Is there any rule of thumb about how much a room addition should cost? We are assessing whether to buy an older home but need to know the approximate cost of adding a 22X12 addition (no plumbing). Around here new construction is running 50-75$ sq foot. What does that drill down to for additions?

Also, the addition would be situated right where the Central heating and air unit is located. Can those things be moved?

I really appreciate your help in advance. The property is a great deal only if this addition could be made.

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), October 27, 2001

Answers

There are so many variables when it comes to adding on. Your best bet would be to get an estimate from a reliable biulder even if you are planning on doing it yourself. It will give you some idea of what it involves. When adding on to an old house,which we did, you may have to upgrade the rest of the house to code. We had to do our electric for the whole house not just the addition. Since we were doing the heating and plumbing through the house anyway I don't know if that would apply to you or not. Check the local building codes to see if you would have to upgrade the rest.

-- Judy Schumacher (TootlesTheBrit@aol.com), October 27, 2001.

As with many building issues. Check your local code first. Can you put the addition on at all? For costing, figure it as a new build. So Under $20K for a new room.

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), October 27, 2001.

Central HVAC outside units have to be connected to the inside part with wires and tubing through a tunnel like opening called the "chase". These tubs and wires can be extended to move the outside location. It is recommened that no connection be made inside the chase in that a leak would be unserviceablely located, therefore running new, longer tubes and wires is recommended. Also, the feron must be evacuated before this can be done so you will need someone with the equipment and knowledge to perform this. As for the addition there is too many different applications to price guess. Do be sure there is not a well or septic system in the way.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), October 27, 2001.

By your price ranges listed, you could be looking at between 13,200 up to 19,800 plus the costs of re-ducting the a/c unit. Shop around, get references on the contractor and maybe consider a shell only construction and finish it yourself on the inside.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair67@yahoo.com), October 27, 2001.

Jay--if it helps I am close to you, a little bit north. Yes, we'd like to finish it ourselves--what do you think that would get us to (definitely flooring and painting and cleanup)? Thanks

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), October 27, 2001.