How much does it cost to build a house in North Carolina?
How much does it cost to build a house in North Carolina?
$180 – $250 average cost per square foot (basic home)
$250 – $450 average cost per square foot (custom home)
$320,000 – $600,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in North Carolina
The cost to build a house in North Carolina is $320,000 to $600,000 on average, not including the cost of the land or excavation and site prep. New home construction costs in NC range from $180 to $450 per square foot, depending on the home size and style, material quality and finishes, and location.
| Average Cost | $450,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $95,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,200,000 |
| Average Range | $320,000 to $600,000* |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in North Carolina
The cost to build a house in North Carolina is $180 to $250 per square foot on average for a basic home with standard builder-grade finishes. These homes typically come in only a limited number of styles and floor plans, which vary from one builder to the next.
Costs increase to $250 to $450 per square foot for custom-built homes with popular upgrades like granite countertops, hardwood floors, or high-end fixtures and finishes.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $144,000 – $200,000 | $200,000 – $360,000 |
| 1,000 | $180,000 – $250,000 | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| 1,500 | $270,000 – $375,000 | $375,000 – $675,000 |
| 1,800 | $324,000 – $450,000 | $450,000 – $810,000 |
| 2,000 | $360,000 – $500,000 | $500,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,500 | $450,000 – $625,000 | $625,000 – $1,125,000 |
| 3,000 | $540,000 – $750,000 | $750,000 – $1,350,000 |
| 3,500 | $630,000 – $875,000 | $875,000 – $1,575,000 |
| 4,000 | $720,000 – $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 – $1,800,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Factors that affect the cost to build a house in NC
Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total cost to build a house, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size, design, layout, and your choice of materials and finishes have the biggest impact on the total cost.
The table below provides a breakdown of the average costs for major aspects of new home construction in North Carolina.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Foundation | $10,750 – $30,000 |
| Framing | $23,000 – $60,000 |
| Roof | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Siding | $8,600 – $27,000 |
| Electrical | $8,600 – $19,400 |
| Plumbing | $8,500 – $13,000 |
| HVAC | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,000 – $5,000 |
*Including labor and materials
When budgeting for new home construction, plan for an extra 15% to cover overruns and unexpected costs.
Buying land
Before you can build a house, you'll need to purchase a suitable lot. The average cost of land in North Carolina is $23,000 to $34,000 per acre, but prices vary significantly depending on the location. You can find rural farmland for as low as $5,000 per acre in some parts of the state, while half-acre lots in highly desirable locations cost $150,000+.
A land survey costs $400 to $1,800 on average and includes marking property boundaries, utilities, and foundations for new construction. Some land surveys also include topographical information.
Site prep & foundation
Your land will require preparation before construction can begin. Excavation costs $1,500 to $10,000 on average to level and grade the site for a new foundation. However, costs can quickly reach $20,000 or more for steeply sloped lots or for excavating land with rough terrain, excessive clay, or large boulders.
Building a new foundation costs $6 to $50 per square foot or $12,000 to $100,000 total on average, depending on whether it’s a concrete slab, crawl space, or basement. Most homes in North Carolina have a slab foundation, though some high-end homes have a crawl space instead.
Framing
Framing a new house costs $11 to $30 per square foot for labor and materials, or $23,000 to $60,000 total for a typical house, including the roof trusses. Framing makes up a significant portion of the total construction cost. The process takes 30 to 60+ days, depending on the home's size, layout, and design complexity.
Roof
A new roof costs $3 to $6 per square foot on average, depending on the material. Asphalt shingle roofs—the most common type in North Carolina—typically fall within this price range and last 15 to 30 years. Premium roofing materials like slate and tile cost $7 to $25+ per square foot with installation.
Siding
New house siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot or $8,600 to $27,000 total with installation, depending on the material, style, and quality. Vinyl and fiber cement siding are popular, affordable options for North Carolina homes, while brick and stone siding costs the most but provides a high-end look.
Electrical
The cost to wire a new house is $4 to $9 per square foot or $8,600 to $19,400 total on average. Costs fall on the high end of that range for houses with more complex layouts or those that require a more powerful electrical service panel.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing for new construction costs $8,500 to $13,000, depending on the home's layout and the pipe material used. Rough-in plumbing involves installing water supply lines, pipes, connections, drain lines, and vents. Plumbers charge an extra $450 to $1,800 per fixture to install sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers.
Installing an HVAC system with ductwork costs $7,000 to $16,000, depending on the home's size and the HVAC system type, size, and brand.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures include cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, painting, and more. This category makes up a large chunk of the total building cost, and prices vary significantly depending on the materials and quality. Keep these items in mind when budgeting for your new home:
Kitchen cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot with installation.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
New flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot with installation.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface area.
Appliances
New appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each, depending on the brand, model, and features. Prices for top-of-the-line refrigerators, ovens, and ranges can exceed $5,000 each.
A kitchen appliance package with a basic fridge, range, dishwasher, and microwave costs $2,100 to $5,400.
A new washer and dryer set costs $1,000 to $2,300.
Labor costs to build a house in North Carolina
A general contractor charges 10% to 20% of the total home construction budget. The general contractor coordinates the entire project, orders materials, hires and manages the subcontractors, obtains permits, and ensures your project meets all deadlines.
Labor costs make up about 40% to 50% of the construction budget. The table below lists the labor rates for many of the professionals and subcontractors involved in building a house.
| Professional | Labor cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Excavating contractors | $100 – $300 |
| Plumbers | $75 – $150 |
| Electricians | $50 – $130 |
| Roofers | $30 – $100 |
| Carpenters & framing contractors | $30 – $100 |
| Siding contractors | $40 – $80 |
| Drywall contractors | $40 – $100 |
| Painters | $20 – $70 |
| Flooring installers | $20 – $70 |
| HVAC installers | $75 – $150 |
| Landscapers | $25 – $50 |
Cost to build a house in North Carolina vs. other states
The nationwide average cost to build a house is $150 to $250 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home or $250 to $400 per square foot for a custom home, not including the cost of the land.
Prices are highest in Hawaii, Alaska, and California, with the cost to build a house in California ranging from $200 to $600 per square foot.
Compare the cost of new home construction in North Carolina to these other popular states:
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Texas is $180 to $300+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Michigan is $130 to $280+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in North Carolina
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in North Carolina?
In most cases, it is cheaper to buy a house than build one in North Carolina. According to current real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in North Carolina is $311,300.
How long does it take to build a house in North Carolina?
Building a house in North Carolina takes 6 to 10+ months, not including the architectural design phase or land clearing, excavation, and other site prep needed. The total construction time depends on the current site conditions, the contractor's experience, labor and material availability, and the weather.
How much does it cost to build a tiny house in North Carolina?
The cost to build a tiny house is $150 to $250 per square foot for a prefab model or $250 to $450 per square foot for a custom-built tiny home. Prices depend on the finishes, fixtures, and whether the home is on wheels or a foundation. Tiny houses are typically 400 square feet or smaller.
Some North Carolina cities don't allow you to put a tiny house on your property or only allow it if there is already a larger permanent structure on the same lot. Check local zoning regulations before buying or building a tiny house.
Getting estimates from home builders in North Carolina
Follow these tips to find the reputable, experienced home builders near you:
Look for builders who specialize in the type of home you're interested in.
Read reviews for home builders in your area on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your desired home size, design, and features.
Tour the builder's model homes or ask to see a portfolio showing their custom homes.
Ask for references from previous clients with contact information.
Confirm the builder is licensed and insured to operate in North Carolina.
Get a detailed contract outlining the specific materials, labor, costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask these important questions before signing a contract with a home builder:
How long have you been building homes in North Carolina?
How many homes do you build per year?
Do you have any model homes nearby that I can tour?
Can you provide references from past clients?
Are you licensed and insured in North Carolina?
Do you have architects or home designers on staff who will create the house plans?
How much input will I have on the design and material choices?
Can you suggest ways to reduce the overall cost without compromising the home's quality?
What financing options do you offer? Do you work with specific lenders?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
What warranties do you offer?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.