Home addition cost in Hilton Head, SC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $33,300 – $67,600
- Per sq ft
- $109 – $219
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −12%
- US $57,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #224
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a home addition in the Hilton Head area: $33,300 to $67,600 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 12% lower than the US figure. Carpenters earn a median of $23.59 an hour in the Hilton Head area, 19% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Hilton Head, SC, standard level
$43,600 to $57,300
About $142 to $186 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 63% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15,000 | $19,700 |
| Labor | $27,600 | $36,100 |
| Permits and fees | $930 | $1,500 |
| Total | $43,600 | $57,300 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Hilton Head, SC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $11,600 | $17,300 | $23,100 | 34% |
| Labor | $21,300 | $31,900 | $42,500 | 63% |
| Permits and fees | $490 | $1,250 | $1,950 | 2% |
| Total | $33,300 | $50,500 | $67,600 | 100% |
Why Hilton Head prices look the way they do
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 6 trades: carpenters at 50%, cement masons and concrete finishers at 10%, electricians at 10%, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 10%, drywall and ceiling tile installers at 10%, roofers at 10%. Weighted together, Hilton Head wages are 0.83 times the national level. Labor makes up about 63% of the midpoint estimate (67% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Hilton Head is at 96.3 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $18,000 nationally becomes $17,300 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 98.0: $490 to $1,950.
Who does the work: Hilton Head 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 Hilton Head the blend is 0.83.
Carpenters (47-2031), 50% of the weighting: a median of $23.59 an hour, 19% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.25 and $29.40 an hour. About 440 work in the metro. That is 53.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 10% of the weighting: a median of $23.76 an hour, 13% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $22.77 and $28.96 an hour. About 90 work in the metro. That is 11.0 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 $27.42 an hour, which is 10% below the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $22.86 and $30.06 an hour. BLS counts 220 of them working in the area, 26.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 48.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 10% of the weighting: a median of $26.38 an hour, 14% below the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $22.22 and $32.61 an hour. About 210 work in the metro. That is 25.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081, weighted 10%) the local median is $23.04 an hour, which is 19% below the national $28.33. The middle half of them earn between $18.46 and $28.62 an hour. BLS counts 50 of them working in the area, 6.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 5.3), so the local bench is about average.
Roofers (47-2181), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.48 an hour, 16% below the US median of $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $18.56 and $29.53 an hour. About 40 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 $3,800 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $1,550. That is a swing of roughly 3.0% to 7.6% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal has 81,920 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 232nd 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% | $21.25 | $23.59 | $29.40 | $29.12 | 0.81 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 10% | $22.77 | $23.76 | $28.96 | $27.41 | 0.87 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $22.86 | $27.42 | $30.06 | $30.38 | 0.90 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $22.22 | $26.38 | $32.61 | $30.67 | 0.86 | metro |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $18.46 | $23.04 | $28.62 | $28.33 | 0.81 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $18.56 | $22.48 | $29.53 | $26.65 | 0.84 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.83 | |||||
Hilton Head against nearby metros and the rest of South Carolina
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 $49,900 to $53,700 across Hilton Head and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head, SCthis page | $33,300 – $67,600 | $50,500 | |
| Savannah, GA30 miles | $33,100 – $67,100 | $50,100 | −1% |
| Charleston, SC65 miles | $33,600 – $68,200 | $50,900 | +1% |
| Augusta, GA100 miles | $35,500 – $71,900 | $53,700 | +6% |
| Columbia, SC115 miles | $32,900 – $66,800 | $49,900 | −1% |
| Florence, SC135 miles | $33,100 – $67,000 | $50,100 | −1% |
| South Carolina (statewide) | $33,500 – $67,900 | $50,700 | +1% |
| United States | $38,000 – $77,000 | $57,500 | +14% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Hilton Head ranks #224 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Hilton Head is 1% below the South Carolina figure.
Elsewhere in South Carolina
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville, SC | 434,900 jobs | $33,400 – $67,700 | $50,600 | level |
| Columbia, SC | 394,200 jobs | $32,900 – $66,800 | $49,900 | −1% |
| Charleston, SC | 394,170 jobs | $33,600 – $68,200 | $50,900 | +1% |
| Spartanburg, SC | 165,150 jobs | $33,600 – $68,100 | $50,900 | +1% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 146,260 jobs | $32,200 – $65,400 | $48,800 | −3% |
| Florence, SC | 89,060 jobs | $33,100 – $67,000 | $50,100 | −1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Hilton Head against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 82,160 jobs | $34,400 – $69,800 | $52,100 | +3% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 81,840 jobs | $34,500 – $69,900 | $52,200 | +3% |
| Houma, LA | 83,440 jobs | $32,800 – $66,500 | $49,700 | −2% |
| Johnson City, TN | 81,690 jobs | $32,400 – $65,700 | $49,100 | −3% |
The best months for home addition in Hilton Head
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Beaufort Mcas (10 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 Hilton Head are September through June: 10 of 12. Outside them, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Hilton Head gets about 45 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, July and August (6.5 inches in August). Inside the workable window, May and November are the driest, at 2.5 and 2.5 inches. The station averages about 73 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 | 60 | 40 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Feb | 64 | 43 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Mar | 70 | 49 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Apr | 77 | 56 | 3.1 | Workable |
| May | 84 | 64 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 89 | 71 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Jul | 92 | 75 | 5.6 | Hot |
| Aug | 90 | 74 | 6.5 | Hot |
| Sep | 86 | 70 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Oct | 78 | 59 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 69 | 48 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Dec | 63 | 43 | 3.2 | Workable |
Pick a size, pick a tier: home addition pricing in Hilton Head
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Hilton Head. 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
$33,300 to $47,000
Bump-out or simple room without plumbing
Standard
$43,600 to $57,300
Standard room addition with HVAC and electrical
Premium
$53,900 to $67,600
Large addition with bath or kitchen and a new foundation
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| bump-out (100 sq ft) | $11,400 – $16,400 | $15,200 – $20,100 | $18,900 – $23,800 |
| 20x20 room (400 sq ft) | $44,200 – $62,300 | $57,800 – $75,900 | $71,400 – $89,500 |
| large suite (600 sq ft) | $66,100 – $93,000 | $86,300 – $113,000 | $106,500 – $133,000 |
Home addition: what moves the price in Hilton Head
Plumbing and fixtures
Adding a bathroom or kitchen drives the price up the most.
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.
What nearby projects cost in Hilton Head
Jobs that often go together with home addition are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Hilton Head wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, kitchen remodel comes out highest (−6%) and bathroom remodel lowest (−11%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 120 sq ft | $17,300 – $29,500 | −6% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,200 – $20,700 | −11% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $26,500 – $53,100 | −9% |
| Roof replacement | 2,000 sq ft of roof | $5,450 – $11,300 | −10% |
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 $43,600 to $57,300 for Hilton Head, SC is attached.
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Multi-page report for Hilton Head, SC: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. 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 Hilton Head: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a home addition in Hilton Head?
For 300 sq ft, expect $33,300 to $67,600 in the Hilton Head area. A standard-spec job lands at $43,600 to $57,300. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for home addition in Hilton Head?
About $109 to $219 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $490 to $1,950 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $125 to $250.
+Is home addition cheaper in Hilton Head or Savannah?
Savannah is 30 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $50,100, which is 1% less than Hilton Head ($50,500). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Hilton Head?
About 63% at the midpoint, or $31,900 out of $50,500. Materials are 34% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 67%.
+What would 20x20 room (400 sq ft) cost in Hilton Head?
$44,200 to $89,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does home addition need a permit in Hilton Head?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $490 to $1,950 for fees in the Hilton Head area (our national range of $500 to $2,000 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Hilton Head expensive for home addition compared with the rest of South Carolina?
Hilton Head is 1% below the South Carolina statewide estimate ($50,700 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in South Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Hilton Head?
The BLS median is $23.59 an hour in the Hilton Head area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.25 to $29.40.
+What do basic and premium home addition work cost in Hilton Head?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $33,300 to $47,000 and premium work $53,900 to $67,600. 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 Hilton Head?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through June. May and November 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 Hilton Head
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.