Second Story Addition in New Bedford, MA — Costs $112,987 to $706,167

What does second story addition cost in New Bedford? Average $282,467, ranging $112,987–$706,167. Labor runs $45.44/hr locally — 41% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

New Bedford, MA Market

+41% vs national

Labor Rate

$45.44/hr

Material Index

131

Avg Permit Cost

$2,104

Median Home Price

$444,214

New Bedford is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a second story addition, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 41% above the national average, New Bedford is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in New Bedford is valued at $444,214, putting this project at about 63.6% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 60% ROI.

Low Estimate

$112,987

National: $80,000

Mid-Range

$282,467

National: $200,000

High End

$706,167

National: $500,000

Per Sq Ft

$424

National: $300

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

Second Story Addition Cost Calculator for New Bedford

Adjusted for New Bedford's labor rate ($45.44/hr) and material costs (index 131).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in New Bedford

$282,467

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (50%)$141,234

At New Bedford's average rate of $45.44/hr (51% above national avg)

Materials (50%)$141,234

Material cost index 131 (31% above national baseline of 100)

Second Story Addition vs. Home Value in New Bedford

MetricNew BedfordNational Avg
Second Story Addition (Mid-Range)$282,467$200,000
Median Home Price$444,214$350,000
Project as % of Home Value63.6%57.1%
Estimated ROI60%60%
Median Household Income$111,078$75,000

What Affects the Price in New Bedford

  • 1Local labor rates ($45.44/hr in New Bedford)
  • 2Material cost index (131 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 New Bedford

Building permits are typically required for a second story addition in New Bedford. The average permit fee in this area is $2,104, 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 New Bedford, skilled contractors charge an average of $45.44/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $111,078, many New Bedford residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $282,467 represents 254% of the typical household's annual income.

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