How much does it cost to build a house in Illinois?
How much does it cost to build a house in Illinois?
$250 – $350 cost per square foot (basic home)
$350 – $550+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$500,000 – $1,100,000 average total cost (not including land)
Average cost to build a house in Illinois
The average cost to build a house in Illinois is $500,000 to $1,100,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Illinois range from $250 to $550+ per square foot on average, depending on the location, house size and design, material quality, and amount of customization.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $500,000 – $700,000 |
| Custom home | $700,000 – $1,100,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Illinois
Building a basic builder-grade house in Illinois costs $250 to $350 per square foot, not including the cost of the land or site prep. These homes feature standard finishes and limited customization options.
In comparison, the cost to build a custom home in Illinois ranges from $350 to $550+ per square foot. These homes offer the highest level of personalization and often feature high-end materials, premium finishes, and unique architectural designs. The cost of building a custom home in the Chicago area can exceed $600 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) |
Builder-grade home cost* | Custom home cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $200,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $440,000 |
| 1,000 | $250,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| 1,500 | $375,000 – $525,000 | $525,000 – $825,000 |
| 1,800 | $450,000 – $630,000 | $630,000 – $990,000 |
| 2,000 | $500,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $1,100,000 |
| 2,500 | $625,000 – $875,000 | $875,000 – $1,375,000 |
| 3,000 | $750,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,650,000 |
| 3,500 | $875,000 – $1,225,000 | $1,225,000 – $1,925,000 |
| 4,000 | $1,000,000 – $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 – $2,200,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Illinois?
Material costs account for 50% to 60% of the total construction budget, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size, architectural style, and your choice of materials and finishes have the most significant impact on the overall cost.
The table below provides a breakdown of the average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Illinois, including labor and materials.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% – 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $10,000 – $50,000+ |
| Foundation | $25,000 – $60,000+ |
| Framing | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Electrical | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Plumbing | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| HVAC | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Insulation & drywall | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $250,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $10,000 |
| Building permits | $10,000 – $15,000+ |
*Including labor and materials; not including the cost of the land or site prep
Buying land
Land prices in Illinois vary dramatically based on proximity to metropolitan areas. Rural farmland costs $8,000 to $15,000+ per acre, while smaller suburban lots in established neighborhoods cost $50,000 to $200,000. Prices for building lots in premium locations in Chicago's North Shore suburbs or other high-demand areas can exceed $300,000.
Site preparation
Site preparation costs in Illinois range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the terrain and existing site conditions. Illinois's generally flat topography and prairie soils are favorable for construction, though building sites in areas with high clay content may require additional drainage considerations.
Getting utilities to the site
Getting utilities to a new home site costs $10,000 to $50,000+, depending on the location and existing infrastructure. Most suburban and urban areas in Illinois have well-established utility networks, making connections relatively straightforward and affordable.
Rural properties may require longer utility runs, particularly for electrical service and natural gas lines. Natural gas is widely available throughout Illinois and is a popular choice for heating and cooking. Rural homes may also require a private well and septic system.
Foundation
Foundation costs range from $25,000 to $60,000+, with full basements being extremely popular in Illinois due to severe weather concerns and the desire for additional living and storage space. The state's tornado activity makes basements an attractive safety feature for many homeowners.
Framing
Framing a house costs $35,000 to $75,000 on average, depending on the home's size and complexity. Illinois building codes require framing capable of withstanding the state's weather extremes, including potential high winds from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the home size and roofing material. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material in Illinois due to their affordability and good performance in the state's climate. However, metal roofing is gaining popularity for its enhanced durability and storm resistance.
Siding
Siding costs $12,000 to $45,000, with material choices focused on durability and low maintenance. Vinyl siding remains popular in Illinois for its affordability and performance, while fiber cement siding offers enhanced durability against the state's weather extremes.
Brick siding is a traditional favorite in many Illinois communities, particularly in Chicago and surrounding areas, offering excellent durability and a classic Midwestern aesthetic. Stone and brick veneer provide premium options for custom homes.
Electrical
Electrical installation costs $15,000 to $25,000, with Illinois homes requiring robust electrical systems to handle both air conditioning loads in summer and heating system requirements in winter. Many new homes also include provisions for electric vehicle charging and whole-house generator connections.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing installation costs $15,000 to $25,000, including water supply lines, drainage systems, venting, and fixture connections.
HVAC installation costs $12,000 to $20,000 on average. Illinois homes require efficient heating and cooling systems due to the state's hot and cold temperature extremes. Natural gas furnaces paired with central air conditioning remain the most popular option, though heat pumps are gaining popularity due to their efficiency.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall cost $12,000 to $40,000 installed. Illinois homes require substantial insulation to handle temperature extremes. The state's energy codes emphasize thermal performance, making high-quality insulation a worthwhile investment.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures make up a significant portion of the total construction cost for a new home. Prices vary widely depending on the materials you select, with costs ranging from $75,000 to $250,000+. This category includes cabinets, countertops, lighting, paint, flooring, and more.
Appliances
New appliances cost up to $3,500 each, depending on the brand, model, and features. Prices for high-end ovens, ranges, and refrigerators can exceed $5,000 each.
Gas ranges and cooktops are popular where natural gas is available in Illinois, while energy-efficient refrigerators and dishwashers help manage utility costs.
Labor costs to build a house in Illinois
Your builder will act as a general contractor to oversee your project, order materials, manage the subcontractors, and ensure construction meets all deadlines. A general contractor charges 10% to 20% of the construction budget, and most builders include this fee in their total estimate for the project.
The builder will hire and manage all the subcontractors, as most reputable builders already have relationships with pros they prefer to work with in each industry. The table below lists the average hourly 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 Illinois vs. other states
Compared to Illinois, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $250 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes and $250 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 nearby states:
The average cost to build a house in Indiana is $150 to $350+ per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Wisconsin is $220 to $500+ per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Missouri is $180 to $500 per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Illinois
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Illinois?
In most cases, it's cheaper to buy an existing house than build a new one in Illinois, but it depends on the location, the home size, style, and features, and current housing market conditions.
According to the most recent real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Illinois ranges from $285,000 to $315,000 depending on the region, with Chicago-area homes typically commanding higher prices.
How long does it take to build a house in Illinois?
Building a house in Illinois takes 6 to 12+ months from breaking ground to completion, not including the design and permitting phase. The timeline depends on the home size and complexity, weather conditions, material availability, and whether you choose a builder-grade or custom design.
Illinois's construction season runs from late March through early November, with winter weather potentially causing delays for projects that extend into the cold months. Custom homes with extensive basements or complex designs may require additional time for completion.
Can you build a tiny house in Illinois?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Illinois, but it's crucial to check local zoning laws and building codes before starting your project, as regulations vary by city and county. Some areas have minimum square footage requirements or restrictions on tiny homes on wheels.
Many Illinois communities are adapting their codes to accommodate tiny homes, especially as affordable housing solutions become more important. The average cost to build a tiny house in Illinois is $45,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from home builders in Illinois
Follow these tips to find the best Illinois house builders near you:
Research local builders and read reviews from previous clients on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose builders who specialize in the house style and design you're looking for.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, architectural design, and features.
Visit the builders' recently completed projects or model homes to assess the work quality.
Ask for references from recent clients and contact the clients yourself to ask about their experience working with the builders.
Request detailed quotes from each builder for comparison.
Verify the builder is licensed and insured for new home construction in Illinois.
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 Illinois?
How many homes have you built in the past five years?
Are you licensed and insured to build homes in Illinois?
Do you have any recent projects or model homes I can tour?
Can you provide references with contact information from past clients?
How much input will I have on the materials and fixture choices?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of costs?
What's your estimated timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
What type of 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.