Budgeting for a Luxury Addition: Why Square Footage is Just the Starting Point
In the world of luxury real estate—from the coastal estates of Westport, Fairfield, New Canaan, Darien, and Greenwhich —the question "How much per square foot?" is often the first one asked. While it's a helpful baseline, it rarely tells the full story of a high-end project.
In 2025, a luxury addition in Connecticut typically starts around $400 to $600+ per square foot. However, the true value of a project is found in the details that happen outside those four walls.
If you are planning an expansion this year, here are the three "hidden" factors that will shape your investment.
1. Structural Integration: Making it "Invisible"
A successful luxury addition should never look like an addition; it should look like it was always there. This requires meticulous structural engineering.
The Foundation Match: If we are building "out," we aren't just pouring concrete. we are ensuring the new foundation settles perfectly with the old to prevent cracking 10 years down the line.
The "Build Up" Factor: For a second-story addition, we often have to reinforce the existing first-floor walls and foundation to carry the new weight. This "invisible" work can account for 15–20% of your structural budget before a single finish is chosen.
2. High-Performance "Systems" Integration
Luxury is about comfort you can't see. When adding 1,000 square feet to a 1920s Greenwich manor, your existing HVAC and electrical systems likely aren't equipped for the load.
Mechanical Upgrades: You may need a dedicated HVAC zone or a high-efficiency Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to maintain the air quality HNW clients expect.
The Smart Home Backbone: Budgeting for "smart" lighting (like Lutron) or integrated security means running miles of low-voltage wiring behind the scenes during the framing stage.
3. The "Soft Costs": Permits, Zoning, and Civil Engineering
In Fairfield County, "soft costs" are a significant portion of the budget.
Town Regulations: Towns like Darien and New Canaan have strict "lot coverage" and "height" restrictions. We often need to bring in civil engineers or land surveyors to ensure your dream addition is legally buildable.
Permit Fees: In many CT towns, permit fees are based on the market value of the work (often around $13 to $16 per $1,000 of value). On a $500k addition, that’s an immediate $8,000 investment just for the right to build.
The DeVore Approach: No-Surprise Budgeting
We believe a luxury build should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. That’s why our budgeting process includes a 10–15% contingency fund and a detailed "pre-construction" phase where we identify these hidden factors before we ever break ground.
When you invest in a DeVore addition, you aren’t just buying square footage—you’re buying peace of mind and architectural integrity that will last for generations.
Want a realistic breakdown of your upcoming project? Contact DeVore Construction for a Project Discovery Call