Hi folks, I'm thinking about adding an 800 sq ft space to my home in a high cost of living area and I've received an estimate of $250K. This includes a first and second floor with one bedroom each, a full bath, a laundry room, and an 8ft concrete foundation (potentially 10ft, but I'm not sure). I'm aiming for medium-grade materials, nothing too fancy. I wanted to see if this price aligns with what others have experienced for similar projects, especially regarding the cost per square foot, which comes to about $312. Any insights on whether this sounds reasonable or if there are particular cost drivers I should be aware of? Thanks in advance for your help!
5 Answers
It's always smart to get multiple quotes from local contractors. The people here can help, but they can't cover all the nuances of your project, which might lead to unrealistic expectations. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples when it comes to what each quote includes.
Remember, an estimate isn't a hard quote—it’s just a rough idea of costs. You need detailed plans to get binding quotes. Usually, that means hiring an architect or designer to draw up those plans.
I got a 400 sq ft addition and kitchen remodel for $250K in New England, so it's possible to hit that price depending on your project's complexity and location. We saved some costs doing a lot of the work ourselves, but even with that, the price was still pretty high, especially with mid-grade cabinets and appliances. Just be mindful of things like dumpster costs, which can add up fast.
Honestly, for that price, I'd consider buying a cheaper home with a large lot instead of doing the addition. In my area, you might end up spending less than going for a big 4 bed, 2 bath home—that could shoot up to $1.5M easily!
What exactly does your estimate cover? Is it just labor and basic materials, or does it also include fixtures like cabinets and countertops? Knowing this can help gauge whether your quote is in the right ballpark.
It includes labor and most materials, but I have to get my own vanities, tub, and tiles. The wood floor is covered in the estimate.