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Elite Edition

How much does it cost to add an extra level?

Author

Emma Horne

Published Apr 06, 2026

How much does it cost to add an extra level?

A second storey extension will normally cost around $1,800 to $15,000 per square metre depending on the “degree of difficulty” of the work required, according to three builders who specialise in extensions and second-storey additions.

Can you add a cellar to a house?

You could dig out a basement under the house. It sounds expensive and messy, but spiralling house prices mean that excavating a basement can add considerable value. The firm’s offices had a dark, dank cellar that was excavated to provide decent headroom, underpinned, and provided with skylights for natural light.

How much does it cost to add a basement to a house?

Adding a basement to an existing house can cost $30,000-$70,000 or more, depending on the size of the existing crawlspace or half-basement or if the house is on a slab foundation, and how much of the work is do-it-yourself and how much is done by contractors.

Why does it cost more to build a basement than a crawlspace?

In warmer climates where the foundation does not have to be as deep (typically 18″-20″ for a crawlspace or a few inches for a slab foundation), including a basement adds more to the total cost of the house because it requires a lot more additional excavation, far beyond what would be done without a basement.

Is it better to fix up your basement or add on?

But fixing up a full-height basement can dramatically increase the usable living space in your house at a far lower cost than adding on.

Which is cheaper to build a basement or a stick built house?

with a modular home, it is cheaper to build up. With the traditional stick built house, it’s cheaper to add a finished basement. With the finished basement, it is important to inquire about the means they use to pour and form the foundation. In our case, the foundation walls are a dual insulation remain in place form.

The average cost of raising a house and adding the extra level is $30,000-$70,000. Adding a basement to an existing home can be a lucrative investment, raising your property value and likely providing a stronger and more durable foundation than before.

How much does it cost to add a second floor to a home?

Adding a modular addition to an existing home costs $90 per square foot before the additional cost of site prep, excavation, and a poured foundation. Modular addition pricing for adding a second floor to your home with a modular home (rather than a stick-built buildup) is about $98,000 .

How much does it cost to build an addition to a house?

Average Cost To Build An Addition. The average cost to build a home addition is $48,000, with most homeowners spending from $22,500 to $74,000, or between $86 to $208 per square foot.

But fixing up a full-height basement can dramatically increase the usable living space in your house at a far lower cost than adding on.