I recently spoke with a home designer about adding an extension for my wife's daycare. Our plan is to convert the carport into a larger space, adding about six feet in both directions. We also want to include a bathroom and kitchenette to potentially use it as an in-law apartment later on. The estimate we received was between $150,000 and $200,000, which struck me as quite high. Is this a typical range for such a project? We're planning on getting a few more quotes before making any decisions.
4 Answers
Good advice all around! Just keep in mind that adding a bathroom and kitchenette will definitely increase the complexity and cost of your project. It's smart to gather a few estimates for comparison to get a better idea of your options.
Adding onto an existing structure usually jacks up the costs. Just be prepared for hidden expenses that can pop up. Hopefully, you can find exactly what you need within your budget, but it's wise to brace for higher prices than expected.
Totally agree, that range makes sense, especially factoring in plumbing and permits, which can drive the price up. Definitely get multiple quotes; some contractors might come in much lower or higher than others. It’s a good idea to shop around!
It really depends on where you live, but that estimate sounds pretty standard for today’s market. With all the necessary permits and possible zoning issues, you might find that number is on the lower end. If you need to relocate utilities or do any major site prep, costs can climb fast. I had a client who looked into expanding, and the material costs alone were significant, not to mention labor! So, yeah, prepare for those costs to add up.

Thanks for the feedback! I’ll make sure to ask about those additional features specifically when we get more quotes.