Second Story Addition in Denver, CO — Costs $98,120 to $613,250
What does second story addition cost in Denver? Average $245,300, ranging $98,120–$613,250. Labor runs $38.49/hr locally — 23% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Denver, CO Market
+23% vs nationalLabor Rate
$38.49/hr
Material Index
117
Avg Permit Cost
$2,288
Median Home Price
$482,996
As one of the largest metros in Colorado, Denver has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 23% above the national average, Denver is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Denver is valued at $482,996, putting this project at about 50.8% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 60% ROI.
Low Estimate
$98,120
National: $80,000
Mid-Range
$245,300
National: $200,000
High End
$613,250
National: $500,000
Per Sq Ft
$368
National: $300
Second Story Addition Cost Calculator for Denver
Adjusted for Denver's labor rate ($38.49/hr) and material costs (index 117).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Denver
$245,300
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Denver market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Denver's average rate of $38.49/hr (28% above national avg)
Material cost index 117 (17% above national baseline of 100)
Second Story Addition vs. Home Value in Denver
| Metric | Denver | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Second Story Addition (Mid-Range) | $245,300 | $200,000 |
| Median Home Price | $482,996 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 50.8% | 57.1% |
| Estimated ROI | 60% | 60% |
| Median Household Income | $76,237 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Denver
- 1Local labor rates ($38.49/hr in Denver)
- 2Material cost index (117 vs national 100)
- 3Total square footage added
- 4Structural reinforcement of first floor
- 5Staircase addition
- 6Roof removal and replacement
Popular Upgrades
- Master suite
- Additional bedrooms
- Jack-and-Jill bathroom
Other Projects in Denver, CO
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$183,975
Room Addition
$110,385
Swimming Pool Installation
$78,988
Garage Addition
$67,458
Home Addition
$97,668
Inground Swimming Pool
$78,621
Attic Conversion
$67,768
Swimming Pool Construction
$61,608
Second Story Addition in Other Colorado Cities
Planning a Second Story Addition in Denver
Building permits are typically required for a second story addition in Denver. The average permit fee in this area is $2,288, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 4-8 months from start to finish.
A second story addition is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Denver, skilled contractors charge an average of $38.49/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
For the median Denver household earning $76,237/year, this project at $245,300 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.
Second Story Addition — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
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