Home addition cost in Decatur, AL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $34,000 – $68,800
- Per sq ft
- $112 – $224
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −11%
- US $57,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #198
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a home addition in the Decatur area: $34,000 to $68,800 for 300 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 11% lower than the US figure. Carpenters earn a median of $24.50 an hour in the Decatur area, 16% below the US median of $29.12.
Estimate your home addition cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Decatur, AL, standard level
$44,400 to $58,300
About $145 to $190 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 64% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15,000 | $19,700 |
| Labor | $28,500 | $37,300 |
| Permits and fees | $830 | $1,350 |
| Total | $44,400 | $58,300 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Decatur, AL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $11,600 | $17,400 | $23,100 | 34% |
| Labor | $22,000 | $32,900 | $43,900 | 64% |
| Permits and fees | $440 | $1,100 | $1,750 | 2% |
| Total | $34,000 | $51,400 | $68,800 | 100% |
Where the Decatur price comes from
Labor is 64% of the midpoint bill here, against 67% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (50%), cement masons and concrete finishers (10%), electricians (10%), plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (10%), drywall and ceiling tile installers (10%), roofers (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Decatur the blended ratio comes out at 0.86.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Decatur is at 96.4 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $18,000 nationally becomes $17,400 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 87.2: $440 to $1,750.
Data note: 10% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Decatur. The wage table below marks each row.
Related projects, priced for Decatur
Jobs that often go together with home addition are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Decatur wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, kitchen remodel comes out highest (−6%) and roof replacement lowest (−12%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 120 sq ft | $17,500 – $29,700 | −6% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,300 – $21,300 | −9% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $26,200 – $52,500 | −10% |
| Roof replacement | 2,000 sq ft of roof | $5,300 – $11,100 | −12% |
Who does the work: Decatur trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 6 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Decatur the blend is 0.86.
Carpenters (47-2031), 50% of the weighting: a median of $24.50 an hour, 16% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.75 and $28.48 an hour. About 190 work in the metro. That is 31.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.02 an hour, 20% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $18.00 and $23.77 an hour. About 60 work in the metro. That is 9.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For electricians (47-2111, weighted 10%) the local median is $30.74 an hour, which is in line with the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $24.38 and $50.66 an hour. BLS counts 480 of them working in the area, 78.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 48.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 10% of the weighting: a median of $28.81 an hour, 6% below the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $23.04 and $35.82 an hour. About 210 work in the metro. That is 34.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) carry 10% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Decatur metro, so we used the Alabama statewide median: $23.08 an hour against $28.33 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $20.04 and $24.75 an hour.
Roofers (47-2181), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.25 an hour, 17% below the US median of $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $22.00 and $26.72 an hour. About 30 work in the metro. That is 4.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 8.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $2,600 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $1,800. That is a swing of roughly 3.5% to 5.1% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Decatur has 61,240 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 283rd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 50% | $21.75 | $24.50 | $28.48 | $29.12 | 0.84 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 10% | $18.00 | $22.02 | $23.77 | $27.41 | 0.80 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $24.38 | $30.74 | $50.66 | $30.38 | 1.01 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $23.04 | $28.81 | $35.82 | $30.67 | 0.94 | metro |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $20.04 | $23.08 | $24.75 | $28.33 | 0.81 | state |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $22.00 | $22.25 | $26.72 | $26.65 | 0.83 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.86 | |||||
How Decatur compares
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 300 sq ft range from $50,100 to $53,500 across Decatur and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur, ALthis page | $34,000 – $68,800 | $51,400 | |
| Huntsville, AL30 miles | $33,200 – $67,300 | $50,200 | −2% |
| Birmingham, AL75 miles | $33,700 – $68,200 | $50,900 | −1% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL105 miles | $33,100 – $67,100 | $50,100 | −2% |
| Chattanooga, TN105 miles | $34,000 – $68,900 | $51,500 | level |
| Nashville, TN115 miles | $35,300 – $71,600 | $53,500 | +4% |
| Alabama (statewide) | $32,900 – $66,800 | $49,800 | −3% |
| United States | $38,000 – $77,000 | $57,500 | +12% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Decatur ranks #198 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Decatur is 3% above the Alabama figure.
Elsewhere in Alabama
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 520,290 jobs | $33,700 – $68,200 | $50,900 | −1% |
| Huntsville, AL | 266,650 jobs | $33,200 – $67,300 | $50,200 | −2% |
| Mobile, AL | 172,550 jobs | $33,300 – $67,500 | $50,400 | −2% |
| Montgomery, AL | 165,550 jobs | $32,500 – $65,800 | $49,200 | −4% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 108,460 jobs | $33,100 – $67,100 | $50,100 | −2% |
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $32,400 – $65,800 | $49,100 | −4% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Decatur against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | 61,770 jobs | $35,600 – $72,200 | $53,900 | +5% |
| Dothan, AL | 60,720 jobs | $31,000 – $62,900 | $46,900 | −9% |
| Pueblo, CO | 61,780 jobs | $36,100 – $73,200 | $54,600 | +6% |
| Sheboygan, WI | 60,630 jobs | $40,100 – $81,100 | $60,600 | +18% |
The best months for home addition in Decatur
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Decatur Pryor Fld (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Decatur are February through June and September through December: 9 of 12. Outside them, January has an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F), and July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
In January the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 62 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Decatur gets about 49 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are February, March and December (5.2 inches in December). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.2 and 3.2 inches. The station averages about 64 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51 | 32 | 4.6 | Cold |
| Feb | 55 | 35 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Mar | 64 | 42 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Apr | 73 | 50 | 4.5 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 59 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jun | 88 | 67 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 70 | 4.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 90 | 68 | 3.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 85 | 61 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 75 | 50 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Nov | 62 | 39 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Dec | 54 | 35 | 5.2 | Workable |
Pick a size, pick a tier: home addition pricing in Decatur
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Decatur. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from bump-out (100 sq ft) to large suite (600 sq ft).
Basic
$34,000 to $47,900
Bump-out or simple room without plumbing
Standard
$44,400 to $58,300
Standard room addition with HVAC and electrical
Premium
$54,900 to $68,800
Large addition with bath or kitchen and a new foundation
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| bump-out (100 sq ft) | $11,600 – $16,600 | $15,400 – $20,300 | $19,100 – $24,100 |
| 20x20 room (400 sq ft) | $45,100 – $63,500 | $58,900 – $77,300 | $72,700 – $91,100 |
| large suite (600 sq ft) | $67,500 – $94,800 | $88,000 – $115,500 | $108,500 – $136,000 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Decatur bid
Permits
Construction permits run $500-$2,000, or $5-$21 per $1,000 of project cost (HomeGuide).
Foundation
A foundation, framing, roofing and matching exterior finishes all have to be built before the interior work starts.
Type of addition
A new room is $125-$250 per sq ft; a bump-out $85-$200; an attic conversion $50-$150; a garage conversion $50-$200 (HomeGuide).
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $44,400 to $58,300 for Decatur, AL is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
The report lays out the home addition numbers for Decatur, AL line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Home addition in Decatur: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a home addition in Decatur?
For 300 sq ft, expect $34,000 to $68,800 in the Decatur area. A standard-spec job lands at $44,400 to $58,300. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for home addition in Decatur?
About $112 to $224 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $440 to $1,750 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $125 to $250.
+Is home addition cheaper in Decatur or Huntsville?
Huntsville is 30 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $50,200, which is 2% less than Decatur ($51,400). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Decatur?
About 64% at the midpoint, or $32,900 out of $51,400. Materials are 34% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 67%.
+What would 20x20 room (400 sq ft) cost in Decatur?
$45,100 to $91,100. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does home addition need a permit in Decatur?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $440 to $1,750 for fees in the Decatur area (our national range of $500 to $2,000 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Decatur expensive for home addition compared with the rest of Alabama?
Decatur is 3% above the Alabama statewide estimate ($49,800 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Alabama; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Decatur?
The BLS median is $24.50 an hour in the Decatur area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.75 to $28.48.
+What do basic and premium home addition work cost in Decatur?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $34,000 to $47,900 and premium work $54,900 to $68,800. Basic means: bump-out or simple room without plumbing. Premium means: large addition with bath or kitchen and a new foundation.
+When is the best time to build a home addition in Decatur?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are February through June and September through December. September and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Home addition near Decatur
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Home Addition Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = 32% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Structural' category split (56% labor, 32% materials, 11% permits and design). It is a category average rather than an addition-specific figure.