Home Addition Calculator

Many people turn to a home addition calculator to help determine the approximate cost of a building project.

Whether you are adding a large addition or a small one to your home, the expenses can add up quickly. Hidden costs and low estimations can strain a carefully planned budget. Hiring a contractor may get you a more definitive price on your home addition because many contractors give you a detailed price list, including materials and labor. A calculator will give you a general idea of the cost of the project. It can also help you in your negotiations with your contractor.

If you plan on saving some money, however, by either subcontracting or doing some or all of the work yourself, you'll need to get some idea of how expensive the project will be. This is where a home addition calculator can be an invaluable tool, if it is a good one.

The purpose of a home addition calculator is simple. It should give you an estimate of how much the addition will cost. Depending upon the calculator, however, you may only receive a general cost-per-square-foot price estimate. This is especially true for online calculators.

What kind of calculator should you choose?

• First, consider what information you really need.
• Next, determine what information the calculator is actually offering. Do you need a preliminary estimate or a detailed final estimate?
• Most online calculators are suitable for general estimates only, and while they are great for brainstorming the idea of a project, basing your entire building plans and budget on one of these calculators isn't very smart.

Some calculators found on the Internet are actually more detailed in nature. These ask for more specific information, such as type of work, quality of work, and the location of the project. Work quality often refers to the type of materials that will be used. For example, will the materials and supplies be more upper-end merchandise, or will the supplies be solely purchased based on the cheapest price? What kind of project will this remodeling or addition be? Will it involve plumbing, like for a kitchen or bathroom, or is it for a simpler project like a bedroom?

Who will be doing the work? Will an architect be involved in the design? Will there be a general contractor, project manager, or subcontractor? Will you do any part of the labor? Will you need an independent electrician, plumber, etc.? Some calculators ask for this type of information.

The following online home addition calculators will get you started in your quest for a new home addition.

• Remodel Estimates-This is a great site that offers several calculators, including a house calculator, room calculator, and specific project calculator. Questions include "Who will do the basic design sketches?" and "How much work will you do yourself?"
• Remodel or Move-This is another great website that offers lots of remodeling tips and advice. There is also a calculator that helps you decide on whether you really want to remodel or if you should consider moving instead.
• Simply Additions-This site offers a variety of calculators as well, such as home additions, deck and patio additions, and more specific projects, like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Service Magic-This site's selection offers several estimators that can help determine the cost of your project. There are calculators for adding a bathroom, kitchen, porch, deck, interior and exterior projects.

Finally, keep in mind that these calculators are not foolproof. They do not guarantee an absolute price guarantee, but they can give you a good idea of how much dough you'll be spending on your next home addition.

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