Second Story Addition in Wilmington, NC — Costs $71,800 to $448,750
What does second story addition cost in Wilmington? Average $179,500, ranging $71,800–$448,750. Labor runs $26.55/hr locally — 10% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Wilmington, NC Market
-10% vs nationalLabor Rate
$26.55/hr
Material Index
91
Avg Permit Cost
$828
Median Home Price
$251,621
Wilmington is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a second story addition, which helps keep pricing competitive. Wilmington offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. The median home in Wilmington is valued at $251,621, putting this project at about 71.3% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 60% ROI.
Low Estimate
$71,800
National: $80,000
Mid-Range
$179,500
National: $200,000
High End
$448,750
National: $500,000
Per Sq Ft
$269
National: $300
Second Story Addition Cost Calculator for Wilmington
Adjusted for Wilmington's labor rate ($26.55/hr) and material costs (index 91).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Wilmington
$179,500
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Wilmington market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Wilmington's average rate of $26.55/hr (11% below national avg)
Material cost index 91 (9% below national baseline of 100)
Second Story Addition vs. Home Value in Wilmington
| Metric | Wilmington | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Second Story Addition (Mid-Range) | $179,500 | $200,000 |
| Median Home Price | $251,621 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 71.3% | 57.1% |
| Estimated ROI | 60% | 60% |
| Median Household Income | $44,868 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Wilmington
- 1Local labor rates ($26.55/hr in Wilmington)
- 2Material cost index (91 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 Wilmington, NC
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$134,625
Room Addition
$80,775
Swimming Pool Installation
$58,500
Garage Addition
$49,363
Home Addition
$71,900
Inground Swimming Pool
$58,581
Attic Conversion
$49,294
Swimming Pool Construction
$44,813
Second Story Addition in Other North Carolina Cities
Planning a Second Story Addition in Wilmington
Building permits are typically required for a second story addition in Wilmington. The average permit fee in this area is $828, 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 Wilmington, skilled contractors charge an average of $26.55/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
In Wilmington, where the median household income is $44,868, a $179,500 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in North Carolina.
Second Story Addition — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
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