Ah, so you’re thinking about adding space to your home? You don’t need us to tell you that’s a great idea. If you’re like the homeowners we’ve come across, you’ve probably stared at your backyard and that cramped kitchen and thought, “Why not make the house bigger?” Well, we’re here to tell you it’s always the perfect time to make enough room for all your activities. But, before you start calling the top general contractors on Yelp, please take a moment to read our full guide to a successful home addition in Los Angeles. 

Why? Well, we hope this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ll walk you through the different types of home additions available in LA. Whether adding space adds value to your home. What it means for your property taxes. What we hope is that you choose us to do that home addition and that you’ll eventually be telling all your friends to do the same by the time you’re done with your project. 

So, dive in, and remember—we’re just a call away if you have any questions! 

Does Adding Square Footage Increase Home Value?

Absolutely! When you add square footage, you’re not just creating more space, you’re adding value to your home. In fact, one of the most common questions we get from clients is whether their addition will pay off when they sell their home. The answer is always, “Yes! Because we’re building it.” But the truth is, a well-designed addition will always increase the value of your home. Whether it’s a new master suite, a kitchen extension, or just extra bathrooms, more space will always boost your home’s market value. Plus, it makes your home more functional and enjoyable in the meantime.

Types of Home Addition in Los Angeles

Master Bedroom Addition

Ah, the master bedroom addition, the king of all home expansions! This type of addition gives you the opportunity to create a private retreat where you can kick back, relax, and escape the chaos of the rest of the house. If you ask your contractor nicely they could probably soundproof your bedroom, keeping any noise out and in…*wink wink* A master bedroom addition typically includes a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, and maybe even a walk-in closet. Definitely get the walk-in closet. Now what does it cost?!

Cost: Adding a master bedroom can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on the size and finishes you choose. Want that spa-like bathroom with heated floors and a soaking tub? That’s going to be extra. Now you want to know how long it is going to take.

Timeline: You’re looking at about 3 to 5 months to complete this project, from the foundation to the final coat of paint. So, stock up on earplugs, coffee, wine, and patience. We all know good things take time!

Updated bedroom with modern design features in a Los Angeles home addition.

Kitchen Extension

If the kitchen is the heart of your home, why not make that heart pump a little better? A kitchen extension can change the way you live. One of my favorite projects was a kitchen extension we completed in Chino. The original kitchen was tiny, and the family loved to cook and entertain. We expanded the kitchen. Adding a large island, more counter space, and even a service window connecting the kitchen to their awesome backyard. Now, their kitchen is the hub of their home, where they can cook, hang out, and entertain. And yes, it definitely added value to their home! But how much does it cost?

Cost: A kitchen extension can set you back between $50,000 and $200,000, depending on the scope of the work. If you’re going all out with custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances, expect to be closer to the high end of that range. But how long does it take to renovate that kitchen?

Timeline: It takes about 2 to 4 months to get this done. That’s just enough time to learn how to make that perfect soufflé you’ve lied about being able to bake.

Modern kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator, white cabinets, and large island

Front House Extension

Expanding the front of your house can give it a whole new look—and who doesn’t like a little curb appeal? A front house addition might include a new entryway, an expanded living room, or even an additional bedroom. It’s like giving your home a facelift and a little extra room to boot.

Cost: This type of addition can cost anywhere from $70,000 to $200,000, depending on the complexity and materials. Adding fancy stonework or large windows? That’ll bump up the cost.

Timeline: Expect this project to take around 3 to 5 months. Just enough time to become the envy of the neighborhood!

Second Story Build

When you can’t build out, why not build up? A second-story addition is a great way to double your living space without sacrificing your backyard. Whether you’re adding extra bedrooms, a bathroom, or even a home office, a second story can transform your home into something more spacious.

Cost: Adding a second story is a big project and can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $600,000. The cost varies depending on the size and the extent of the work needed to reinforce the existing structure.

Timeline: You’re looking at a longer timeline for this one—anywhere from 5 to 8 months. But hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a second story!

Does Adding Square Footage Increase Property Tax?

Yes, adding square footage can increase your property tax. I always tell clients to keep this in mind when budgeting for their addition. After all, when you’re increasing the size of your home, you’re also increasing its value, and that’s something the tax assessor will notice. For example, when we added a second story to that Chino home, the homeowners knew they’d see a bump in their property tax. It’s part of the cost of making your home bigger and better, but for most people, the benefits outweigh the extra expense.

Is It Cheaper to Add an Addition or to Buy a House?

Deciding whether to add an addition or build a new house is a big decision. It really comes down to what you need and what your budget allows. Building a new house gives you a blank slate, but it’s also a massive undertaking. On the other hand, a home addition allows you to expand your space without the stress and cost of building from scratch. For example, the family we worked with in South Pasadena chose an addition over moving because they loved their current home and neighborhood. The addition gave them the space they needed without the hassle of starting over.

How Much Does a Home Addition in Los Angeles Cost Per Square Foot?

The cost of a home addition can vary widely, but in Los Angeles, you’re generally looking at anywhere from $200 to $400 per square foot. Of course, that number can go up if you’re looking for high-end finishes or have a particularly complex project. When we did that kitchen extension in Burbank, the costs were on the higher end because of the custom cabinetry and luxury appliances the clients chose. But they were thrilled with the results, and in the end, that’s what matters most.

How Much Does It Cost to Add 1,000 Square Feet to a House?

Adding 1,000 square feet to your house in Los Angeles can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000, depending on the scope of the project. I remember a project where we added a large master suite and an additional living area to a home in Echo Park. The total cost was around $350,000, but the added space and the transformation of their home were worth every penny. They now have a home that fits their lifestyle perfectly, and the added value is just the cherry on top.

How Much Does It Cost to Add 500 Square Feet to a House?

For a 500-square-foot addition, you can expect to pay between $100,000 and $250,000 in Los Angeles. This is a great option if you need more space but aren’t ready for a massive renovation. We recently completed a 500-square-foot addition in Pasadena, where we extended the kitchen and added a new dining area. The cost came in at about $180,000, and the clients couldn’t be happier with their new, more functional space.

Ready to Start Your Home Addition in Los Angeles?

Choosing to invest in a home addition in Los Angeles is a decision that can dramatically enhance both your living space and your property’s value. Whether you’re expanding your home with a master suite, a kitchen extension, or adding an ADU, the possibilities are endless. In a city like Los Angeles, where space is at a premium and every square foot counts, a well-planned home addition can offer the perfect solution to meet your growing needs. Not only does it allow you to customize your home to fit your lifestyle, but it also increases your property’s appeal in the competitive LA real estate market. At Go Home Builders, we’re committed to guiding you through the entire process, ensuring that your home addition in Los Angeles is both a seamless experience and a worthwhile investment. Let’s work together to create a space that truly reflects your vision and enhances your home’s value for years to come.

Ready to Start Your home building Project?

At Go Home Builders, we’re here to turn your vision into a reality. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of your building process. Don’t navigate the process alone. Let us help you create the perfect space in your home.

Contact Go Home Builders Today

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