Need more space in your house? Whether your family is growing or you'd like to set up a home office or gym, adding onto your current residence can be much more attractive than pulling up stakes and moving.

If you're planning to build a home addition, expect to pay in the ballpark of $23,702 to $58,043 for a 250-square-foot room. Larger and more complex additions are likely to cost substantially more.

The range of cost to build a home addition may surprise you at first, but here are several good questions for you to answer that will clarify the wide variation:

1. Are you adding to your home's footprint, creating a bumpout, or remodeling a room that you already have?
2. What is the current condition of your home? Is it in good shape and built level?
3. How large is your planned project?
4. What quality of materials do you intend to use?
5. Will you need to add or upgrade utilities like electricity, heating and cooling, or plumbing?

Before You Start to Build

Consult an architect or engineer to find the most efficient use of space, which may include possibilities like adding another story on top of your current home.

Ask your local government about building permit requirement, as well as setbacks and limits on the number of square feet you can add to your home.

If you hope an addition will increase your home's value when you sell, make sure of your facts and figures. Check neighborhood real estate listings to find out typical home sizes and prices.

Cost Breakdown

• Materials -- Depending on the project, you may need concrete to extend your foundation, framing material, siding, insulation, drywall or paneling, paint, windows, one or more doors, flooring, plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring, light fixtures, and other materials.
• Labor -- For a large home addition, your remodeling contractor will be working together with other licensed construction professionals, such as electricians and plumbers.
• Permit -- Building a home addition will require a building permit, and maybe an inspection too.
• Estimate -- The initial estimate, which may include an onsite inspection, is often free.

Get the Most for Your Money

Keep it simple. Save money by simplifying the addition design and minimizing labor costs. For example, place new plumbing fixtures back-to-back with an existing kitchen or bathroom wall.

Build "green." Install energy-efficient features that can save you money via tax credits and long-term lower utility bills.