how much more does it cost to build a two story house

Estimated cost to add a second story in 4 cities

• Los Angeles, California Full second story cost: $550,000-$1,000,000, depending on interior and exterior finishes ...
• Denver, Colorado Full second story cost: $350,000-$550,000, depending on interior and exterior finishes ...
• Houston, Texas Full second story cost: $360,000-$500,000 (for a 2,000-square-foot house) ...
• Seattle, Washington Full second story cost: Approximately $400,000-$550,000 ...

Full Answer

How much does it cost to add a second story to a house?

Adding a second story to your home is a significant undertaking but adds value, comfort, and space to your existing home. On average, a partial second story costs between $80,000 and $250,000, while a full second-story addition can be between $100,000 to $600,000 or more.

Is it cheaper to build an one or two story home?

That said however, two-story construction can be cheaper than one-story. Two of the most expensive parts of a house are the roof and the foundation. A two-story home with the same square footage as a one-story has half the roofing costs and half the foundation costs. There are also economies in plumbing and heating in two stories.

How much does an average two story house cost?

Cost to Build a 2-Story House . The price to build a 2-story house is between $50 and $230 a sq.ft. for modular homes. The price of stick-built homes is $100 to $380 per sq.ft. Costs variations are mostly due to regional differences. 2-story homes can sometimes be less expensive to build than 1-story for stick-building. This is because two ...

How do you estimate the cost of building a house?

How to Estimate the Cost of Building a New House

• New Home Construction Costs. ...
• Step-by-Step New Home Build [Plus Contract Checklist] Choose a Construction Method: Custom, Semi-Custom, Collaborative or Spec House. ...
• Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Is it more expensive to buy or build a home? ...

Is a two story house more expensive to build?

Expect to pay more. Per square foot, a one-story house is more costly to build than a two-story home. There is a larger footprint, meaning more foundation building and more roofing materials.

Is it cheaper to build a second story or build out?

Building out is significantly less expensive than building up. On average, it costs between $140 to $180 to expand your home's footprint outwards. When you build a second or third floor onto your home, you can expect the costs to range from $180 to $250 per square foot.

How much does it cost to build a nice 2 story house?

New House Construction Costs by Number of StoriesNumber of StoriesAverage Prices per Sq.Ft. (Modular)Average Prices per Sq.Ft. (Stick-Built)1 Story$50 - $184$100 - $4002 Stories$50 - $230$100 - $3803 Stories$75 - $230$100 - $380

How much does it cost to build a 2 story modern house?

On average, when you look at the material costs, it is about $50 per sq. ft. Or it can be between 41.5%-51%. However, building a home with two stories spreading over 2,776 square feet with the materials can cost you $140,000.

When building a house what costs the most?

Framing is the highest material cost for most new home builds. High-quantity lumber framing averages $33,000 for a home in the U.S. This includes floors, walls and roof trusses. Metal stud framing systems start at about $20,000.

How much cheaper is a 2 story house?

At the same total square footage as the 1 story (2900), here's the comparison: 1 story house cost $32.50 per square foot. 2 story house cost $26.25 per square foot.

Will construction costs go down in 2022?

Going into 2022, we expect to see more positive shifts. The cost of construction is forecasted to decrease and stabilize with continued economic growth and the relief of supply chain halts. And with building materials easier to source, we predict a boom in new home builds.

Are 2 story homes harder to sell?

If you are thinking ahead toward a time when you might consider selling, it's important to note that single story homes tend to resell easier and quicker due to their popularity with home buyers.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house?

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? As a rule of thumb, it's cheaper to buy a house than to build one. Building a new home costs $34,000 more, on average, than purchasing an existing home. The median cost of new construction was $449,000 in May 2022.

What is the cheapest type of house to build?

Ranch HomesRanch Homes A home with a simple and concise layout is the cheapest type of house to build. Ranch homes are typically single-story structures with attached garages. They're easy to find construction plans for and highly customizable, so you can find a home that fits your needs and budget.

How much does it cost to build a modern 2500 sq ft house?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of building a new home is $100 to $200 per square foot....The cost to build a house, per square foot.Square feetAverage cost2,500$250,000 - $500,0002,700$270,000 - $540,0003,000$300,000 - $600,0009 more rows•Jan 26, 2022

How much does it cost to build a modern 2000 sq ft house?

The average cost to build a house is $248,000, or between $100 to $155 per square foot depending on your location, size of the home, and if modern or custom designs are used. New home construction for a 2,000 square foot home runs $201,000 to $310,000 on average.

Is it more expensive to build up or out?

In most areas, building outwards is significantly cheaper than trying to build upward. This is because building upward requires more labor, more materials, several permits, as well as the help of a structural engineer.

Is adding a second floor worth it?

Adding a second story to your house can be an expensive endeavor. You will most likely have to live elsewhere during construction and the entire project could take over six months. However, if you have the means, a second story could significantly increase the square footage and value of your home.

Is it cheaper to build a 2 story house or a house with a basement?

Generally speaking, building up tends to be less expensive than a basement. That said, not too long ago, lumber was at an all-time high and basements were the better option. Check with your builder and they can advise you on the pros, cons, and cost of each.

What is the cheapest way to add square footage to a house?

Finish an Attic Take advantage of an unfinished attic to add livable square footage to your home—often the most cost-effective way to gain valuable space.

How much does it cost to build a 2,000 sq ft home?

These costs are based on a 2,000 square foot home built at an average cost of $125 per square foot . These prices are averages and will vary depending on the materials used, type of home, and quality of construction.

How much does it cost to build a house?

The average cost to build a house is $248,000, or between $100 to $155 per square foot depending on your location, size of the home, and if modern or custom designs are used. New home construction for a 2,000 square foot home runs $201,000 to $310,000 on average.

How much does a general contractor charge per square foot?

According to the National Association of Home Builders, a general contractor's expenses are $85 per square foot for new home construction. Add overhead, profit, and finishing, and the average cost per square foot to build a house is $100 to $155 depending on the region.

What type of construction is used for a new home?

In addition to traditional construction methods, others available include complete prefabricated homes, modular homes, home kits, barndominiums, container homes, pre-built tiny homes, and the newest process—3D printed home structures.

What to consider when buying a plot of land?

You will need to find the right spot for your new home. If you are buying a plot that currently has a house which will need to be demolished, you will save a little when it comes to electrical and sewer connection fees, since those would have already been in place for the previous home. If you are buying raw, undeveloped land in a rural setting, you might have to add a septic tank for your wastewater needs. You will also need to run utility lines back to your property, and possibly factor in the cost of grading the land and laying a driveway.

How much does labor cost to material?

The ratio of labor cost to material costs is about $1.28 in labor for every $1 in materials—for baseline costs—and more with more ornate materials or custom work because of the higher cost of architects and master craftsmen. Architects’ fees can range between $125 to $250 per hour.

What is the first phase of a construction project?

With your land purchased and prepared for construction, your construction loan approved, budget finalized, plans drawn up, your contractor selected, and your permits approved, your contractor can be scheduled to break ground and begin the prep work for the foundation as the first phase of your construction.

What makes second-story additions so expensive?

Now that you have some estimates for this project, you may be wondering where all of those dollars are going. What are some of the most expensive components of a second-story addition?

What happens when you add a second story?

Plumbing/electrical/HVAC systems: When adding a second story, these systems will have to be moved, expanded, or upgraded to accommodate the extra square footage, which can be a complex and expensive task. Electrical wiring and plumbing may also have to be altered to meet the new code.

How to increase living space in garage?

Another way to increase your living or storage space without expanding your house’s footprint is to add a “ bonus room ” over the garage . It could be used as a home office, in-law suite, man cave, playroom, craft room, storage room…the possibilities are endless. One of the main benefits of going this route is that because you’re building on top of an unfinished garage, you don’t have to worry as much about damaging existing drywall, flooring, or other elements during construction, which means there will be less need to remodel the space after the addition is complete.

How to increase living space without expanding house footprint?

Another way to increase your living or storage space without expanding your house’s footprint is to add a “ bonus room ” over the garage. It could be used as a home office, in-law suite, man cave, playroom, craft room, storage room…the possibilities are endless.

Can you build a bonus room in a detached garage?

Not all garages are candidates for supporting bonus rooms without significant structural rework to the existing foundation, particularly in the case of det ached garages. “Sometimes it makes more sense to demolish the existing garage if the goal is to build a new garage with an ‘accessory dwelling unit’ (or ADU) on top,” says Justin Bride, principal at Ascent Contracting in Denver, Colorado, who has worked with many residential expansions.

Do all second story additions have the same scope?

Not all second-story additions have the same scope. Depending on how much space you need and the size of your budget, you can choose from the following options:

Can you have a second story with a staircase?

A second story is only useful if it can be accessed, hence the inevitable staircase. This can be a challenge if the existing layout of the first floor doesn’t have enough open floor space to accommodate a staircase. Some homeowners opt to place the staircase outside the home to conserve floor space and save money.

How does a builder determine the price of a home?

Your builder determines the price of your home based on their factors: Size:The size of your home and the number of stories it contains are key factors in home prices. Generally, the larger the home, the more you’ll spend on building materials. It also takes longer to build a large home, which increases labor costs.

What is the best thing about building a house?

In fact, the ability to choose every single feature and amenity in your home is one of the best things about building, rather than buying, a house. One of the more important choices you will make will be the number of stories your home will be and overall budget.

What is a second floor truss?

Trusses are pre-fabricated triangular structures that tie the outside walls together and provide support for your roof. If you choose a 1.5-story home, we have to build flooring and other structural elements out of what we call “stick frame,” which is a more expensive process.

Is a 1.5 story home more expensive than a 2 story home?

With Gerber Homes, it's important to understand the difference in costs for a 2-story home or a 1-story home. People typically expect a 2-story home to be more expensive than a 1-story, but that's not always the case. A 1.5-story home is actually the most expensive. Learn why in this helpful checklist.

Is it cheaper to build a two story home or a one story home?

You might assume that two-story homes are more expensive to build than one-story homes, but that’s not always the case. A one-story home usually requires a bigger foundation than a two-story and a larger roof. In addition to paying more for the materials and labor to build the foundation and roof, costs to add heating and electric systems will usually be more. Since those systems must travel through every part of your foundation, additional materials and more manpower hours will be needed.

Do you pay more for a one story or two story home?

Although one-story homes typically cost more, you might pay more for a two-story home in some instances.

Do you pay more for features on a home?

Features: You’ll pay more if the design of your home is complex or includes custom features.

What is the difference between a 2 story house and a 2 story house?

Security means the house windows and open areas strong guard against thieves. Two-story houses usually come with good security. As you will get multi-level home in 2 stories, they allow you to open your windows with no fear of theft.

Why is it better to rent one part of a two story house?

Yet, a bigger space allows you to rent one part for better benefits. When it comes to two-story houses, you will find better spaces and good advantages by adding significantly to building costs. This thing also allows you to expand your house shape after some time.

What are the benefits of a one story house?

In one story houses, you can save electricity bills, heating, AC, and water bills. You also have good benefits for cleaning. The one-story houses are designed in the same level that allows you to clean easily without running up to the downside.

Which is better, two story or one story?

Even though two stories have better anti-thief protection, the one-story houses stand great if you add some security devices by spending a good amount of money to live peacefully.

Can two story houses be sold?

Not only that but also the two stories houses can be rent or sell at a higher price if you have good spaces.

Is it cheaper to build a house with 2 stories or 1 story?

Amazingly, two stories are less costly than one-story houses. This thing shows the one-story will use up more than your budget when building a home, unlike 2 stories.

Is a 2 story house good?

In contrast, the two stories houses make use of the plot decently as you are going to add an extra room on the upper side. For that reason, they are good in value. This thing also makes sure using the property better with a bigger yard and home size benefits.

How much does it cost to build a 2,000 sq ft house?

Homeowners across the US report spending an average of $190,000-420,000 to build a 2,000 sq.ft. house. In many middle class areas, the cost of construction for a 2,000 sq.ft. space os $295,000 This is equivalent to the price of $147.5 per square foot.

How much does a custom home cost?

Custom homes can range in price from $150 -1,000+ per square foot , depending on the size, architectural complexity, materials, etc. Such a house will also take significantly longer to construct than a prefabricated structure. By comparison, a prefabricated or modular home can cost at least 25-35% less than a custom one.

What are some things that can be used to build a home?

These can include things like a 2-car garage, better roofing and insulation materials, high-end kitchen appliances, hardwood as opposed to engineered wood floors, better quality siding, more expensive windows, etc. Still, you will be getting a brand new home that will be cheaper than building a custom design from scratch.

What factors lower or increase construction costs?

One of the biggest factors that will lower or increase your construction costs is whether you want a custom designed house or a prefabricated one. While an original architectural house plan has the tremendous benefit of giving you exactly what you want, it also costs significantly more.

How much does it cost to install a GAF roof?

home for about $5,000-6,000 or a standing seam metal roof of the same size for $12,000-13,000.

What is house building calculator?

House Building Calculator provides accurate construction costs for a new house. You can select different options for trim, quality of materials and other amenities, such as a garage and deck.

What will increase the cost of a house?

Adding extras such as a fence, a pool, a deck, will further increase your total construction cost.

How much more to build a ranch than a 2 story?

So by that math, it costs 33% more to build a ranch than a 2 story (in line with the above mentioned 20-40%). Now I know that it was more like $190 for 1st floor space and $110 for 2nd and the 1st floor space was made more expensive b/c it was on a basement (ie increasing foundation costs even more). But if you like round numbers, there they are. The real driving force in our neighborhood was the 100 ft wide lot, requirement for a sideload garage and the slope of our back yard which kept us from building backward into the lot.

Why is a 1 story ranch more expensive than a 2 story ranch?

1-story costs more because it has twice the foundation and twice the roof. Also, a 2-story provides opportunities to save on plumbing. A 1-story may cost 20% to 40% more. As others have said. a ranch plan will be more expensive due to the larger roof expense.

Why are ranch plans so expensive?

As others have said. a ranch plan will be more expensive due to the larger roof expense. This includes the framing, sheathing, roofing material, gutters fascia soffit etc. It also requires more excavation and possibly hauling of dirt, more foundation walls, gravel fill, basement slab and perimeter insulation. It might make heating and cooling more expensive and plumbing lines are often longer and more money. Baths can be stacked easier in two stories. Depending on the framing comlexity the two story can be a bit more expensive. You can get higher ceilings and varying height ceilings easily with ranch style and most often it can be trussed easily and framed quick. It also takes more landscaping to surround a ranch plan and Im sure there are a few other things. As more people age I have seen a real comeback of the ranch plan in my design requests.They just dont want it to look like the 50's-70's ranches. The resale is often strong because any age can buy it. It also may require a larger lot than your average subdivison lot today.

Why is resale so strong?

The resale is often strong because any age can buy it. It also may require a larger lot than your average subdivison lot today. srercrcr. 11 years ago. I totally agree. My two story is efficient....centralized water heater and furnace and A/C.

Can you stack a bath in two stories?

Baths can be stacked easier in two stories. Depending on the framing comlexity the two story can be a bit more expensive. You can get higher ceilings and varying height ceilings easily with ranch style and most often it can be trussed easily and framed quick.

Is it cheaper to build an attic in NC?

In NC specificially, we have codes that require a significant amount of window space to make an area habitable (8% of wall space is what I heard). So it is cheaper to build an attic and much easier to make it habitable. The only suitable basements become daylight basements which obviously requires a particular slope.

Is a two story box efficient?

I totally agree. My two story is efficient.... centralized water heater and furnace and A/C. A two story box is most efficient but more boring IMO so it behooves the designer to make it interesting...porches, bay windows, decks, etc to add interest. Also, in the winter as an example the heat in the ranch will escape to the attic and outside. In a two story it is captured by the second story.

Two Cost questions: Building Plans, & 1 Level vs. 2 Level Homes

DH and I are looking at house plans that are roughly 1700 finished square feet, some plans are 2 level homes and some are 1 level. Does anyone know if there is a major cost difference between building the two home types, provided the square footage is the same? If it makes a difference in the answer, we'd like an unfinished basement as well.

Comments (17)

According to RS Means, a two-story house is about 10% less expensive to build than a 1-story house of the same area. Because so much of the energy used to heat a house is lost through the roof, a 2-story house should be less expensive to heat but I can't tell you how much.

National Averages For Second-Story Additions

Types of Second-Story Additions

Estimated Cost to Add A Second Story in 4 Cities

• Just as home prices vary widely from one market to the next, the cost of a home addition can range dramatically based on where you live. We spoke with some experienced contractors in four different cities to get an idea of the price variances for home additions across the U.S.

See more on homelight.com

Is It Cheaper to Build Up Or out?

What Makes Second-Story Additions So expensive?

Smart Ways to Make An Addition Less of A Budget-Buster

Common Headaches Associated with Second-Story Additions

Build Up Or Buy: Is It Worth It to Add A Second Story?