A master suite addition is a place to call your own — no kiddie toys, no teens hogging the bathroom — a heavenly space where you can bathe, dress, or simply relax in peace. But paradise doesn't come cheap.

A 16-by-24-foot master suite addition to a house with mid-range fixtures and finishes costs a national average of $101,873 according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. For a larger, upscale suite, the price tag jumps to $220,086.

Master Suite Building Basics

Bumping out your house to add a master suite means giving up yard space, excavating, pouring a foundation, framing — a whole project that requires the full range of tradesmen, from roofer to plumber to tile-setter. You’ll need zoning approval and building inspections, expanded heating and cooling systems, and probably an upgraded electrical panel, water heater, and burglar alarm, too.

Thinking Outside the Bump Out

If you take advantage of existing space for your master suite addition, you can trim 20% to 60% from your budget. Here’s how.

Build up instead of out: Add your master suite on top of ground floor space — over a porch, garage, or previous addition. This is often referred to as a second story addition or pop-up addition. The disadvantage? Ground-level space is much more “age in place” friendly and accessible.

Steal underutilized space: Incorporate that rarely used guest room — even better, that extra bathroom — into your master suite. You’ll save thousands if you can tap into existing square footage, including utilities like water and sewer lines.

Finish unfinished space: Convert unfinished basement, attic, or even garage space into a master suite. Because you don’t have to build a foundation, exterior walls, or a roof, you’ll save up to 50% to 60% compared with a full-scale addition.

A master suite addition adds great value to your home and is a very attractive option to make your home more accessible and user friendly. Take a look at more ideas and examples at http://mastersuiteaddition.hammercontractors.com/ or http://hammercontractors.com/