Discover How Much a Home Addition Can Cost You in Canada

In Canada, a home addition can cost you dearly. So, the involved investment is a serious thing to assess before embarking upon a home addition project.

If you contemplate undertaking a home addition, you have to prepare to make a substantial investment because you will be virtually changing your home footprint.

The cost of your home addition will depend on the type of space you will add and the materials you will use. However, from a generalized perspective, you can expect between $100 and $200 per square foot.

Before you begin your project, you have a pertinent question to answer—why do you want to go for the home addition?

There can be many reasons for your home addition. For example, it can be due to the need to provide more space to your growing family; or to have extra room for work or entertainment.

Whatever it could be, you should justify your investment. But, at the same time, the fact remains that a home addition can always have value because it means square footage. So, if you eventually sell your home, you can get a better price for it.

Factors Impacting Home Addition Cost

But, before you go ahead with your home addition, you should know what factors impact the cost.

Type of Addition

The type of addition you will make will have a significant impact on the cost. For example, suppose you will add a kitchen, then its cost will be lesser than a bedroom.

Location

The location of your home addition will influence the cost to a significant extent. For example, if you add to the first floor, its cost will be lesser than second-story additions. Also, there is a critical aspect to note regarding first floor additions in Canada—it should comply with zoning restrictions.

Architectural Complexity

The complexity and uniqueness of the involved architecture will influence your home addition cost. For example, if your addition is relatively simple in terms of design, it will cost less than an addition with a complex design.

Type of Your Existing Home

The type of your existing home will also impact the cost of a new addition. Certain construction types pose convenience in home addition. For example, adding onto a wood-framed home is easier than a brick home.

Internal Volume

Akin to the square footage, the internal volume also plays a critical role in deciding the home addition cost. And, the fact is simple—the taller the ceiling, the more is the expense.

Finishes

The type of finishes is also a significant deciding factor for your home addition. If you include high-end and luxury finishes, the price will be higher compared to standard finishes. For example, a mosaic or ceramic designer floor tile will cost more than old reclaimed walnut or elm hardwood tile.

Home Location

The location of your home also plays a significant role in deciding your home addition cost. For example, if your property is near to the builder, it becomes easy to access. So, the builder can quickly transport the building materials and tools to the location. And the transportation cost will also be lesser than a location situated far away from the builder’s place.

Moreover, more aspects are to consider, such as—does your home have a backyard with adequate space to store materials, machinery, and bins? If the answer is negative, then it would mean that you might need to rent space nearby to keep such things during the construction phase. Understandably, it will push up your home addition cost.

Some Tentative Costs of Home Addition

It will help if you get acquainted with the tentative costs of a few types of home additions. So, let us walk through the tentative costs of home addition of the following types:

On a Foundation

Home addition on a foundation can be an excellent method to add more space to your home. When you expand your home on a foundation, you will increase the main floor and the basement. Moreover, such additions are warmer in the winter season compared to those constructed on piles.

According to the current trends, the home addition cost on a foundation can be within $285 and $350 per square foot.

A significant challenge your architect is likely to face is integrating the design seamlessly into your existing home. But, there is no need for you to worry. You can engage a qualified and experienced architect from Orana, one of Toronto’s best designs and build firms.

On Piles

Adding your home on piles will help you save money because it is cheaper than a foundation. Also, there are some advantages, such as it can be highly resistant to unstable soils. So, the builder will find it easier to construct.

Moreover, the essential machinery will be less costly than a home extension on a foundation. As such, you can get a higher return on your investment.

However, your energy bills can be slightly higher during the winter months because piles are not as insulating as concrete. But, you can solve the issue by insulating the extended floor with unique insulation materials.

A home addition on piles can cost you from $260 to $350 per square foot.

On a Concrete Slab

Adding your home on a concrete slab can be an excellent option for you. It can be the ideal choice if you do not want to excavate your home during the addition phase.

Another advantage is that it can be more insulating than addition on piles. The expansion will be built on monolithic concrete, which will act as the foundation and floor of the extended space. And the floor will retain heat during the winter months, making the room warmer.

However, you should check whether your existing property can withstand the addition beforehand.

The type of home addition can cost within the $240 to $350 per square foot range.

Adding a Storey

Adding a storey to your home can be an advantageous option. You can expand the living space of your home without consuming additional space. And, it can increase your home’s resale value significantly, entailing a higher return on your investment.

According to the prevailing trends, adding a storey can entail approximately $240 to $300 per square foot of investment.

The Final Words

A home addition is not a straightforward affair. And you might not be an expert in the involved technical aspects. So, you need assistance. It will help if you engage a trusted and reliable design and build firm, like Orana in Toronto, to provide end-to-end solutions for your home addition project.