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Cost Estimators

Home Addition & Construction Cost Calculator

This home addition cost calculator frames a budget by square foot for additions and renovations; our home addition guide covers types and permits. Use per-square-foot ranges to frame the budget for a room addition or a whole-house renovation. Defaults: additions $120–$300 per sq ft (2026 national range around a $185 average); renovations $15–$150 per sq ft from cosmetic updates to premium whole-house work. Add design, engineering and permit costs as a percentage.

Results from this calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Enter your project

sq ft
m²
$/sq ft
$/sq ft
×
%

Soft costs vary; ask your architect or contractor.

Results

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the home addition / construction cost calculator

  1. Choose addition or renovation.
  2. Enter the square footage.
  3. Set a local cost factor and soft-cost percentage.
  4. Override the rates with local bids when available.

Formula

Total = area × cost per sq ft × local factor × (1 + soft-cost %).

Worked example

A 400 sq ft addition at $120–$300 per sq ft plus 10% soft costs: $52,800–$132,000.

Tips for using the home addition / construction cost calculator

  • Kitchens and bathrooms in an addition raise the cost per square foot the most.
  • Budget soft costs such as design, engineering and permits on top of construction.
  • Foundation work and connecting to existing systems vary most from site to site.
  • Check zoning setbacks, height limits and lot coverage before you design; a plan that needs a variance adds months and fees that a simple per-square-foot range does not show.
Looking up through the new wood stud and rafter framing of a house

Home Addition / Construction Cost Calculator FAQs

How much does a home addition cost per square foot?

Industry estimates put about $185 per sq ft for a basic room addition nationally in 2026, with a $120–$300 range; kitchens, bathrooms, second stories and high-cost metros run higher.

How much does a whole-house renovation cost?

Industry estimates give $15–$150 per sq ft depending on scope, with most homeowners spending $19,500–$88,400 (March 2026).

Do additions in NYC need an architect?

Permitted alterations to 1–2 family homes in NYC require a Registered Design Professional to file plans with DOB. See our NYC permits guide.

Estimate before you call a contractor

Run the numbers with our free calculators so you can compare bids with confidence.