Cost to Second Story Addition in New Orleans, LA

$88,000–$264,000 in New Orleans

12% below the national average · 0.88x cost multiplier

Homeowners in New Orleans typically spend $88,000–$264,000 on a second story addition, about 12% below the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Southeast region drive much of the price difference. Permit requirements and material delivery costs also play a role. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown below before requesting bids.

Cost Breakdown in New Orleans

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per sq ft	$132	$220	$352
Materials	$35,200	$66,000	$123,200
Labor	$44,000	$74,800	$123,200
Permits	$4,400	$7,040	$10,560
Design	$6,160	$10,560	$22,000
Total	$89,760-12% vs. national avg	$158,400-12% vs. national avg	$278,960-12% vs. national avg

Budget

Full second story over a 1,000 sq ft footprint with standard materials, vinyl siding, builder-grade windows, and basic finishes. Minimal interior customization.

Mid-Range

1,200 sq ft second story with mid-grade finishes, fiber cement siding, energy-efficient windows, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and dedicated HVAC system.

Premium

1,500+ sq ft second floor with custom architectural design, premium finishes, vaulted ceilings, master suite with luxury bath, and full structural engineering.

Material Options

Material prices below are national averages; availability in New Orleans may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Wood Frame with Vinyl Siding	$150-$200 per sq ft	Most affordable construction method, fast framing, widely available contractors	Lower-end appearance, vinyl can look mismatched on older homes, less durability	Budget-conscious projects on homes that already have vinyl sidingMost affordable construction method, fast framing, widely available contractors
Wood Frame with Fiber Cement Siding	$200-$280 per sq ft	Durable, paintable, low maintenance, matches most existing home styles, fire-resistant	Higher material and labor cost than vinyl, requires painting every 10-15 years	Mid-range additions where exterior quality and longevity matterDurable, paintable, low maintenance, matches most existing home styles, fire-resistant
Wood Frame with Brick Veneer	$250-$350 per sq ft	Excellent curb appeal, matches brick first floors seamlessly, very durable	Heavy - may require foundation reinforcement, slow to install, expensive skilled labor	Brick ranch homes where matching the exterior is critical for resaleExcellent curb appeal, matches brick first floors seamlessly, very durable
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)	$220-$320 per sq ft	Superior insulation, faster framing, energy-efficient, airtight construction	Fewer experienced contractors, difficult to modify after construction, higher material cost	Energy-conscious homeowners in climate extremes who want long-term utility savingsSuperior insulation, faster framing, energy-efficient, airtight construction
Modular / Prefab Second Story	$130-$220 per sq ft	Factory-built sections reduce on-site time, weather exposure, and labor costs	Limited design flexibility, requires crane for installation, not available everywhere	Straightforward rectangular footprints where speed and cost control are prioritiesFactory-built sections reduce on-site time, weather exposure, and labor costs

Other Projects in New Orleans

Roof Replacement (Asphalt Shingles)

Full Bathroom Remodel

Full Kitchen Remodel

Back to national average for Second Story Addition

New Orleans Estimate

Typical Range

$88,000–$264,000

vs. National Average

12% below national

Cost Multiplier

0.88x

Cost Per sq ft

$132–$352

Estimates apply New Orleans's 0.88x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →