Is Adding On or Building New the Right Choice for Your Omaha Home? A Cost Comparison Guide

Published on
January 17, 2026

Should you add on to your current Omaha home or build new? It's one of the most important decisions you'll face when your home no longer fits your needs. If you're a homeowner in Omaha, Elkhorn, Papillion, Bellevue, or any surrounding community, and you're feeling cramped, frustrated with your layout, or dreaming of more space, you're probably wrestling with this exact question right now.

We've written this comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice for your family and your budget. We're Davis Contracting, and we're Omaha's premier design-build contractor specializing in both home additions and custom home building. We've helped dozens of families navigate this exact decision, and we want to share what we've learned with you.

Why We Created This Guide (And Why You Should Consider Working With Us)

Before we dive into the details of additions versus new construction, let's be upfront about why we wrote this guide. We wanted to meet you, introduce ourselves, and earn your business. We know that choosing between adding on and building new is complex, and we want to be the team you trust to guide you through this decision and execute whichever option makes the most sense for your situation.

Now, we're going to walk you through everything you need to know about comparing these two options. We'll cover costs, considerations, and critical factors that most homeowners don't discover until it's too late. But before we get into those details, let us tell you why Davis Contracting should be your first call whether you decide to add on or build new.

Why Davis Contracting Is Different From Every Other Contractor in Omaha

If you're going to invest tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in expanding your living space, you need more than just a contractor who can build walls and install drywall. You need a partner who will guide you through a thoughtful process that ensures you end up with a space you'll love for decades, not regret after a few months.

Our Design-Build Process Prevents the #1 Mistake Homeowners Make

The biggest mistake homeowners make—whether adding on or building new—is rushing the design process. They have a general idea of what they want. Maybe they've saved some Pinterest images or sketched something on a napkin. They think that's enough to start building.

Then reality hits. The addition doesn't flow with the rest of the house. The new space doesn't fit their lifestyle. The budget explodes because nobody thought through all the selections and hidden costs. They end up with a finished project that leaves them feeling underwhelmed and regretful, even after spending all that money and enduring months of construction.

We prevent this through our comprehensive design-build process. Here's how it works:

Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Site Assessment

We start with a relaxed conversation about what you're trying to achieve. Whether you're considering an addition or new construction, we'll come to your property, look at what you're working with, discuss your budget range, and talk about your dreams and goals.

For additions, we'll assess your current home's structure, lot constraints, zoning requirements, and how an addition might integrate with your existing space. For new construction, we'll evaluate available lots, discuss locations you're considering, and help you understand what's possible in different areas.

This initial consultation is free and pressure-free. We're not here to sell you on anything—we're here to understand your situation and help you make the best decision.

Phase 2: Design Agreement ($2,000-$4,500)

Once you've decided to move forward, we enter a design agreement. This is a paid phase because real design work requires real expertise, time, and investment. Depending on the scope and complexity of your project (additions typically range from $2,000-$4,500, basements from $1,500-$3,500), we'll work with land surveyors, professional designers, and architects to create comprehensive design options.

For home additions, this means understanding exactly what's structurally possible, how the addition will integrate with your existing home, what floor plan configurations work best for your lifestyle, and how to maximize your budget while achieving your goals.

For new construction, this means developing complete floor plans that fit your lot, your lifestyle, and your budget, with options at different price points so you can see what's possible.

At the end of this phase, you'll have one or two complete design options with pricing within a 15-30% variance. You'll know what your project will look like and approximately what it will cost—no vague guesses or hand-waving.

Phase 3: Construction Agreement and Final Selections

After you've selected your preferred design, we move into the construction agreement phase. This is where we get precise. We go through and select every single material, finish, and fixture. Windows, HVAC systems, flooring, paint colors, hardware, lighting—everything.

We work with our trade partners to walk through the project so everyone understands exactly what's being built. Then we create a detailed takeoff schedule and locked-in budget. Before construction begins, you know exactly what you're getting, what it looks like, what quality level you're receiving in every category, and precisely what it costs.

This transparency eliminates the budget surprises that plague most construction projects. No vague "allowances" that turn out to be half of what you actually need. No surprise change orders that double your costs halfway through construction.

Phase 4: Professional Construction Execution

With plans finalized and permits secured, we build your project. Our trade partnership team handles every detail while we provide the communication you deserve. Weekly updates, proactive communication when anything changes, and a project manager who's actually responsive to your questions and concerns.

We're known throughout Omaha, Elkhorn, Papillion, Bellevue, and Bennington for our excellent communication and quality craftsmanship. You won't be left wondering what's happening with your project or feeling like we disappeared after getting your deposit.

Why This Process Matters for Both Additions and New Construction

Whether you ultimately decide to add on or build new, this process ensures you make an informed decision and end up with results you'll love. We've seen too many families rush into additions without understanding their home's limitations, or jump into new construction without fully exploring whether adding on might better serve their needs and budget.

Our process gives you the information and clarity you need to make the right choice. And once you've made that choice, our process ensures the execution is smooth, transparent, and results in a space that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Now, let's dive into the details of comparing additions versus new construction.

Understanding Your Situation: Why This Decision Matters So Much

Before we get into costs and considerations, let's talk about why you're even facing this decision. Understanding your motivation helps clarify which option makes more sense.

Common Reasons Homeowners Consider Adding On or Building New

You've outgrown your current home. Maybe you started with a young family and now you have teenagers who need their own space. Maybe you work from home now and desperately need an office. Maybe aging parents are moving in and you need to create a first-floor bedroom suite.

Your home's layout doesn't work anymore. Floor plans that made sense 20 years ago feel outdated now. Closed-off kitchens, tiny dining rooms, formal living spaces nobody uses, inadequate storage—these layout issues can make a house feel cramped even when the square footage seems adequate.

Your neighborhood is perfect but your house isn't. You love your neighbors, the schools, your commute, and the community. The last thing you want to do is move. But your house itself needs serious work or simply doesn't have the space you need.

You came into money or changed financial circumstances. An inheritance, career advancement, business success, or other financial windfall gives you the resources to finally address your home's limitations. Now you're deciding how to invest that money most wisely.

Your lot has untapped potential. You have a large lot that could accommodate a significant addition, or you're considering whether selling and using that equity as a down payment on new construction makes more sense.

The Real Question You're Asking

Behind all these situations is a fundamental question: "What's the best way to get the home I need without wasting money or making a decision I'll regret?"

That's exactly what this guide will help you answer.

The True Cost of Home Additions in Omaha

Let's start with the financial reality of home additions. The costs vary dramatically based on the type, size, and complexity of your addition, but understanding typical ranges helps you evaluate whether this option fits your budget.

Bump-Out Additions: $25,000-$60,000

A bump-out addition extends an existing room by a few feet, typically 2-4 feet. These smaller additions are perfect for expanding a cramped kitchen, adding a breakfast nook, or creating more space in a bathroom or bedroom.

Bump-outs are relatively affordable because they don't require a new foundation (they usually cantilever from the existing structure) and the scope is limited. However, even these smaller projects require careful planning to ensure structural integrity and proper integration with your existing home.

Single-Story Additions: $80,000-$200,000+

A single-story addition adds an entirely new room or wing to your home's main level. This might be a family room addition, a master bedroom suite, an expanded kitchen and dining area, or any other significant space expansion.

Costs for single-story additions typically range from $150-$300 per square foot, depending on the complexity and finish level. A 400-square-foot addition might cost $60,000-$120,000, while a 1,000-square-foot addition could easily reach $150,000-$300,000.

Several factors drive these costs:

Foundation work is substantial. Your addition needs proper footings and foundation, which can cost $10,000-$30,000 depending on site conditions, soil quality, and complexity.

Matching existing finishes adds cost. Making your addition look like it was always part of the house requires matching materials, finishes, and architectural details, which is more expensive than starting fresh.

Integration with existing systems is complex. Extending HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems from your existing home into the addition requires careful planning and skilled work.

Two-Story Additions: $100,000-$300,000+

Adding a second story to your home or building a two-story addition provides maximum space for your investment in foundation and site work. However, these projects are significantly more complex and expensive than single-story additions.

Two-story additions typically cost $120-$250 per square foot. A 1,200-square-foot two-story addition (600 square feet per floor) might cost $144,000-$300,000.

The complexity drives higher costs:

Structural modifications to support additional weight are extensive. Your existing foundation and first-floor structure must be reinforced to carry the additional load, which can add $20,000-$50,000 to your project.

Temporary housing may be necessary. Two-story additions often require more extensive disruption to your existing home, potentially requiring you to move out during construction, adding temporary housing costs to your budget.

Design integration is more challenging. Making a two-story addition look architecturally cohesive with your existing home requires expert design work.

Garage Additions: $30,000-$80,000+

Adding a garage or converting existing space to living space with a new detached garage runs $30,000-$80,000+ depending on size and finish level. A basic single-car detached garage might cost $30,000-$40,000, while a two-car attached garage with living space above could exceed $100,000.

Hidden Costs That Surprise Homeowners

The per-square-foot costs above don't tell the complete story. Several hidden costs catch homeowners off guard:

Code violation corrections: When you pull permits for an addition, inspectors examine your entire home. If they discover code violations in your existing home—outdated electrical, insufficient insulation, improper ventilation, structural issues—you'll need to correct these before your addition can proceed. This can add $5,000-$30,000+ to your budget.

Temporary disruption costs: Living through construction is challenging. You might need to rent temporary housing, eat out more frequently while your kitchen is unusable, or pay for storage while furniture is displaced. Budget $5,000-$15,000 for these soft costs.

Landscaping restoration: Construction equipment damages lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Restoring your yard after construction can cost $5,000-$20,000 depending on the scope of damage and your landscaping's complexity.

HVAC system upgrades: Your existing HVAC system might be inadequate to heat and cool the additional space. Upgrading to a larger system or adding a second system can cost $8,000-$20,000.

Permit and design fees: Building permits, architectural fees, engineering requirements, and related soft costs typically add 10-15% to your project budget.

What You Actually Get for Your Money

For a typical $150,000 home addition in Omaha, here's approximately how the money breaks down:

  • Foundation and site work: $15,000-$25,000
  • Framing and structural: $25,000-$35,000
  • Roofing: $8,000-$15,000
  • Windows and doors: $6,000-$12,000
  • Siding and exterior finish: $10,000-$15,000
  • HVAC, electrical, plumbing: $20,000-$30,000
  • Insulation and drywall: $8,000-$12,000
  • Flooring: $5,000-$10,000
  • Interior finish (paint, trim, doors): $8,000-$12,000
  • Fixtures and finishes: $5,000-$10,000
  • Design, permits, project management: $15,000-$20,000
  • Contingency and unknowns: $10,000-$20,000

These ranges show why accurate estimation is so difficult and why our design-build process is so valuable. Variables in each category compound, making it nearly impossible to give accurate cost estimates without thorough design work.

The True Cost of Building New in Omaha

Now let's look at the financial reality of building a new custom home in the Omaha metro area.

Custom Home Building Costs: $200-$350+ Per Square Foot

Custom home construction costs in Omaha typically range from $200-$350+ per square foot, depending on size, finish level, and complexity. This means:

  • A 2,000-square-foot custom home: $400,000-$700,000
  • A 2,500-square-foot custom home: $500,000-$875,000
  • A 3,000-square-foot custom home: $600,000-$1,050,000+

These costs include the home itself but not the lot. Lot costs vary dramatically by location:

  • Bennington lots: $60,000-$150,000+
  • Elkhorn lots: $80,000-$200,000+
  • Papillion lots: $70,000-$180,000+
  • Bellevue lots: $50,000-$120,000+
  • La Vista lots: $60,000-$140,000+

What Drives Custom Home Costs

Several factors influence where your project falls within the cost range:

Foundation type: Slab foundations are least expensive ($8,000-$15,000), crawl spaces are moderate ($15,000-$25,000), and full basements are most expensive ($30,000-$60,000+ depending on whether you finish the basement initially).

Finish level: Builder-grade finishes keep costs lower, mid-grade finishes are most common, and high-end finishes drive costs into the upper range. The difference between builder-grade and high-end finishes might be $50-$100 per square foot.

Complexity: Simple rectangular floor plans cost less to build than complex designs with multiple roof lines, angles, and architectural features. Every corner, roof valley, and complexity adds cost.

Site conditions: Flat lots with good drainage and easy access are least expensive to build on. Sloped lots, poor soil conditions, restricted access, or challenging topography add $20,000-$80,000+ to your project.

Energy efficiency: Building to higher energy efficiency standards adds 5-15% to construction costs but saves significantly on operating costs over the home's life.

Hidden Costs in New Construction

Just like additions, new construction has costs beyond the obvious:

Lot preparation: Site clearing, grading, drainage work, and preparation can cost $10,000-$40,000+ depending on site conditions.

Utility connections: Connecting to municipal water and sewer, or installing a well and septic system, costs $5,000-$15,000 for municipal connections or $20,000-$40,000 for well and septic.

Driveway and parking: A quality driveway costs $8,000-$20,000 depending on length and material.

Landscaping: Basic landscaping costs $15,000-$30,000, while comprehensive landscaping can exceed $50,000.

Appliances and window treatments: Budget $10,000-$25,000 for appliances and another $5,000-$15,000 for window treatments throughout the home.

Moving costs: Selling your current home and moving to your new one involves real estate commissions (typically 6% of your current home's sale price), moving expenses, temporary housing if timing doesn't align perfectly, and related costs.

What You Get for Your Money

A $600,000 new construction home (approximately 2,400-2,500 square feet at mid-grade finishes) typically includes:

  • Modern, open floor plan designed for your lifestyle
  • Energy-efficient construction with quality insulation and windows
  • New HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems with full warranties
  • Your choice of finishes in every category
  • No deferred maintenance or unexpected repairs for years
  • Ability to incorporate smart home technology from the beginning
  • Modern conveniences like adequate electrical outlets, USB charging ports, and proper lighting

Direct Cost Comparison: Addition vs. New Construction

Let's compare these options with a realistic example. Suppose you have a 1,800-square-foot home in Elkhorn worth approximately $350,000, and you need 600 more square feet of living space.

Option 1: 600-Square-Foot Single-Story Addition

  • Addition construction: $90,000-$180,000
  • Code violation corrections: $10,000-$20,000
  • Disruption and temporary costs: $5,000-$10,000
  • Landscaping restoration: $5,000-$10,000
  • HVAC upgrade: $8,000-$12,000
  • Design and permits: $8,000-$15,000
  • Total: $126,000-$247,000

Your home is now 2,400 square feet. Estimated value after addition: $425,000-$475,000.

Option 2: Build New 2,400-Square-Foot Home

  • New construction (2,400 sq ft): $480,000-$720,000
  • Lot: $80,000-$150,000
  • Site development: $15,000-$30,000
  • Landscaping: $15,000-$25,000
  • Driveway: $10,000-$15,000
  • Total: $600,000-$940,000

Net your current home proceeds ($350,000 - 6% commission = $329,000)

Net investment: $271,000-$611,000

Your new home is 2,400 square feet, completely new, exactly what you want. Estimated value: $600,000-$800,000+.

The Financial Reality

In this example, building new requires significantly more capital (roughly $145,000-$364,000 more), but you get an entirely new home designed exactly for your needs rather than an addition that's integrated with your older existing home.

The addition increases your equity by approximately $75,000-$225,000 (the value increase minus your investment). The new construction increases your equity by approximately $0-$190,000 after accounting for selling costs and your net investment.

From a pure financial perspective, the addition appears better. But this analysis misses critical non-financial factors that often tip the decision.

Non-Financial Factors That Matter More Than You Think

The cost comparison above tells only part of the story. Several non-financial factors often matter more than the dollars when making this decision.

Your Home's Physical Limitations

Not every home can accommodate a quality addition. Several factors might make additions impractical or inadvisable:

Lot constraints: Setback requirements, easements, or limited lot size might prevent an addition or force it into an awkward configuration that doesn't work well.

Structural limitations: Some homes' foundations and structural systems cannot support the additional load of an addition without extensive (and expensive) reinforcement.

Roof integration challenges: Matching new rooflines to your existing roof can be difficult or impossible depending on your current home's design, potentially resulting in an addition that looks like an obvious add-on rather than an integrated space.

Foundation depth mismatches: If your existing home's foundation is shallow and modern codes require deeper foundations, connecting old and new foundations creates engineering challenges and costs.

Your Current Home's Condition

If your existing home needs significant work beyond just space constraints, adding on might not make sense:

Older systems: If your existing home has an aging roof (10+ years old), outdated electrical system, old HVAC equipment, or aging plumbing, you'll need to address these issues within years regardless of whether you add on. Building new means all systems are new with full warranties.

Layout limitations: If your existing home's floor plan is choppy, closed-off, and outdated, an addition doesn't fix these fundamental issues. You're adding more space to a flawed layout.

Deferred maintenance: If your home needs a new roof, window replacements, siding work, or other major repairs, the cost of these projects plus an addition might approach or exceed building new.

Neighborhood Value Ceilings

Real estate agents talk about the "over-improvement" problem: spending money on improvements that exceed what the neighborhood supports.

If homes in your neighborhood typically sell for $300,000-$400,000, and your addition will push your home's value to $550,000+, you'll struggle to recoup that investment when you eventually sell. The nicest house in a modest neighborhood is worth less than the same house in a neighborhood where it's typical.

Building new in a higher-value neighborhood means your investment is protected by surrounding comparable homes.

Lifestyle and Life Stage Considerations

Where you are in life matters:

Young growing families: If you plan to stay in your home for 15+ years, and your neighborhood is perfect, an addition might be ideal even if it costs 80% of what building new would cost.

Empty nesters: If you're approaching retirement, do you really want a larger home? Downsizing through new construction might make more sense, potentially in a location that better fits your retirement lifestyle.

Job flexibility: If your job requires flexibility to relocate, building new and potentially facing a need to sell within a few years might not make sense. An addition to your current home might be more prudent.

Aging-in-place plans: If you plan to stay in your home through retirement, consider which option better supports accessibility needs. Single-story new construction with aging-in-place features might be preferable to a two-story addition in your current home.

Construction Disruption Tolerance

Living through construction is challenging. An addition means workers in and around your home daily for weeks or months. New construction means you continue living in your current home normally until you move.

If you have young children, work from home, have health issues sensitive to construction dust and noise, or simply can't tolerate the disruption, new construction's ability to keep your current living situation undisturbed is valuable.

When Adding On Makes More Sense

Despite the complexity and costs, home additions are the right choice for many families. Here's when adding on typically makes more sense than building new:

Your Location Is Irreplaceable

If you live in an established neighborhood with mature trees, walkable amenities, highly-rated schools, and a strong sense of community, these intangibles have real value. The new construction lots available to you are in developing areas without these characteristics. Your location is worth the premium you'll pay for an addition.

Your Budget Is Constrained

If you can afford a $150,000 addition but not the $400,000-$600,000 net investment required for new construction, an addition is your realistic option for getting the space you need.

Your Addition Scope Is Relatively Limited

If you need just 300-500 square feet of additional space, and your home and lot can accommodate this addition well, this limited scope might cost $75,000-$150,000—far less than the disruption and expense of building new.

Your Home Has Excellent Bones

If your existing home has solid structure, newer systems, a great floor plan that just needs more space, and is in good condition overall, an addition makes sense. You're building onto quality, not trying to fix fundamental problems by adding more space.

Your Neighborhood Values Support Your Investment

If comparable homes in your neighborhood are valued significantly higher than your current home's value, and an addition will bring you into alignment with neighborhood comps, your investment is protected.

When Building New Makes More Sense

Similarly, new construction is clearly the better choice in several scenarios:

Your Home Needs Extensive Work Beyond Space Issues

If your home needs a new roof ($15,000-$30,000), new HVAC ($10,000-$18,000), electrical updates ($8,000-$20,000), and significant other repairs, these costs plus an addition might approach new construction costs. Building new gives you everything new with warranties.

Your Lot Constraints Make Additions Impractical

If setback requirements, easements, or lot size prevent a quality addition, or if the only way to add on creates awkward spaces or poor floor plan flow, new construction in a location without these constraints makes more sense.

You Want to Move Anyway

If you're not particularly attached to your current location and were considering moving regardless of the space issue, building new in a location you prefer more than your current neighborhood is clearly better than adding onto a house in a location you're ready to leave.

Your Desired Changes Are Extensive

If you want to reconfigure your entire main floor, add a second story, and expand by 1,000+ square feet, this level of construction approaches building new in cost and disruption without giving you a fully new home. Starting fresh might make more sense.

You're Combining Space Needs With Downsizing

If you need a different type of space (single-story living, smaller overall footprint, better energy efficiency) rather than just more space, new construction allows you to rightsize your home while getting the layout and features you need.

The Hidden Third Option: Strategic Additions That Facilitate Selling

Sometimes the smartest move is a strategic middle ground: making targeted improvements that increase your home's salability and value, then selling and using the proceeds for new construction.

When This Strategy Works

If your home is worth $300,000 as-is but would be worth $350,000-$375,000 with relatively minor improvements (updated kitchen, remodeled bathroom, refreshed finishes), investing $30,000-$50,000 in strategic updates increases your equity by $20,000-$25,000 after accounting for investment.

This approach works when:

  • Your home has good bones but outdated finishes
  • Comparable homes in your neighborhood with modern updates sell for significantly more
  • You're planning to move to new construction anyway
  • The improvements you make have high ROI (kitchens and bathrooms typically do)

We've helped many families with this strategy, doing targeted kitchen remodeling or bathroom upgrades that maximize their home's sale price before they move to new construction.

What Most Homeowners Don't Realize Until It's Too Late

Having guided dozens of families through this decision, we've seen common mistakes that homeowners only recognize after the fact:

Mistake #1: Underestimating How Additions Expose Code Violations

Building codes improve over time. Your 20-year-old home was built to the codes in effect then, which are less stringent than today's codes. When you pull permits for an addition, inspectors examine your entire home, not just the addition.

They might discover inadequate insulation, outdated electrical panels, improperly vented plumbing, structural issues, or dozens of other code violations. You're required to correct these violations before your addition can proceed.

Many homeowners budget $120,000 for an addition and end up spending $150,000 after addressing unexpected code violations discovered during the permit process. This is not a contractor trying to rip you off—it's the reality of compliance with current codes.

Mistake #2: Assuming Design Is Just About Aesthetics

Many homeowners think design is just choosing pretty finishes and deciding whether they want a farmhouse or modern aesthetic. But design is actually about lifestyle integration, floor plan flow, understanding your home's structural constraints, and making wise tradeoffs between form, function, and cost.

Poor design leadership leads to additions that look fine but don't actually improve how you live. The addition feels disconnected from the rest of the house. The flow is awkward. You don't use the space the way you imagined.

This is why we invest heavily in the design agreement phase. We need to understand how you live, what frustrates you about your current space, what you're trying to achieve, and what constraints we're working within. Only then can we design an addition (or a new home) that truly enhances your daily life.

Mistake #3: Choosing Based Solely on Price

The lowest bid is rarely the best value. If one contractor bids your addition at $110,000 and another bids $160,000, the difference isn't that one contractor is ripping you off. The difference is usually that:

  • One contractor is underbidding, planning to make up the difference through change orders once you're committed
  • One contractor is using lower-quality materials or less-skilled labor
  • One contractor hasn't thought through the project thoroughly and will discover issues that increase costs during construction
  • One contractor has overhead and insurance that the other doesn't, putting you at risk

Our design-build process eliminates these games. You know exactly what you're getting, what quality level you're receiving in every category, and what it costs before construction begins.

Mistake #4: Not Considering Financing Implications

Home addition financing is more complex than new construction financing. Most lenders treat additions as home improvement loans rather than construction loans, which means:

  • Higher interest rates than construction loans
  • Shorter loan terms
  • More stringent approval requirements
  • Less favorable terms overall

If you're planning to finance your project, understanding these differences before you commit to adding on versus building new is crucial. Sometimes the financing difference tips the decision toward new construction even when the gross costs are similar.

How to Make the Right Decision for Your Situation

With all this information, how do you actually make this decision? Here's a practical framework:

Step 1: Assess Your Current Home Objectively

Be brutally honest about your home's condition and limitations:

  • Do you have deferred maintenance issues beyond just space constraints?
  • Is your floor plan fundamentally flawed, or does it just need more space?
  • Can your lot accommodate an addition that flows well with your existing home?
  • Are you emotionally attached to your home itself, or just to your neighborhood?

Step 2: Define Your True Needs and Timeline

Clarify what you actually need:

  • How much additional space do you truly need?
  • What type of space? (bedrooms, living space, office, etc.)
  • Do you need different types of space, or just more of what you have?
  • How long do you plan to stay in your home (whether current or new)?
  • What's your timeline? Can you wait 12-18 months for new construction?

Step 3: Get Real Numbers From a Trusted Source

Don't make this decision based on guesses or online cost calculators. You need real numbers from a contractor who actually understands both options and your specific situation.

This is where Davis Contracting can help. We'll come to your home, assess both options, and give you realistic cost ranges for each path. We'll help you understand what's possible with an addition, what constraints you're facing, and how that compares to building new.

Step 4: Consider Your Total Cost of Ownership

Look beyond just the initial construction costs. Consider the initial costs, the maintenance costs, financing costs, opportunity costs, and more.

Step 5: Imagine Living With Each Choice Five Years From Now

This mental exercise is surprisingly helpful. Picture yourself five years from now:

If you added on: Are you happy with the addition? Does it integrate well with your home? Do you still have the same maintenance and update needs in your existing home? Do you wish you had just built new?

If you built new: Are you happy with your new home and neighborhood? Do you miss your old neighborhood? Was the net cost worth the benefits?

Sometimes this visualization clarifies which path feels right even when the financial analysis is ambiguous.

How Davis Contracting Helps You Make the Right Choice

We've thrown a lot of information at you in this guide. If your head is spinning with costs, considerations, and factors you'd never thought about, that's exactly why you need a trusted partner to help you navigate this decision.

Here's how we help families make this choice:

Honest Assessment of Both Options

We'll come to your property and give you honest feedback about whether an addition makes sense or whether building new is the better path. We won't try to sell you on the more expensive option—we'll tell you what actually makes sense for your situation.

Real Cost Estimates

After our initial assessment and some preliminary design work, we can give you realistic cost ranges for both options. These aren't wild guesses—they're informed estimates based on years of experience and understanding of your specific situation.

Design Exploration

Through our design agreement process, we can explore what's actually possible with an addition. Sometimes families discover that what they imagined isn't structurally feasible, or that making it work requires such extensive changes that new construction makes more sense. Other times, we discover creative solutions that make an addition work beautifully.

No-Pressure Guidance

Our goal is to help you make the right decision for your family, not to maximize our project scope. We're equally happy building a $150,000 addition or a $700,000 custom home—what matters to us is that you end up with a solution you'll love and a construction experience that exceeds your expectations.

Next Steps: Getting Answers for Your Specific Situation

Everything in this guide is helpful for understanding the general landscape, but what you really need is specific guidance for your situation. That requires a conversation.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

We offer a free initial consultation where we'll:

  • Visit your property and assess your current situation
  • Discuss your needs, goals, timeline, and budget
  • Give you honest feedback about which option makes more sense
  • Provide preliminary cost ranges for both paths
  • Answer all your questions without any pressure

Contact us to schedule this consultation. We serve homeowners throughout Omaha, Elkhorn, Papillion, Bellevue, Bennington, La Vista, and Council Bluffs.

What Happens After Your Consultation

If you decide to move forward with either option, we'll enter the design agreement phase. This is where the real work begins—developing comprehensive plans that show exactly what's possible, what it looks like, and what it costs.

For additions, we'll work with structural engineers and designers to understand your home's constraints and develop addition designs that flow seamlessly with your existing home.

For new construction, we'll help you evaluate lot options (including our current available lots in Bennington) and develop complete home designs that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Either way, you'll end up with clarity about what's possible and what it costs before making final commitments.

Don't Make This Decision Based on Incomplete Information

We've seen too many families make regrettable decisions because they didn't have all the information or they received guidance from contractors who weren't experienced in both options.

Some contractors only do additions and will steer you toward an addition regardless of whether it's your best option. Other contractors primarily build new and will push you toward new construction even when an addition makes more sense.

Davis Contracting specializes in both home additions and custom home building. We have no incentive to push you one direction or the other—we want you to make the right choice for your situation because that's how we build a reputation for excellence throughout the Omaha metro area.

Our design-build process ensures that whichever option you choose, you'll know exactly what you're getting, what it costs, and what quality level you're receiving before construction begins. No surprises, no budget overruns, no regrets.

The Decision Comes Down to This

After all the analysis, comparisons, and considerations, the decision comes down to three core questions:

  1. Which option gives me the home I truly need for the next 10-15 years?
  2. Which option fits my realistic budget when I consider all costs?
  3. Which option will I feel good about five years from now?

If you can answer these three questions clearly, your path becomes obvious. But answering them requires real information about your specific situation—information you can only get by working with someone who understands both options and your particular home and neighborhood.

That's where Davis Contracting comes in. We're here to help you get clarity, make an informed decision, and then execute beautifully on whichever path you choose.

Your Current Home Is Trying to Tell You Something

If you're reading this guide, your home is telling you it's time for a change. Maybe it's too small. Maybe the layout doesn't work. Maybe you're ready for something different. Whatever the message, the question is how you respond.

Ignoring the problem doesn't work—you'll continue feeling frustrated with your space every single day. Making a reactive decision without thorough analysis is risky—you might invest heavily in an addition you regret or build new when an addition would have been smarter.

The right response is to gather real information, understand your options thoroughly, and make an informed decision with a trusted partner who will guide you through the process.

We're Ready When You Are

Whether you ultimately decide to add on to your current Omaha-area home or build new in Bennington, Elkhorn, Papillion, or another great community, Davis Contracting is ready to help you make it happen.

We've spent years perfecting our design-build process specifically to prevent the mistakes, regrets, and budget surprises that plague typical construction projects. We've helped dozens of families navigate exactly the decision you're facing right now, and we'd love to help you too.

The families who work with Davis Contracting consistently tell us they appreciate our honesty, our thorough process, our excellent communication, and the quality craftsmanship we deliver. We don't want to be the biggest contractor in Omaha—we want to be the best, earning that reputation one satisfied client at a time.

Take the Next Step

Stop wondering whether you should add on or build new. Get real answers for your specific situation. Contact Davis Contracting today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Let's visit your property, understand your situation, discuss your goals, and give you the honest guidance you need to make this decision confidently. No pressure, no sales tactics—just experienced professionals helping you figure out the right path forward.

Your dream home is waiting. Whether it's an addition to your current home or a beautiful new custom home in a great Omaha-area community, we're ready to help you make it reality.

Omaha: Schedule a Design Consultation

Ready to take a step with your custom home, remodel or addition in the Omaha region?You'll love our process.

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