to both interior and exterior finishes.

    3. You can perfectly plan the shape of the walls, the size and position of the windows, taking into account the surrounding landscape and lighting. By the way, there is an assumption that the walls on one side can be made slightly inclined to further increase the illumination. However, the design fantasy is limited by the available forms of double-glazed windows, because here you can’t get by with ordinary glasses, you need to install double-glazed windows so as not to freeze in winter.

    Among the disadvantages that come to mind is the flat roof.

    It is clear that the developer guarantees that the roof effectively withstands high snow and operational loads. But it seems that stagnant water can accumulate on such a roof with all the ensuing (or rather, not ensuing) consequences. To prevent this from happening, a special wedge-shaped thermal insulation PIR Slope is used on the roof – a ready-made constructor for creating the necessary slopes and counter-slopes. They say that precipitation will be effectively removed from the roof surface, but still somehow unusual.

    How the thermal insulation between the inner and outer walls will work is also interesting to check. Now the developer is experimenting with two methods of insulation: from Logicpir filling crumbs on one part of the house (thermal conductivity 0.022 W / m * K) and polyurethane filler composition on the other (0.023-0.025 W / m * K). Insulation was carried out simultaneously with the printing of structures, which significantly increased the construction time.

    Well, not everyone will like the small size of the house – after all, not everyone is ready to live in a one-room apartment, a small studio. Although such an option for 38 m² is quite suitable for a single person to live. In addition, as mentioned, the technology allows you to build larger houses.

    Yes, and for a round house, you have to buy a concave TV if you want to play computer games on a big screen.

    This technology can also be used to print three-story houses, but they will cost much more than $10,000.

    Other disadvantages are restrictions on construction dates. The use of a concrete mixture used as “ink” is possible only at a temperature of 5 ° C above zero. So if you do not want to put up an awning with a heater, then construction in winter is impossible. In the future, they promise that the printer will learn how to work with geopolymer concrete from natural components – such material can be printed at lower temperatures. In addition, it is superior to ordinary concrete in other parameters.

    After all, there is definitely no place in the house to install a boiler or other heating system. Probably the only option for living in winter is an electric heater.

    The estimate for the first house was around $10,000, although the estimate does not include the work of all specialists. The estimate includes the installation of window and door blocks, wall decoration, facade painting, drainage, waterproofing, thermal insulation, but the rest of the work is not taken into account. Probably, with these works, a turnkey house will come out twice as expensive, that is, approximately $20,000.0003

    Foundation RUB 14,819
    Walls RUB 95,629.64
    Ceilings, roofing RUB 144,267.55
    Wiring RUB 12,650
    Doors and windows 211 052 RUB
    Exterior trim RUB 46,250
    Interior trim RUB 68,900

    But the contractor notes that expensive materials were used in this demonstration project.