Let’s face it: you’ve outgrown your home. Before you think about moving, consider what a home addition can do for you. Stay in your neighborhood and avoid the headache of searching, competing, packing, and relocating by looking at what’s possible with a home renovation.
Need another bathroom and bedroom, larger kitchen, or additional family room? After you say, “yes!” you’ll probably ask, “but how much will a home addition cost?”
Any home renovation will inspire many questions about the process, costs, and unexpected costs. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from Central Illinois homeowners like you.
Knowing your budget is a very important first step. A lender will need to appraise your home to determine how much they will lend, so getting this process started sooner than later is a must. Consider covering part of the remodel out of pocket, if you can, to reduce your payments.
Do plenty of research to get an idea of the style and finishes you’d like in your addition. Coming to the consultation, in-house assessment, and design meetings with ideas in hand will help your designer narrow down the options they’ll show you and possibly shorten the design process. They’ll also be able to research products that fit your style and budget.
Once a design is finalized and you sign off on the agreement, your builder can acquire permits, purchase materials, and create the construction schedule. Then construction can begin!
The cost of your new addition will depend on the type and size of the addition. Some rooms are far more complex than others, such as the kitchen or bathroom. The location of your home, your lot size, and selected materials can also impact the final cost.
In areas like Springfield and Decatur, IL, prices tend to be lower than in the Chicago area. Why? Think cost of materials, availability of builders and labor, and cost of living. If your home is closer to big city lights, especially around Chicago, brace yourself for a bit more on your bill. It's not just about the space; it's about where that space is.
On average, you're looking at around $200 to $400 per square foot for your addition. To give you an idea of what costs can look like, we’ll use real-life addition examples:
Average Cost in Springfield and Decatur, IL: $430,000
Average Cost in Springfield and Decatur, IL: $335,000
The best way to estimate your unique addition will be by meeting with a qualified builder to discuss your design goals, the process, & the expected cost. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple answer because every project is unique. However, these examples and the price per square foot range should be a good starting point for you to have an idea about what to expect.
Not every expense in a home addition will come from the construction side of the project. Sometimes homeowners forget to budget for those periphery items and find themselves going over budget. Here’s what you could need to plan for:
If you’re interested in creating additions where living in your home will be too difficult, you should budget for living somewhere else temporarily. Alternative living situations can be a surprise expense you’re not prepared for if you don’t consider this at the beginning of the process. Calculate how much you will need to set aside and subtract it from your overall budget so your designer will know your construction budget.
More space in your home means more furnishing to fill that space. If you’re adding a bedroom, living room, or outdoor living area, consider what it will cost to fill the space with the furnishings you’re hoping for and subtract the projected costs from your overall budget.
Adding onto a home means you’ll have some landscaping to consider once construction is complete. Consult with a landscape architect to get an idea of what to budget to beautify your outdoor space and finish the look.
By working with a knowledgeable and experienced home remodeler you can avoid the miscommunications and missing information that can come from working with a builder that’s not as qualified for the job.
True Craft Remodelers has been delivering expertly designed and crafted additions and remodels in different areas of Central Illinois for quite some time, exceeding clients’ expectations and giving homeowners the home they envisioned. If you’re ready to learn what an addition can do for your home and your family, contact True Craft and we’ll start dreaming together.