Expert: Nazim Nice - 3/27/2010

Question
Hello, I live in the Bryant neighborhood in Seattle and am considering adding a second story to our Craftsman home - I was wondering what the ballpark is for cost per square foot.  I realize there are a lot of factors involved, but am hoping I can get a figure to start from for budgeting.

The current house is 840 sq ft on the main floor, and I was hoping to get a master suite, 2 smaller bedrooms, and a bathroom (located above the full bath on the main floor) up there (hope that seems reasonable).  Assuming there's no additional structural work needed, and I stick with mid-range finishes, am I looking at something like $150/sq ft?  $250?  More?

Thanks very much for your time!

Answer
Hi Craig,

Typically we suggest starting with a $200/sf budget.  It tends to be the one of the more expensive projects you can do, but it will depend on how easy the structural work is, and mechanical and plumbing too.  You already have the right idea by stacking the bathrooms, which should help reduce rough-in plumbing cost. Structural will almost certainly require removing some siding or drywall on the main floor to beef up the structure, and anchoring the house to the foundation.

Feel free to give me a call if you want to chat about your project or meet to discuss it 206-204-0490.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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