How much does it cost to build a Home Addition in 2021?

What is a Home Addition / Property Extension?

A home addition or property extension involves extending the current boundaries of your home. They come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes depending on your budget, requirements, and the space you’re working with. 

For example, you can add a simple single-storey extension at the back of your home. This would only involve removing a partial wall or demolishing an existing wooden extension in favour of brick.

Property extensions can also be far more extensive, especially if building to the side of your home would require the external walls to be demolished and rebuilt. The most expensive property extensions span more than one storey high. Though, these are likely to add the most value to your home especially if extra bedrooms or bathrooms are created. 

What’s the average cost of a Home Addition?

There’s no fixed fee when it comes to the cost of a Property Extension, it depends on the nature of the job. To give you a rough estimate, here’s a breakdown of average costs based on local Canadian professionals: 

On average to build an addition, the total cost is between $200 to $4,000+ depending on whether it’s a single, double or multi-storey extension.  

It takes between 6 and 20 weeks to complete a property extension, and labour makes up a large portion of the costs. You may also require various planning certificates or assessments before the work can even begin, which could be as much as $150 each. 

Factors influencing costs: 

The main factors influencing the cost of a property extension are: 

• Your current property

• The extension size

• Single or multi-storey

Your current property

The age and style of your property could determine which type of extension is more suitable. Although getting expert advice does come at a cost, it will ensure the potential of the property is reached. 

As there are so many ways you can go about extending your home, you need to decide what is most important. For example, is it simply a case of wanting a bigger kitchen, or would the upstairs also benefit from an extension too? 

Bear in mind that an extension could reduce the size of your garden. You’ll also need to consider any access issues too, especially if you are building out to the side of the property. It’s possible to build a double-storey extension that is hollowed out at the bottom so that you don’t lose access.

The extension size

Property extensions aren’t created equal! They come in a huge variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, which will significantly impact the cost. Remember that your builder will charge per square meter, so the size will be the biggest determiner of the overall cost. If you have a lot of land at the side or rear of your property, then you have room for a larger extension. But with the added floor space comes an increased cost.

Single or multi-storey

A single-storey extension is the most popular (and cost-effective) option. As the name suggests, it will only be on the ground level of the property. A single-storey extension can be used to add more space to any lower floor room in your house. However, they are usually built to create a larger kitchen or dining space. In bungalows, single-storey extensions can create extra bedrooms.

Double-storey extensions involve both the ground and the first floor. At the top, you can either choose to add a flat roof or extend your current roof space to blend with the look of your property better. Adding a roof will be more expensive, but does give the option for a loft conversion in the future. 

Another option is a multi-storey extension. This will give you additional space on the ground floor, first floor, and the top floor of your home. Multi-storey extensions are the most expensive but will add the most value to your home, especially if additional bedrooms or bathrooms have been created in the process. 

The prices fluctuate because your builder will be working in the square meters you wish to add, rather than the extension type alone. The spec of the build whether it be basic, standard, or deluxe is also going to impact the price. 

Multi-storey extensions are the most expensive, ranging from $50,000 to $85,000 for larger extensions. However, as these will increase the living space on every level of your home this will be reflected in the value of your property. 

How much will you pay based on where you live? 

Builders will either charge an hourly rate, day rate, or a fixed fee. As property extensions take several weeks, the labour is a huge part of the cost. 

On average, builders will charge between $21 and $25.60 per hour in Canada. Prices tend to be higher in major cities to reflect the higher cost of living. 

Other considerations 

• Fixtures and fittings - The fixtures and fittings will also determine the costs. Luxury materials such as Velux windows or marble flooring will add more costs to the project. Likewise, your extension will need insulation and external rendering. You’ll also need to factor electricity and plumbing into your budget! 

• Planning permission - Planning permission is of course the top consideration for any building work you wish to undertake. This especially the case if you live in a listed building. There will be costs associated with surveyors and architects, especially for more ambitious projects. If you have neighbours that live nearby it’s important to ensure the building work won’t negatively impact them, such as encroaching on their land or blocking the light from their property. 

Getting a Home Addition - is it worth the cost? 

If you need more space in your home but you’re not willing to move, then a property extension is the perfect solution. It can give your home a new lease of life, creating a warm and inviting space to raise your family in. 

As an example, many period properties have a small kitchen that’s not fit for dining or entertaining. A single-storey extension would greatly increase the amount of space you have for cooking. 

Likewise, if you have a small ‘box room’ bedroom, a double-storey extension would turn this into a double room. Plus, it would add more living space downstairs too. If your extension is carried out to a high standard, it will most certainly add significant value to your home.

From new additions to the family to more usable space, a property extension is a worthwhile investment.  

Find local builders for your property extension with Bark.