How much does it cost to build a house in Arkansas?
How much does it cost to build a house in Arkansas?
$150 – $220 cost per square foot (builder-grade home)
$220 – $300+ cost per square foot (custom home)
Average cost to build a house in Arkansas
The average cost to build a house in Arkansas is $270,000 to $650,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home building costs in Arkansas range from $150 to $300+ per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, amount of customization, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures selected.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $270,000 – $450,000 |
| Custom home | $450,000 – $650,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Arkansas
The cost to build a basic, builder-grade home in Arkansas is $150 to $220 per square foot on average. Builder-grade homes feature standardized floor plans with quality construction and basic finishes.
Building a custom home in Arkansas costs $220 to $300+ per square foot. Custom homes allow for personalized designs, premium materials and fixtures, and specialized features.
| Home size (square feet) |
Builder-grade home cost* | Custom home cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $120,000 – $176,000 | $176,000 – $240,000 |
| 1,000 | $150,000 – $220,000 | $220,000 – $300,000 |
| 1,500 | $225,000 – $330,000 | $330,000 – $450,000 |
| 1,800 | $270,000 – $396,000 | $396,000 – $540,000 |
| 2,000 | $300,000 – $440,000 | $440,000 – $600,000 |
| 2,500 | $375,000 – $550,000 | $550,000 – $750,000 |
| 3,000 | $450,000 – $660,000 | $660,000 – $900,000 |
| 3,500 | $525,000 – $770,000 | $770,000 – $1,050,000 |
| 4,000 | $600,000 – $880,000 | $880,000 – $1,200,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Arkansas?
Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total construction budget, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size, architectural design, layout complexity, and your selection of materials and finishes have the biggest impact on the total cost.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% to 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $25,000 – $70,000 |
| Framing | $35,000 – $70,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Plumbing | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| HVAC | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Insulation & drywall | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $250,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
*Including labor and materials; not including the cost of the land or site prep
Buying land
Land prices in Arkansas vary considerably based on location and proximity to major cities. Rural properties cost $2,000 to $8,000 per acre on average, while residential lots in established neighborhoods range from $25,000 to $150,000. Premium lots in upscale areas like Bentonville, Fayetteville, or Little Rock suburbs can exceed $200,000.
Site preparation
Site preparation costs in Arkansas range from $5,000 to $25,000+, depending on terrain, soil conditions, and vegetation. The state's varied geography can present challenges, from rocky Ozark soils requiring specialized excavation to delta clay that may need soil amendments for proper drainage.
Arkansas's wooded landscape often requires tree clearing, which adds to site preparation costs. Proper grading is essential for managing Arkansas's heavy rainfall and preventing water damage to foundations.
Getting utilities to the site
Getting utilities to the site costs $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on location and existing infrastructure. Urban and suburban areas have established utility networks, while rural properties may require well drilling, septic system installation, and electrical line extensions.
Foundation
A new foundation costs $25,000 to $70,000, with most Arkansas homes built on concrete slab or crawl space foundations. The state's clay soils, particularly in central and eastern regions, require careful foundation design to prevent movement and cracking. Basement foundations are less common in Arkansas due to the high water table in many areas.
Framing
House framing costs $35,000 to $70,000 on average. Storm-resistant framing techniques are increasingly popular in Arkansas, with many builders incorporating hurricane ties, reinforced connections, and impact-resistant materials.
Roof
Roofing costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the home size and the roofing material. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to handle the state's weather variations.
Metal roofing is gaining popularity in Arkansas for its durability against hail damage and ability to shed heavy snow loads during occasional winter storms.
Siding
Siding costs $12,000 to $45,000. Vinyl siding remains popular for its low maintenance requirements and resistance to insects and moisture. Fiber cement siding is increasingly common due to its durability and resistance to weather extremes, including high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and occasional severe weather.
Electrical
Electrical installation costs $12,000 to $20,000+. Arkansas homes require robust electrical systems to handle high air conditioning loads during hot, humid summers. Smart home technology integration is becoming standard in new construction, with builders including wiring for home automation systems.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing installation costs $12,000 to $25,000, including water supply lines, drainage systems, venting, and fixture connections. Arkansas's humid climate requires careful attention to ventilation and moisture control to prevent mold and mildew issues.
HVAC system installation costs $8,000 to $18,000+, with cooling being the primary concern during Arkansas's hot summers. High-efficiency systems with dehumidification capabilities are essential for maintaining comfort and indoor air quality in the state's humid climate.
Insulation & drywall
Drywall and insulation cost $12,000 to $40,000 installed. Arkansas homes require effective insulation strategies for both heating and cooling efficiency. Proper vapor barriers are crucial in Arkansas's humid climate to prevent moisture problems within wall cavities.
Interior finishing & fixtures
The cost of interior finishes and fixtures ranges from $75,000 to $250,000+, representing a significant portion of the total construction budget. This category includes cabinets, countertops, lighting, paint, flooring, and more, and prices vary widely depending on the materials and quality.
Appliances
New appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each on average, depending on the brand and features. Prices for high-end ranges and refrigerators from brands like Wolf and Subzero often exceed $5,000 each.
A kitchen appliance package that includes a basic refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave costs $2,100 to $5,400.
A washer and dryer set costs $1,000 to $2,300.
Many Arkansas homeowners invest in outdoor kitchen appliances to take advantage of the year-round outdoor living weather, adding to the overall appliance budget but enhancing the desert lifestyle experience.
Labor costs to build a house in Arkansas
Labor makes up about 40% to 50% of the total construction cost. Your general contractor will manage the project, hire and coordinate subcontractors, obtain permits, order materials and supplies, and ensure the project meets each deadline.
The table below shows the average labor rates for many of the pros 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 Arkansas vs. other states
Compared to Arkansas, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $300 per square foot for a standard builder-grade home and $300 to $400+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the land or site prep.
For further comparison, consider the average cost to build a house in these states:
The average cost to build a house in Oklahoma is $170 to $280 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Missouri is $180 to $500 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Tennessee is $180 to $350+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Arkansas
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Arkansas?
In most cases, it is cheaper to buy a house than build one in Arkansas, but it depends on the home size and design, the location, and current housing market conditions.
According to the most recent real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Arkansas ranges from $240,000 to $280,000, depending on the time of year.
How long does it take to build a house in Arkansas?
Building a house in Arkansas takes 4 to 10 months from groundbreaking to completion, not including the design and permitting phase. Construction timelines depend on the home size and complexity, weather conditions, material availability, and whether you choose a builder-grade or custom design.
Can you build a tiny house in Arkansas?
Tiny house regulations in Arkansas vary by municipality, with some areas embracing alternative housing options while others maintain traditional minimum size requirements. It's important to check local zoning laws and building codes before building a tiny home.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Arkansas is $50,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from home builders in Arkansas
Follow these tips to find the best Arkansas house builders near you:
Determine your total budget up front and make a list of your must-have features.
Research Arkansas builders and read reviews from previous clients on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose builders who specialize in the type and style of house you're looking for.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, design, and features.
Request references from recent clients. Contact the clients to ask about their experience working with the builders.
Visit the builders' recently completed projects or model homes to assess the work quality.
Get detailed quotes from each builder for comparison.
Verify the builder you select is licensed and insured for new home construction.
Get a written contract detailing the specific materials, costs, and timelines for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask home builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Arkansas?
How many homes have you built in the past five years?
Can you provide references from past clients?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Arkansas?
Do you have any recent builds or model homes I can tour?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of costs?
How much input will I have on the materials and fixture choices?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
What is your estimated timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
What warranty do you offer on your homes?
What is your process for the final walk-through and addressing any issues before the move-in date?
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.