The home construction costs for adding stories versus adding square footage can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the materials used, and the local construction market. Adding stories typically involves more extensive structural work, such as reinforcing the foundation and ensuring proper load-bearing capacity, which can increase the overall cost. On the other hand, adding square footage may require expanding the existing foundation and may involve less structural work, potentially making it a more affordable option. It is important to obtain detailed estimates from contractors to accurately compare costs.