Architectural Designs - How do I figure what a small addition onto my house will cost?

How do I figure what a small addition onto my house will cost?

Not what a contractor will charge -- but how much materials I need and the cost of that. We plan on doing it ourselves.

Public Comments

I don't know if this will help you....but we live in one of the burned out areas of San Diego..Mountains...out here the rebuilding costs vary greatly depending on the Contractor....from $150.00 per square foot...to $300.00 per square foot. that would be from the bottom up and finished. If you are doing it yourself I would figure about the middle as you won't be gettin the contractors costs, but you wont be paying the additional labor. And shopping around for fixtures is always beneficial.
go to lowes or the depot with a blue print pick out materials -go to city check state local codes permits check electrical gas water recommend professional help
the first thing to do is get the price of all the materials and then all the other costs that you can think of, that is a starting place. appraised value of house divided by square footage equals cost
Go to your local chain hard ware store with the dimensions, most of them have computers that can virtual design, and give you figures of your project. Other that that it really depends on the quality, and the materials you plan on using.
It depends on the level of finish, but if you go on $1000 per square yard or metre for luxury stuff, 750 for good and 600 for basic, that usually works out very near. Naturally if the extension is a new kitchen it is likely to be more expensive than if it is a reception room. If you have enough knowledge to do it yourself, sit down and work out how much concrete, timber and so on you need, the cost of windowns, flooring, laboutr that you cannot do etc and make some calls. I suspect you will find it is near those numbers. Remember if you do the work so that visible bits are not to a professional standard, if you sell, people will realise it is an amateur job. If you need building inspection approval make sure you get that. Codes are for your safety. I find that buildinginspectors are very helpful with advice and appreciate bing asked befroe you do something . Much more than finding you have done it wrong.