💸 Why a Budget Matters Before You Build
Adding a dormer or full second floor is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your home — but it’s also one of the biggest.
A clear, realistic budget helps you:
- Avoid mid-project surprises
- Plan financing ahead of time
- Get accurate, apples-to-apples contractor bids
At Hugh Bauers Contracting, we’ve seen that projects with a well-thought-out budget are the smoothest, fastest, and least stressful from start to finish.
📐 What Factors Impact the Cost of an Addition
Every project is unique, but a few key factors drive the overall price of a dormer or addition:
- Size & square footage: More space means more materials, labor, and time
- Structural complexity: Second-floor additions often require reinforcements to the existing framing
- Finishes & fixtures: Flooring, tile, cabinetry, and custom trim can vary widely in cost
- Permits & engineering: Town approvals, architectural plans, and inspections are required on Long Island
- Accessibility & logistics: Tight lots or tricky rooflines can add time and labor
We help you break down each of these elements during the estimating phase, so there are no hidden costs later.
💰 Typical Price Ranges on Long Island
While costs can vary based on scope, here are rough ranges for Suffolk County:
- Full second-floor dormer: Often between $200–$300 per sq. ft.
- Smaller rear or front dormers: Typically $150–$250 per sq. ft.
- Single-story additions: Generally $175–$250 per sq. ft.
These numbers can shift based on finish level and design complexity, but they give you a helpful starting point as you plan your financing.
📋 How to Prepare Financially
Here are a few steps homeowners can take before starting:
- Set a total budget range (including a 10–15% contingency)
- Meet with a contractor early to align design with your budget
- Get pre-approval from your bank or credit union if financing
- Plan your cash flow: Many projects use staged payments (we use a 5% deposit and then milestone-based draws)
With these steps in place, you can move forward confidently knowing what to expect.
🛠️ How We Make Budgeting Easier
Hugh Bauers Contracting guides you from the very first consultation through permits, plans, and construction — all while staying on budget and on schedule.
- Transparent estimates with clear cost breakdowns
- Help navigating permits and approvals
- Detailed project timelines before work begins
- Experienced crew, clean job sites, and consistent communication
We treat every home as if it were our own — and that includes protecting your budget.
📞 Start Planning Your Budget Today
If you’ve been dreaming about more space, fall is the perfect time to start planning your dormer or addition.
We’ll walk you through every cost up front so you can move forward with confidence.
Contact Hugh Bauers Contracting today to schedule your free estimate and consultation.
📍 1650 Sycamore Ave Suite 31, Bohemia, NY 11716
📞 (631) 750-2598
🌐 HughBauersContracting.com