How much does it cost to build a house in Alabama?
How much does it cost to build a house in Alabama?
$150 – $300 cost per square foot (basic home)
$300 – $500 cost per square foot (custom home)
$350,000 – $750,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Alabama
The average cost to build a house in Alabama is $350,000 to $750,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs range from $150 to $500 per square foot, depending on the location, the house size and design, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $350,000 – $600,000 |
| Custom home | $600,000 – $900,000+ |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Alabama
The cost to build a house in Alabama is $150 to $300 per square foot for builder-grade homes. At the lower end of that range, you’ll find homes with basic finishes, standard fixtures, and simpler designs. As you move up the scale, you'll find better quality materials, more energy-efficient features, and slightly more customization options.
Custom homes range from $300 to $500 per square foot on average and offer the highest level of personalization and quality. These homes often feature high-end materials, luxury finishes, and unique architectural designs.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $120,000 – $240,000 | $240,000 – $400,000 |
| 1,000 | $150,000 – $300,000 | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| 1,500 | $225,000 – $450,000 | $450,000 – $750,000 |
| 1,800 | $270,000 – $540,000 | $540,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,000 | $300,000 – $600,000 | $600,000 – $1,000,000 |
| 2,500 | $375,000 – $750,000 | $750,000 – $1,250,000 |
| 3,000 | $450,000 – $900,000 | $900,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 3,500 | $525,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,750,000 |
| 4,000 | $600,000 – $1,200,000 | $1,200,000 – $2,000,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Alabama?
Location is a key factor in the cost to build a house in Alabama. Land and construction costs are typically higher in urban areas like Birmingham and Huntsville. Homes in coastal areas may require additional structural reinforcements to withstand potential hurricanes, adding to the overall cost.
In addition to the home's location and size, your choice of materials and finishes also impacts the cost. The table below provides a breakdown of average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Alabama.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% to 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Framing | $35,000 – $85,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Electrical | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Plumbing | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| HVAC | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Insulation & drywall | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $275,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,500 – $6,000 |
*Including labor and materials; not including the land or site prep
Buying land
The cost of land in Alabama varies widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property. Urban areas and desirable neighborhoods tend to have higher land costs compared to rural areas. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000+ per acre, with prime locations commanding even higher prices.
A land survey costs $400 to $1,800 on average and includes marking property boundaries and foundation borders for new construction. Some land surveys also include topographical information.
Site preparation
Site preparation is crucial for ensuring a stable foundation and proper drainage for your new home. This process includes clearing the land, grading, and excavation. In Alabama, site preparation and excavation costs range from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on the condition of the land and the amount of work required.
Getting utilities to the site
The cost to get utilities to the site ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+. This includes connecting to electrical, water, sewer or septic systems, and natural gas lines. The cost can be higher for remote locations or if extensive work is needed to bring utilities to the property.
Foundation
A new foundation costs $25,000 to $60,000. The type of foundation—slab, crawl space, or basement—and soil conditions can significantly impact the cost. Given Alabama's diverse soil types, from clay-rich to sandy, a thorough soil analysis is often necessary to determine the best foundation type.
Framing
Framing forms the skeleton of your home and is one of the most significant expenses in home construction. In Alabama, framing costs $35,000 to $85,000 on average. This includes the cost of lumber, labor, and any structural elements required to meet local building codes, including those related to wind resistance in coastal areas.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the home size, the pitch of the roof, and the materials used. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choice and fall within this price range. Metal and other premium roof materials cost $7 to $25+ per square foot with installation.
Siding
Your choice of exterior finishes also impacts the construction cost. Siding for a house costs $12,000 to $45,000. This wide range reflects the variety of siding options available, from vinyl and fiber cement to brick and stone veneer. The choice of siding material can significantly impact both the cost and the home's ability to withstand Alabama's climate.
Electrical
Electrical work for a new home costs $15,000 to $25,000. This includes wiring, outlets, switches, and the main electrical panel. The cost can be higher for larger homes or those with complex electrical systems. Costs also run on the higher end of the range if your home requires a high-capacity electrical service panel to power more appliances and devices.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing costs $15,000 to $28,000, while HVAC installation costs $8,000 and $18,000. A quality air conditioning system is crucial for comfort in Alabama's hot and humid climate. Energy-efficient HVAC systems may have a higher upfront cost but can lead to significant savings on utility bills over time.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall installation costs $12,000 to $40,000+. Proper insulation is especially important in Alabama to maintain energy efficiency and comfort during hot summers and cool winters.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures represent a significant portion of the building cost, ranging from $75,000 to $275,000+. This category includes flooring, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and other design elements. The wide price range reflects the vast differences in material quality and design choices available.
Keep these items in mind when planning your build:
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average with installation.
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot with installation.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Appliances
The cost of appliances for a new home in Alabama ranges from $3,100 to $7,700. This includes essential appliances like refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and washer/dryer units. The cost can be higher for high-end brands or energy-efficient models.
Labor costs to build a house in Alabama
As your general contractor, your builder will oversee the entire project, including ordering materials, managing subcontractors, and ensuring timely completion. General contractor fees range from 10% to 20% of the construction budget and are usually included in your builder’s estimate.
Your builder is also responsible for hiring and coordinating subcontractors. Many reputable builders maintain strong relationships with skilled professionals in different industries. The table below provides average hourly rates for key tradespeople involved in homebuilding.
| 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 Alabama vs. other states
Compared to building a home in Alabama, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $300 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes and $300 to $500+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the land or site prep.
For reference, consider the average cost to build a basic builder-grade home in these other states:
The cost to build a house in Georgia is $150 to $350+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Tennessee is $180 to $350+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Alabama
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Alabama?
In most cases, it’s cheaper to buy an existing home in Alabama than build a new one. According to the most recent data from the Alabama Association of Realtors, the median sale price for single-family homes ranges from $250,000 to $300,000 depending on the time of year, which is less than the average cost to build a new home.
However, building a house allows for customization and potentially lower maintenance costs in the long run. The decision between buying and building depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals.
How long does it take to build a house in Alabama?
Building a house in Alabama takes 7 to 12 months on average. This timeline can vary based on factors such as the size and complexity of the home, weather conditions, availability of materials and labor, and the efficiency of the construction team. Custom homes typically take longer to build than production homes.
Can you build a block house in Alabama?
Yes, you can build a block house in Alabama. Concrete block construction is permitted and can be a good choice, especially in areas prone to severe weather. However, it's important to ensure that the construction meets all local building codes and regulations, which vary by location within the state.
Can you build a tiny house in Alabama?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Alabama, but regulations vary by location. Some areas have minimum square footage requirements for permanent dwellings, which may affect tiny house construction. It's crucial to check local zoning laws and building codes before starting a tiny house project. Some counties and cities are more tiny house-friendly than others, so research is essential.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Alabama is $45,000 to $150,000.
Getting quotes from home builders in Alabama
Follow these tips to find the best Alabama home builders near you:
Choose builders who specialize in the specific type and style of house you're looking for.
Research local builders and read reviews from previous clients.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or real estate professionals.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Ask each builder for references from previous clients, including contact information. Reach out to the clients directly to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Visit model homes or recently completed projects to assess the builder's quality of work.
Request a detailed quote from each builder for comparison.
Verify the builder is licensed and insured in Alabama.
Get a written contract that details the specific materials and associated costs, labor costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask the builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Alabama?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Alabama?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
Do you have any model homes I can tour?
Are your homes energy-efficient and built to withstand Alabama's climate?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
What's your typical timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
What's your process for final walk-through and addressing any issues before move-in?
What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?
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.