How much does it cost to build a house in Indiana?
How much does it cost to build a house in Indiana?
$150 – $350 average cost per square foot
$300,000 – $600,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Indiana
The average cost to build a house in Indiana is $300,000 to $600,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Indiana typically range from $150 to $350 per square foot, depending on the home's size, style, quality of materials and finishes, and location within the state.
| Average Cost | $425,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $120,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,400,000 |
| Average Range | $300,000 to $600,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Indiana
The cost to build a house in Indiana is $150 to $250 per square foot on average for a basic home with standard finishes. These builder-grade homes come in a limited selection of styles and floor plans, which vary depending on the builder.
For custom homes with popular upgrades like vaulted ceilings, a deck, or a spa-like bathroom, costs increase to $250 to $350 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) |
Average cost* |
|---|---|
| 800 | $120,000 – $280,000 |
| 1,000 | $150,000 – $350,000 |
| 1,500 | $225,000 – $525,000 |
| 1,800 | $270,000 – $630,000 |
| 2,000 | $300,000 – $700,000 |
| 2,500 | $375,000 – $875,000 |
| 3,000 | $450,000 – $1,050,000 |
| 3,500 | $525,000 – $1,225,000 |
| 4,000 | $600,000 – $1,400,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Factors that affect the cost to build a house in Indiana
The total cost of building a house in Indiana is typically split between materials at about 50% to 60% and labor at about 40% to 50%. The home's size, design, layout, and your choice of materials and finishes have the most significant impact on the final cost.
Here's a breakdown of the average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Indiana:
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% to 20% of construction costs |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $12,000 – $70,000 |
| Framing | $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Roof | $6,000 – $40,000 |
| Siding | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Windows & doors | $16,000 – $50,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Plumbing | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| HVAC | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,000 – $4,000 |
*Including labor and materials
When budgeting for new home construction in Indiana, it's wise to set aside an additional 15% to cover potential overruns and unexpected costs.
Buying land
Before building a house in Indiana, you'll need to purchase a suitable lot. The average cost of land in Indiana is $9,000 to $34,000. Land prices vary significantly depending on the location, with land in rural areas generally being more affordable than in urban or suburban locations.
A land survey for a new home costs $400 to $1,800. The surveyor marks property boundaries, the proposed foundation borders, and the locations of utility lines.
Preparing the site
Site preparation is a crucial step in the home-building process. Excavation costs $1,500 to $10,000 to level and grade the site before building a foundation. Costs can be significantly higher if the site requires extensive dirt work, has steep slopes, or requires excavating with a jackhammer or blasting in rocky areas.
Getting utilities to the site
The cost of getting utilities to a new home site in Indiana ranges from $9,000 to $34,500 or more, depending on the property's location and existing infrastructure. This process may include connecting to public utilities or installing a septic system and well for more rural properties.
For homes in subdivisions or urban locations, the infrastructure for public water and sewer lines may already be in place, but installation and connection fees cost $2,600 to $17,000.
Homes in rural areas without access to public water and sewer systems require a well and a septic system.
Running electric lines to a new house costs $5 to $25 per linear foot, which can result in higher costs for rural homes set back from the road on large pieces of land.
Foundation
The cost to build a new foundation ranges from $12,000 to $70,000+. The final price depends on the type of foundation, the size of the home, and soil conditions. In Indiana, basements are common due to the state's climate and potential for severe weather.
Framing & roof
Framing costs for a new house are $30,000 to $70,000 on average. This includes the cost of materials and labor for constructing the skeleton of your home, including exterior and interior walls, floor systems, and roof trusses.
Roofing costs range from $6,000 to $40,000, depending on the size of the roof, the materials used, and the complexity of the design. Asphalt shingles are a popular and cost-effective choice for many Indiana homes.
Siding
Your choice of siding can significantly impact both the appearance and energy efficiency of your new home. Siding installation costs $10,000 to $40,000. The wide range in price reflects the variety of siding materials available, from affordable vinyl to more expensive options like brick or stone veneer.
Windows & doors
The cost for windows and doors in a new home ranges from $16,000 to $50,000. This includes both exterior and interior doors, as well as all windows. Energy-efficient options cost more upfront but can lead to long-term savings on heating and cooling costs.
Electrical
The cost to wire a new house is $12,000 to $20,000 total for a typical home. This includes wiring the entire house, installing outlets and switches, and setting up the main electrical panel. Costs may be higher for larger homes or those with complex electrical systems.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing for new home construction costs $10,000 to $18,000 on average. Rough-in plumbing for a new house includes installing pipes, connections, water supply and drain lines, and vents, with prices depending mainly on the pipe material and the home's layout. Plumbers charge $450 to $1,800 per fixture to install sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and other fixtures.
A new HVAC system and ductwork costs $7,000 to $16,000, depending on the home size and the type of HVAC system chosen.
Interior finishes & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures make up a significant portion of the total building cost, ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 or more. This category includes items like flooring, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and painting. The wide range in cost reflects the variety of choices available, from basic builder-grade options to high-end custom finishes.
Keep these items in mind when budgeting for your new house:
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average with installation.
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot or $4,500 to $15,000+ total with installation, depending on if they're stock or custom units.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
Light fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Appliances
New appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each on average. This category includes a refrigerator, range, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Costs vary widely based on the brand, features, and energy efficiency of the chosen appliances. Prices for appliances from high-end brands like Wolf and Sub-Zero often exceed $10,000.
Labor costs to build a house in Indiana
Your builder will typically act as a general contractor to coordinate your entire project, order materials and supplies, manage the subcontractors, and ensure construction stays on schedule. General contractors charge 10% to 20% of the construction budget and factor that fee into the total estimate for the project.
The general contractor will hire and manage all the subcontractors needed for the project. The table below lists the average hourly rates for many of the professionals involved in building a house.
Labor costs to build 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 Indiana vs. other states
In comparison to Indiana, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $150 to $250 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home and $250 to $400+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded features and finishes, not including the land.
Compare the cost to build a new home in these other states:
The average cost to build a house in North Carolina is $180 to $450 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Tennessee is $180 to $350 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Michigan is $130 to $350+ per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Pennsylvania is $200 to $450+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Indiana
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Indiana?
It's generally cheaper to buy an existing house than build a new one in Indiana. However, building allows you to customize your home to your exact specifications and potentially save on future renovation costs. The decision between buying and building depends on your budget, desired location, and specific housing needs.
How long does it take to build a house in Indiana?
Building a house in Indiana typically takes 6 to 12 months after breaking ground. The total time depends on the size and complexity of the home, weather conditions, and the availability of materials and labor. Custom homes take longer than builder-grade homes due to the additional planning and design phases.
Can you build a tiny house in Indiana?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Indiana. However, regulations vary by municipality, so it's essential to check local zoning laws and building codes before starting your project. Some areas may have minimum square footage requirements for permanent dwellings, while others may be more accommodating to tiny homes.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Indiana is $30,000 to $150,000, depending on whether it's a prefab model or a custom-built tiny house.
Getting quotes from home builders in Indiana
Follow these tips to find the best Indiana home builders near you:
Determine your total budget up front and make a list of your must-have features.
Research builders who specialize in the type of house you want.
Read reviews of builders on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Visit model homes or completed projects to assess the builder's quality and style.
Verify the builder is licensed and insured in Indiana.
Request references and contact previous clients to ask about their experience collaborating with the builder.
Request a detailed written contract that specifies the materials and associated costs, labor costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask the builder these important questions before signing a contract:
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Indiana?
How long have you been building homes in Indiana?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Do you have any model homes I can tour?
What is your estimated timeline for completing the home?
What energy-efficient features do you include in your homes?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
How often will I be able to visit the construction site?
How do you handle any potential cost overruns?
Will you manage all the permits and inspections? Are those fees included in your bid?
Can you explain your process for inspections and quality control?
What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?
What sets your company apart from other builders in Indiana?
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.