Second Story Addition in Houston, TX — Costs $91,480 to $571,750

What does second story addition cost in Houston? Average $228,700, ranging $91,480–$571,750. Labor runs $35.61/hr locally — 14% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Houston, TX Market

+14% vs national

Labor Rate

$35.61/hr

Material Index

110

Avg Permit Cost

$1,086

Median Home Price

$305,583

As one of the largest metros in Texas, Houston 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. Costs in Houston run slightly above the national average, though the gap is modest enough that smart material choices and timing can close it. The median home in Houston is valued at $305,583, putting this project at about 74.8% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 60% ROI.

Low Estimate

$91,480

National: $80,000

Mid-Range

$228,700

National: $200,000

High End

$571,750

National: $500,000

Per Sq Ft

$343

National: $300

Duration: 4-8 months
DIY: Hard
Permits: Required
ROI: 60%

Second Story Addition Cost Calculator for Houston

Adjusted for Houston's labor rate ($35.61/hr) and material costs (index 110).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Houston

$228,700

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Houston market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (50%)$114,350

At Houston's average rate of $35.61/hr (19% above national avg)

Materials (50%)$114,350

Material cost index 110 (10% above national baseline of 100)

Second Story Addition vs. Home Value in Houston

MetricHoustonNational Avg
Second Story Addition (Mid-Range)$228,700$200,000
Median Home Price$305,583$350,000
Project as % of Home Value74.8%57.1%
Estimated ROI60%60%
Median Household Income$47,358$75,000

What Affects the Price in Houston

  • 1Local labor rates ($35.61/hr in Houston)
  • 2Material cost index (110 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

Planning a Second Story Addition in Houston

Building permits are typically required for a second story addition in Houston. The average permit fee in this area is $1,086, 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 Houston, skilled contractors charge an average of $35.61/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

In Houston, where the median household income is $47,358, a $228,700 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in Texas.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators