6 Min Read
If you love your home but it’s starting to feel a little tight, you’re not alone.
Maybe your kitchen doesn’t work for how your family actually lives, or you’ve been squeezing a home office into a spare bedroom. A smart, well-planned addition can give you the space you need to live more comfortably, without leaving your neighborhood or starting over somewhere new.
Wondering about the cost of a home addition or how to make it blend with your existing home? You’re in the right place!
How Much Does a Home Addition Cost Per Square Foot?
Let’s get straight to it: the cost to build an addition on a house in Chester, Delaware, New Castle, or Cape May Counties starts around $400 per square foot.
That cost will change depending on the scope of the project, the layout, and the finishes you choose. No matter what direction you take, your addition will include everything it needs to come together—design, permit pulling, labor, and construction materials are all part of the process.
Mid-Range Addition Cost (Estimated at $400–$525 per square foot)
Mid-range additions offer a great balance between quality and cost.
You get thoughtful design, reliable materials, and finishes that feel polished, without stretching you beyond your budget. It’s ideal if you want a space that works hard, looks great, and blends right in with the rest of your home.
Here’s what’s possible at this level:
-
Kohler plumbing fixtures and upgraded lighting fixtures
-
Luxury vinyl plank, hardwood, or tile flooring in a standard pattern
-
Andersen 200 Series windows
-
Semi-custom cabinetry
-
Quartz or granite countertops
Luxury Addition Cost (Starting at $525 per square foot and up)
If you're going for that luxury look—or your layout calls for more structural or design complexity—expect your home addition cost to reach or exceed $525+ per square foot.
The more detailed and personalized the design, the more the cost will grow.
But that doesn’t mean it’s all or nothing. If you're looking for ways to balance your budget, our design team can help you mix premium elements with a few mid-range options that still align with your style. You can benefit from our 50+ years of home-building experience to plan your space effectively.
This is a custom addition, not a cookie-cutter plan. It’s built around how you live, what you love, and what makes your home feel like yours.
Here’s what’s possible at the luxury level:
-
Kohler plumbing fixtures and upgraded lighting fixtures
-
Luxury vinyl plank, hardwood, or tile in a premium pattern
-
Andersen 400 Series windows
-
Custom cabinetry
-
Quartz or granite countertops
Custom Home Additions You Should Consider
A well-designed addition can solve daily frustrations, make room for future needs, and increase the comfort and value of your home long-term.
Here are a few custom home addition ideas worth exploring:
Primary Suite Expansion
Tired of sharing a small bathroom or squeezing into a dated bedroom layout? A primary suite addition or expansion gives you the space—and privacy—you’ve always wanted!
Think vaulted ceilings, large windows, a walk-in closet with custom built-ins, and a spa-inspired bath with a freestanding tub and a double vanity.
Want a more 5-star resort experience? Add heated tile flooring, a skylight over the shower, or a private sitting area that overlooks the backyard.
It’s your retreat—let’s make it feel like one.
Bathroom and Bedroom Addition
Whether your family’s growing or guests are staying longer these days, adding a bedroom and full bath can make everyone more comfortable.
This is one of the most requested additions and remodels for good reason—it’s flexible and adds real function. For the bedroom, consider built-in window seating or custom shelving.
In the bathroom, go for durable tile flooring, a walk-in shower with niche shelving, and stylish, easy-to-clean finishes like quartz countertops and ceramic tile.
A room addition contractor can help you plan a layout that flows naturally while adding resale value to your home.
Sunroom
If you want more space to relax and entertain, a sunroom addition gives you just enough space with all the benefits of increased natural light.
Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a shiplap ceiling with a statement fan, and tile or luxury vinyl plank flooring that holds up to heavy use. This space can be cozy and casual or dressed up for entertaining.
Use it as a reading room, a game room, or your new favorite spot for morning coffee.
Kitchen Expansion
If your kitchen feels cramped or closed off, expanding the kitchen can completely change how you use your space.
Knock out a wall and add square footage to create a larger island, a breakfast nook, or tons of storage to keep everything neat and tidy.
Include an expansive retractable glass wall to create better flow to your backyard or patio, and upgraded finishes like custom cabinetry, quartz counters, and designer lighting.
This is one of the most valuable home remodeling plans for everyday function or even a future resale.
Pool House
If you have a backyard pool—or are planning one—a pool house addition is a must!
Include a bathroom with a shower, a storage area for towels and pool gear, and even a covered seating area for lounging in the shade.
You can keep the style casual and breezy with weather-resistant finishes and natural wood accents.
For entertaining, consider a built-in grill, mini fridge, and bar seating for easy summer hosting.
Home Office Suite With a Private Half Bath and Kitchenette
Working from home? An office suite addition with a private half bath and a small kitchenette can make all the difference.
You’ll gain focus, comfort, and separation from the rest of the house, especially if you need quiet to take calls. Add built-ins for storage, plenty of natural light, and soundproofing to block distractions.
This kind of addition remodeling turns a work-from-home setup into a true professional space, without leaving home.
Is a Custom Home Addition Worth It?
If your home isn’t working for you anymore, adding space might be the smartest way to stay in the place you already love.
You don’t have to start over with a new home just to get the features you’re missing. Sometimes, a well-designed addition is the better move. Before jumping into home remodeling plans or scanning real estate listings, ask yourself:
-
Would an extra bedroom, bathroom, or office space make our home more comfortable?
-
Are we constantly making do with rooms that feel too tight or don’t serve their purpose?
-
Is our current location hard to beat—great schools, commute, neighbors, or amenities?
-
Would we spend just as much—or more—trying to buy a new home with what we need?
-
Is it the house that’s the problem, or just how the space is laid out?
-
Do I want a space that’s designed around our lifestyle instead of settling for someone else’s?
-
Could an addition builder help us stay where we are and finally get the space we’ve been missing?
-
Will updating our home now make it easier to live in the long term—or will it be more valuable when we’re ready to sell?
A custom home addition is about making your home fit you, not the other way around. And if you’re already picturing how much better that could feel, you’re probably ready to take the next step.
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Home Addition
A home addition isn’t just about adding square footage—it’s about making that new space feel like it’s always belonged.
The right contractor knows how to take your vision and execute it with precision, care, and a whole lot of experience. If you're starting to explore additions and remodels in Chester, Delaware, New Castle, or Cape May Counties, here's what to look for when choosing the right home addition contractor:
Choose a Contractor Who’s Comfortable Collaborating
Not every contractor works well with outside professionals, but at Thompson Communities, we believe it’s a must.
Your architect or designer brings the vision—we bring the craftsmanship, permitting knowledge, and boots-on-the-ground execution. You want a builder who’s used to working side-by-side with your design team to keep everything aligned, on budget, and moving forward.
Ask How They Blend Old and New
Great additions feel seamless—not tacked on.
Your contractor should have the experience to match windows, roofing, siding, trim, and flooring patterns so the transition from old to new is practically invisible.
If a builder shrugs off those details, it’s a red flag. The goal is a space that flows naturally and feels intentional, not like a patch job.
Find a Team That Understands the Full Build Process
Your architect or ours will design the space, but your contractor is the one who brings it to life—handling permits, timelines, materials, subcontractors, and inspections.
You want a builder who’s not only good with a hammer but also knows how to manage the moving parts. That’s what keeps your project on track and on budget.
Ask the Right Questions Early On
A few things worth discussing in your first conversation:
-
How do you coordinate with outside architects or designers?
-
What’s your approach to staying on budget and on schedule?
-
How do you handle permitting and zoning requirements?
-
Can you share examples of past additions that match the style of the original home?
-
What’s your communication process like during construction?
- How long have you been in business?
A solid room addition contractor won’t just be ready to answer—they’ll be glad you’re asking.
Let's Chat About Your Custom Home Addition!
An addition isn’t just about square footage. It’s about solving real-life challenges and making your home work better for you.
At Thompson Communities, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners add thoughtful, seamless spaces that look and feel like they’ve always been part of the plan. We coordinate closely with your architect or designer, manage every detail from permits to punch list, and keep your project on time and on budget.
When you work with us, you get more than just a builder—you get a trusted partner who’s just as invested in the outcome as you are.
Let’s talk about how to turn your current home into your dream home—with a little more room to breathe.
