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Primary suites in Melrose, Arlington and nearby towns

A primary suite on its own (bedroom, closet and private bath) typically starts around $140,000. Most of ours were part of a bigger addition, which ran about $205,000–$360,000 on our 2020–2025 jobs (the middle half, change orders included), with 16–20 weeks of construction.

145
additions since 2003
68
bathroom projects since 2003
4.9★
on Houzz, 40 reviews
25 yrs
in Melrose · MA HIC 137663
What it costs

What primary suites cost

Most primary suites are an addition with a new bathroom. These are the closest ranges in our cost guide, from the same table.

Addition with a bathroom18 projects · 16–20 weeksHome additions →
$205k–$360k
Bathroom8 projects · 10–15 weeksBathroom remodels →
$50k–$70k
Addition with a kitchen and bathroom24 projects · 18–29 weeksKitchen additions →
$355k–$545k

Bars on one scale, $0–$550k. Includes labor, materials, permits, project management and change orders.

Where the money goes

A $275,000 addition with a bathroom, by trade

Cabinets and counters
3% · $8,250
Carpentry, windows, doors
42% · $115,500
Electrical
12% · $33,000
Walls, floors, tile, paint
18% · $49,500
Plumbing and heating
10% · $27,500
Demo, dumpster, site prep
8% · $22,000
Permits and project mgmt
7% · $19,250

Across 18 projects like this we built from 2020 to 2025. Most of an addition is the shell: foundation, framing, roof, siding and windows. That is why carpentry leads.

How long it takes

A sample addition schedule, about 18 weeks on site

Before we start: 4–6 weeks of design, stamped structural plans and the building permit, and every finish picked at least 45 days ahead. The sample below is about 18 weeks.

Foundation and site work ◆ payment
Framing and roof (dry-in) ◆ payment
Windows and siding
Interior demo and framing
Rough plumbing, heat, electrical
Rough inspection ◆ payment
Insulation and plaster
Bath tile, flooring starts ◆ payment
Hardwood
Interior trim
Vanities and built-ins
Paint ◆ payment
Finish electrical and plumbing
Hardwood finish
Punch list and final ◆ payment
Wk 1Wk 3Wk 5Wk 7Wk 9Wk 11Wk 13Wk 15Wk 17

Black = outside and rough work, gold = finishes. ◆ = a payment. Daily logs and a Friday summary in Buildertrend the whole way. Based on our standard addition schedule; your schedule is set before you sign.

Our work

Three primary suites, start to finish

See all our projects →

In our clients' words
“They were on time, on budget, and so nice to work with.”
Erin M. · Addition and primary bath · Google
“They met their schedule deadlines and budget.”
Larry P. · Third-floor suite · Houzz

Read all our reviews on Google →

Common questions
How much does a primary suite cost in Greater Boston?

A primary suite on its own (bedroom, closet and private bath) typically starts around $140,000. Most of ours were part of a bigger addition, which ran about $205,000–$360,000 on our 2020–2025 jobs. Size, the bathroom finishes and whether the suite needs a new foundation move the price most.

How long does a primary suite take to build?

About 16–20 weeks of construction for an addition with a bathroom, after design, engineering and permits.

Where can a primary suite go?

A rear or side addition, a second story, or an attic with dormers. We look at your lot, zoning and the existing structure before design starts and tell you which fits your house.

Can we stay in the house while you build it?

Most clients do. An addition is built mostly from the outside until we open into the house, and we plan that step with you.

Will the price change during construction?

You sign a fixed price with allowances for the finishes you pick. It changes only if you change the job or choose finishes above an allowance.

By Geoff Shafer, owner. Has run PEGASUS in Melrose for 25 years; MA licensed Construction Supervisor and registered HIC (HIC 137663). Updated .
Thinking about a primary suite?
Tell us your town and what you're planning. In a 15-minute call I'll tell you where a project like yours is likely to land. — Geoff