Home addition cost in Houston, TX
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $34,100 – $69,200
- Per sq ft
- $112 – $224
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −10%
- US $57,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #190
- 1 = most expensive
Houston homeowners pay roughly $34,100 to $69,200 to build a home addition at 300 sq ft, or $112 to $224 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Houston is 10% lower. Carpenters earn a median of $23.88 an hour in the Houston area, 18% 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 Houston, TX, standard level
$44,600 to $58,700
About $146 to $190 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 63% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $15,700 | $20,500 |
| Labor | $28,000 | $36,600 |
| Permits and fees | $940 | $1,550 |
| Total | $44,600 | $58,700 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Houston, TX
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $12,100 | $18,100 | $24,200 | 35% |
| Labor | $21,500 | $32,300 | $43,100 | 63% |
| Permits and fees | $490 | $1,250 | $1,950 | 2% |
| Total | $34,100 | $51,600 | $69,200 | 100% |
Where the Houston price comes from
Labor is 63% 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 Houston the blended ratio comes out at 0.84.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Houston metro is 100.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 300 sq ft comes to $18,100, compared with $18,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (98.6) and land at $490 to $1,950.
When to schedule home addition in Houston
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Houston Hobby Ap (10 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
September through May is the stretch where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Houston (9 of 12 months). June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Houston gets about 56 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, September and October (6.1 inches in June). Inside the workable window, February and March are the driest, at 2.9 and 3.3 inches. The station averages about 101 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 64 | 46 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Feb | 68 | 50 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Mar | 73 | 56 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 62 | 4.1 | Workable |
| May | 86 | 69 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 91 | 75 | 6.1 | Hot |
| Jul | 93 | 77 | 4.6 | Hot |
| Aug | 94 | 77 | 5.4 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 73 | 5.8 | Workable |
| Oct | 82 | 64 | 5.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 73 | 54 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 66 | 48 | 4.3 | Workable |
How Houston compares
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Houston. College Station is the lowest at about $47,900 (midpoint, 300 sq ft), 95 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TXthis page | $34,100 – $69,200 | $51,600 | |
| Beaumont, TX70 miles | $35,300 – $71,400 | $53,400 | +3% |
| College Station, TX95 miles | $31,600 – $64,200 | $47,900 | −7% |
| Lake Charles, LA130 miles | $33,100 – $67,100 | $50,100 | −3% |
| Austin, TX140 miles | $33,800 – $68,700 | $51,300 | −1% |
| Waco, TX170 miles | $32,300 – $65,600 | $48,900 | −5% |
| Texas (statewide) | $33,600 – $68,200 | $50,900 | −1% |
| United States | $38,000 – $77,000 | $57,500 | +11% |
Across 300 US metros, Houston comes in at #190 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $79,600; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $44,300 (midpoints, 300 sq ft). Statewide, Houston is 1% above the Texas figure.
Other Texas metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $34,400 – $69,800 | $52,100 | +1% |
| Austin, TX | 1,293,690 jobs | $33,800 – $68,700 | $51,300 | −1% |
| San Antonio, TX | 1,126,880 jobs | $32,800 – $66,500 | $49,600 | −4% |
| El Paso, TX | 339,120 jobs | $30,200 – $61,200 | $45,700 | −12% |
| McAllen, TX | 296,700 jobs | $30,100 – $61,000 | $45,500 | −12% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 192,580 jobs | $32,400 – $65,800 | $49,100 | −5% |
Cities with a workforce like Houston's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Houston against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $34,400 – $69,800 | $52,100 | +1% |
| Washington, DC | 3,136,190 jobs | $39,700 – $80,500 | $60,100 | +16% |
| Chicago, IL | 4,513,280 jobs | $49,000 – $99,000 | $74,000 | +43% |
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $39,300 – $79,600 | $59,400 | +15% |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 6 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Houston is 0.84 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 50%) the local median is $23.88 an hour, which is 18% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.40 and $28.94 an hour. BLS counts 9,600 of them working in the area, 29.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is thinner than average.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 10%) the local median is $22.40 an hour, which is 18% below the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $18.65 and $26.83 an hour. BLS counts 7,700 of them working in the area, 23.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $28.45 an hour, 6% below the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $22.71 and $35.44 an hour. About 19,730 work in the metro. That is 60.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $29.47 an hour, which is 4% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $23.68 and $36.39 an hour. BLS counts 10,980 of them working in the area, 33.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is about average.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.89 an hour, 19% below the US median of $28.33. The middle half of them earn between $18.43 and $27.09 an hour. About 1,640 work in the metro. That is 5.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 5.3 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For roofers (47-2181, weighted 10%) the local median is $21.87 an hour, which is 18% below the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $17.84 and $24.37 an hour. BLS counts 1,230 of them working in the area, 3.7 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 8.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($28.94 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $3,300. At the 25th percentile ($22.40) it shrinks by about $970. The total moves by 6.4% or 1.9%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 3,289,720 jobs in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area. That makes it the 5th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 2.12% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 50% | $22.40 | $23.88 | $28.94 | $29.12 | 0.82 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 10% | $18.65 | $22.40 | $26.83 | $27.41 | 0.82 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $22.71 | $28.45 | $35.44 | $30.38 | 0.94 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $23.68 | $29.47 | $36.39 | $30.67 | 0.96 | metro |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $18.43 | $22.89 | $27.09 | $28.33 | 0.81 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $17.84 | $21.87 | $24.37 | $26.65 | 0.82 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.84 | |||||
Related projects, priced for Houston
Because every project leans on different trades, Houston's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, kitchen remodel runs −2% and roof replacement −10%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 120 sq ft | $18,100 – $30,800 | −2% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,400 – $21,900 | −6% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $26,800 – $53,700 | −7% |
| Roof replacement | 2,000 sq ft of roof | $5,350 – $11,300 | −10% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Houston 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).
Houston: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Houston wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 3 common sizes.
Basic
$34,100 to $48,100
Bump-out or simple room without plumbing
Standard
$44,600 to $58,700
Standard room addition with HVAC and electrical
Premium
$55,200 to $69,200
Large addition with bath or kitchen and a new foundation
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| bump-out (100 sq ft) | $11,700 – $16,800 | $15,500 – $20,600 | $19,300 – $24,400 |
| 20x20 room (400 sq ft) | $45,300 – $63,800 | $59,200 – $77,700 | $73,100 – $91,600 |
| large suite (600 sq ft) | $67,700 – $95,200 | $88,300 – $116,000 | $109,000 – $136,500 |
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 $44,600 to $58,700 for Houston, TX is attached.
Detailed home addition report for Houston, TX, $9
The report lays out the home addition numbers for Houston, TX 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 Houston: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a home addition in Houston?
For 300 sq ft, expect $34,100 to $69,200 in the Houston area. A standard-spec job lands at $44,600 to $58,700. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for home addition in Houston?
About $112 to $224 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 Houston or Beaumont?
Beaumont is 70 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $53,400, which is 3% more than Houston ($51,600). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Houston?
About 63% at the midpoint, or $32,300 out of $51,600. Materials are 35% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 67%.
+What would 20x20 room (400 sq ft) cost in Houston?
$45,300 to $91,600. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does home addition need a permit in Houston?
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 Houston area (our national range of $500 to $2,000 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Houston expensive for home addition compared with the rest of Texas?
Houston is 1% above the Texas statewide estimate ($50,900 at the midpoint). We cover 21 metros in Texas; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Houston?
The BLS median is $23.88 an hour in the Houston area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.40 to $28.94.
+What do basic and premium home addition work cost in Houston?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $34,100 to $48,100 and premium work $55,200 to $69,200. 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 Houston?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and March 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 Houston
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.