Additions & Structures Cost Guides

$150,000

$60,000 to $350,000 · 6-18 months

ADUs (granny flats, in-law suites) are one of the highest ROI investments due to rental income potential. Many cities have streamlined ADU permitting to address housing shortages.

$48,000

$22,000 to $95,000 · 6-10 weeks

Building a new garage from scratch requires site prep, foundation or slab, framing, roof, siding, overhead doors, opener, electrical, driveway apron, drainage, permits, and inspection planning. Detached single-bay 240 sqft starts near $22,000, double-bay 480 sqft averages around $48,000, and oversized triple-bay or workshop garages can exceed $95,000.

$12,000

$5,000 to $30,000 · 3-7 days

Level a settling or uneven home by correcting foundation support, piers, beams, drainage, soil movement, and structural repair assumptions with elevation readings and inspection documentation.

$55,000

$25,000 to $130,000 · 4-8 weeks

Adding a garage protects vehicles, adds storage, and can improve resale value, but the real 2026 budget depends on attached vs detached design, bay count, slab and footing scope, driveway work, roof and siding tie-in, fire separation, electrical capacity, garage door package, and whether the space is finished or EV-ready.

$35,000

$15,000 to $75,000 · 4-8 weeks

Converting an attached garage into living space can be cost-effective, but the real budget depends on whether the space becomes an office, bedroom, guest suite, gym, or legal ADU. Scope should include insulation, HVAC, slab moisture, garage-door infill, electrical, egress, smoke/CO alarms, permits, and any zoning or parking requirements.

$125,000

$45,000 to $350,000 · 2-6 months

Home addition pricing is driven by foundation, framing, roof tie-in, exterior matching, mechanical extensions, permit drawings, inspections, and interior finishes. A per-square-foot number is only useful after the contractor defines structure, utilities, drainage, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and finish scope.

$22,000

$8,000 to $55,000 · 2-4 weeks

Screened porches extend usable outdoor living space through insect-prone seasons. They add significant value in the South and Midwest where mosquitoes and flies limit unscreened outdoor use.

$200,000

$80,000 to $500,000 · 4-8 months

A second story addition doubles living space without expanding the home footprint. This major undertaking requires structural engineering to confirm the existing foundation and walls can support additional weight.

$10,000

$4,000 to $25,000 · 1-2 weeks

A carport provides vehicle protection without the full cost of a garage addition. Steel carports are the most affordable, while custom-built wood structures offer better aesthetics and integration with home design.

$90,000

$35,000 to $200,000 · 3-6 months

Room additions add permanent square footage and can transform a home's livability. Costs include foundation, framing, roofing, exterior finishing, HVAC, electrical, and interior finishing.

$9,000

$3,000 to $25,000 · 1-3 days

A pergola defines outdoor entertaining space while providing partial shade and architectural interest. Motorized louvered pergolas offer adjustable sun and rain protection at a premium price point.

$25,000

$8,000 to $65,000 · 2-4 weeks

Three-season rooms provide enclosed outdoor living space usable from spring through fall. They cost significantly less than four-season rooms by eliminating the need for HVAC integration and heavy insulation.

$40,000

$15,000 to $100,000 · 2-6 weeks

Sunrooms create a bright transition space between indoors and outdoors. Three-season rooms are less expensive but unusable in extreme temperatures. Four-season rooms with full insulation and HVAC cost significantly more.

$5,000

$1,500 to $20,000 · 1-3 days

Storage sheds free up garage space for vehicles and create dedicated workshop or hobby areas. Permit requirements vary widely and many jurisdictions exempt small sheds under 120-200 square feet.

$65,000

$30,000 to $150,000 · 6-12 weeks

Pool installation cost depends on pool type, excavation, equipment, decking, fencing, drainage, electrical work, and local inspection requirements. The bid should separate shell cost from the surrounding work because decking, barriers, retaining walls, heaters, automation, and yard restoration often decide the final budget.

$30,000

$10,000 to $80,000 · 2-6 weeks

Pool renovation breathes new life into aging pools. Resurfacing, new coping, updated equipment, and deck improvements can transform a dated pool into a modern backyard centerpiece at a fraction of new pool cost.

$12,000

$5,000 to $35,000 · 1-2 days

Hot tub installation adds a wellness and relaxation feature to any backyard. Portable plug-and-play models are the most affordable, while in-ground installations offer the most refined aesthetic.