How much does a 3D printed house cost?
How much does a 3D printed house cost?
$10,000 – $35,000 cost for 3D printed walls & floor only
$150,000 – $500,000+ cost for fully finished 3D printed house
Average 3D printed house cost
A 3D printed house costs $10,000 to $35,000 to print only the walls and floor. A fully finished 3D printed house with plumbing and electrical wiring costs $150,000 to $500,000+, depending on the size, design, and features. Most 3D printed houses are made of concrete and can last 50+ years.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 3D printed walls / floor only | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Finished 3D printed house | $150,000 – $500,000+ |
Though some companies claim the ability to 3D print a 2,000-square-foot house for around $20,000, that price doesn't include roofing, plumbing, electrical wiring, doors, windows, insulation, heating and cooling, or interior finishing. These necessary items add tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to the total cost of building a house.
What affects the cost of 3D printing a house?
The following factors impact the cost of a 3D printed house:
House size & design: The home size, number of stories, layout, and design complexity have the biggest impact on the cost to 3D print the walls and floor.
Utilities: After 3D printing the home's walls and floor, contractors must install plumbing pipes and fixtures, electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork. Consult with the 3D printing company to ensure they leave the necessary channels inside the walls to run pipes and conduit. If not, contractors may need to cut into the walls, increasing costs and reducing the structure's safety and energy efficiency.
Doors & windows: Using the blueprints for your home, the 3D printing company will leave openings for doors and windows when printing the walls. However, the 3D printing price does not include the doors and windows themselves, which must be bought separately:
New windows cost $450 to $1,500 each, including installation.
Exterior doors cost $500 to $1,900 each, while interior doors cost $225 to $825 each installed.
Interior finishing: The builder can use 3D printing to construct the floor and walls, but the rest of the interior will require finishing. The materials you choose for cabinets, countertops, lighting, fixtures, and other finishes will significantly impact your total cost.
Labor costs: 3D printing is only the first step in building the house. New home construction requires many other professionals, such as plumbers, electricians, kitchen and bath contractors, painters, and HVAC technicians.
Geographic location: Your location will impact labor and material costs, building codes, and weather, which can all impact the total building time and cost.
FAQs about 3D printed homes
How long does it take to 3D print a house?
3D printing a house takes 24 to 72 hours, depending on the home size and style. This timeframe only includes 3D printing the walls, not the other labor required to build a house, such as adding a roof, plumbing, or electrical wiring or finishing the interior.
What are 3D printed houses made of?
Most 3D printed houses are made of concrete. However, some companies are experimenting with other materials like clay, recycled plastic, and a mix of recycled bio-resins and wood fibers.
Are 3D printed houses cheaper to build?
3D printed houses can be cheaper to build than traditional houses. However, the difference in cost depends greatly on the home size and design, materials used, and labor required.
A 3D printer can only construct the home's floor and walls. A large portion of the cost to build a house comes from all the additional labor and materials needed to finish the structure, including electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, painting, interior trim, kitchen and bath construction, and more.
How long do 3D printed houses last?
Although 3D printed homes are still new and their longevity hasn't been fully tested yet, their lifespan can be compared to that of other concrete structures. Most companies estimate a well-built 3D printed house made of concrete can last more than 50 years with proper maintenance.
Are 3D printed houses safe?
3D printed houses are safe when constructed correctly to meet local building codes. Because 3D printed houses are made of concrete, their exterior walls are resistant to fire and high-speed winds. However, the home still has doors, windows, and a standard roof, so it will not be completely hurricane- or earthquake-proof.
Are 3D printed houses sustainable?
3D printing a house typically generates less construction waste, but the homes are not always more sustainable than traditionally built houses.
Most 3D printed houses are made of concrete, which is durable, long-lasting, recyclable, and requires slightly less energy to produce than steel. However, concrete production requires large amounts of water and is the third-largest producer of CO2 in the world.
Where to buy a 3D printed house
3D printing a house requires complex highly-specialized equipment and materials. Because 3D printing is a relatively new industry, the number of companies offering this service is limited. When evaluating home builders, follow these tips to ensure you hire a reputable, experienced company.
Look for companies that specialize in 3D printed houses for residential use. Three companies offering 3D printed homes in the U.S. include ICON, SQ4D, and CyBe.
Meet with the 3D printing companies to discuss your desired home size, design, and features.
Confirm the company works with builders in your area.
Ask to tour their model homes.
Request references from previous clients with contact information.
Get a detailed contract that outlines the specific materials, labor, costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask 3D printed house builders
Ask builders these important questions about 3D printing a house before you sign a contract:
How long have you been in business?
How many 3D printed houses have you built so far?
Do you have a catalog of predesigned house models and floorplans to choose from?
Do you have any model houses nearby that I can tour?
Can I work with an architect to design the layout for my house?
Do you have architects on staff to create the blueprints?
Can you provide references from past clients?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in this state?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
How long will it take to build the house?
What financing options do you offer? Do you work with specific lenders?
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.