Homeowners' FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

#4: How much will a remodel or addition to my home cost?

This is a common question but difficult to answer because there are too many variables in a project to provide a close enough estimate.

Whether it's a bathroom floor replacement or a second floor addition, the cost depends on many different factors. For example, if you wanted an addition built on your house, the questions you would need to answer include: how many square feet are involved, how deep and wide will the footings be, what kind of floors and windows will you choose, what type of roofing? Will your existing foundation have to be upgraded? Will there be expansive soil problems to deal with?

What city you live in will also affect the final price. For instance, a kitchen remodel project in San Francisco, California will probably cost more than the exact same project in Orlando, Florida.

To give you just a very rough idea, plan on paying $80 to $120 per square foot for remodeling construction and $100 to $150 a square foot for new construction. You will be able to refine this figure significantly after you start serious discussions with a contractor.

Whatever it will cost you, you can sometimes get it back (and maybe more) in terms of the value it adds to your home. You can estimate your returned value using an online payback estimator at www.paybackestimator.com

You can get the best estimate of a job by bringing a set of plans to a professional contractor. To get in touch with a Designer, Architect or Contractor, use the free online referral service at RemodelNet.com