The decision of home refurbishing often depends on space, cost, and design goals. If you are planning a full home expansion or an interior redesign, both pathways provide distinct benefits in the real estate market of San Diego.
Which Delivers the Most Value for San Diego Homeowners?
In San Diego, usually building a second story costs from $800 to $1,000 per square foot, which means moderate additions between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet could cost between $160,000 and $400,000, especially in high-end areas. And often, basic home renovation costs are usually $250 to $300 per square foot.
Cost Comparison Between Home Expansion and Interior Redesign
1. Home Expansion (Adding a Second Story)
- Cost per square foot: $100–$300 nationally.
- In San Diego, typical cost: $800–$1,000/sq ft.
- Example: 1,000 sq ft second story = $800,000–$1,000,000
- Factors:
- Permits, structural engineering, demolition, and foundation reinforcement
- Adding a stairwell
- Temporary housing (~6–12 months)
- Removing or replace a wall to support a new load-bearing structure
2. Interior Redesign
- Renovation cost: ~$250–$300/sq ft.
- Interior redesign range: Small updates $10,000–$30,000, and whole-home interior projects can be $75,000–$200,000+.
- Changing layouts, removing or replacing walls (replace a wall), customizing finishes, updating kitchens or bathrooms.
- Using interior design services can cost $2,000–$14,000+, depending on the scope.
Looking at Key Scenarios
Scenario A: Adding a Second Story
- You need substantial square footage for new bedrooms, bathrooms, or offices.
- Be prepared for longer time frames (six to twelve months) and larger markets.
- The resale potential is high, but so are the investment and permitting hurdles.
Scenario B: Interior Redesign
- You want fresh, modern interiors without increasing the size of the home.
- Ideal for improving function and aesthetics, reconfiguring layout, or design your own addition within the existing footprint.
- Ideal for improving functionality and aesthetics, reconfiguring layouts, or design your own addition to an existing footprint.
- Less disruption, faster turnaround, more budget control.
Decision Matrix for Home Expansion and Interior Redesign
| Goal / Need | Home Expansion | Interior Redesign |
| Space Needed | Major—adds actual square footage | Minor—from layout enhancement or rework |
| Budget | High: $800–1,000+/sq ft | Moderate: $250–300/sq ft or project-based |
| Timeline & Disruption | Months require potential relocation | Weeks to months, living space intact |
| Permit Complexity | Structural plans, zoning review, and foundation | Mostly cosmetic or minor modifications |
| ROI / Resale | Strong, especially in high-demand areas | Moderate, design appeal adds value |
Tips If You Pursue an Addition
- Contact a structural engineer early to determine if the current foundation can carry a second story to the house structure.
- Understand the zoning regulations of your area. Don’t worry, we will provide the necessary guidance for filing permits.
- Considering cost-saving by keeping the roofline simple, minimize structural changes.
- If you are modifying the room layout or have a plan to replace a wall, do it wisely and avoid load-bearing disruptions unless professionally engineered.
Tips for Interior Redesign Success
- Redefine space, rearrange layout, remove or replace a wall, add built-in elements.
- Work with an interior designer according to your own design style, which should ensure flow and aesthetic. Typical designer costs: $2,000–$14,000+, depending on scope.
- Focus on high-impact areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and open living areas. Renovation costs, depending on the scope, can range from $50K-$150 per room.
Final Take: Which One Wins?
If you want to add a true living space, like building a few extra rooms or constructing a complete second level. Home expansion is a good option due to an affordable budget and easy permits. But interior redesign is cost-effective and faster than home expansion, and it provides comfort, aesthetics, and functionality.
Conclusion
When it comes to home refurbishing, San Diego homeowners face two distinct paths:
- Adding a story to a house offers significant space gains but comes with high investment and complexity.
- An interior redesign lets you design your own addition within existing space, faster and more affordably.
At Mel Development, we specialize in a wide range of additions and interior renovations. Whether you are going through an interior transformation or building up, we design smart solutions to your vision. Contact us now to learn more and begin updating your home.