How much does it cost to build a house in Iowa?
How much does it cost to build a house in Iowa?
$175 – $220 cost per square foot (basic home)
$220 – $400+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$350,000 – $800,000 average total cost (not including land)
Average cost to build a house in Iowa
The average cost to build a house in Iowa is $350,000 to $800,000, not including the land or site prep. New home building costs in Iowa range from $175 to $400+ per square foot, depending on your location, the house size and design, whether it's a custom or builder-grade home, and the quality of the material and finishes.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $350,000 – $500,000 |
| Custom home | $500,000 – $800,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Iowa
The average cost to build a house in Iowa is $175 to $220 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home with standard finishes. These homes come in a limited number of styles and floor plans, which vary from one builder to the next.
Costs range from $220 to $400+ per square foot to build a custom home with premium finishes and upgrades like granite or quartz countertops, hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings. Custom homes in Iowa often incorporate features like three-season porches, mudrooms, and energy-efficient windows.
| Home size (square feet) |
Builder-grade home cost* | Custom home cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $140,000 – $176,000 | $176,000 – $320,000 |
| 1,000 | $175,000 – $220,000 | $220,000 – $400,000 |
| 1,500 | $262,500 – $330,000 | $330,000 – $600,000 |
| 1,800 | $315,000 – $396,000 | $396,000 – $720,000 |
| 2,000 | $350,000 – $440,000 | $440,000 – $800,000 |
| 2,500 | $437,500 – $550,000 | $550,000 – $1,000,000 |
| 3,000 | $525,000 – $660,000 | $660,000 – $1,200,000 |
| 3,500 | $612,500 – $770,000 | $770,000 – $1,400,000 |
| 4,000 | $700,000 – $880,000 | $880,000 – $1,600,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Iowa?
Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total construction budget, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size, layout, architectural style, and your choice of materials and finishes have the most significant impact on the total cost.
The table below shows a breakdown of average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Iowa.
| 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 – $75,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Windows and doors | $16,000 – $50,000 |
| 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 Iowa vary considerably based on location and proximity to urban centers. Rural agricultural land costs $8,000 to $15,000 per acre on average, while residential lots in established neighborhoods range from $30,000 to $100,000. Premium lots in desirable areas near Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City can exceed $150,000.
A land survey costs $400 to $1,800 for new home construction. The surveyor will identify property boundaries and may also mark the proposed foundation borders and locations of utility lines.
Preparing the site
Before the builder can begin construction on your new home, they must prepare the site. Site preparation in Iowa costs $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on the terrain and existing conditions. Iowa's flat to gently rolling terrain makes most sites relatively easy to prepare, though proper drainage is crucial due to the state's significant precipitation.
Getting utilities to the site
The cost to get utilities to a new home site ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on the location and existing infrastructure. Urban and suburban areas have established utility networks, making connections more straightforward and affordable.
Rural properties often require a well and septic system and may require longer utility runs for electricity and natural gas.
Foundation
The average cost to build a foundation is $25,000 to $70,000. Most Iowa homes have basement foundations due to the state's frost line depth of approximately 42 to 60 inches.
Iowa's clay-rich soil can be expansive, requiring proper foundation design and drainage to prevent settling or movement. Many builders include waterproofing and drainage systems around foundations to manage moisture from the state's significant annual precipitation.
Framing
House framing costs $35,000 to $75,000 on average, depending on the home's size and design complexity. Iowa building codes require framing capable of withstanding high winds from severe thunderstorms and potential tornado activity.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the home size and roofing material. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice in Iowa due to their cost-effectiveness and performance in the state's climate. Metal roofing is gaining popularity for its durability against hail damage.
The state's significant snow loads require proper roof structure design and ice dam prevention measures.
Siding
Siding costs $12,000 to $45,000, depending on the material. Vinyl siding remains popular due to its low maintenance requirements and performance in variable weather conditions.
Fiber cement siding is gaining popularity for its resistance to hail damage and temperature fluctuations. Traditional wood siding requires more maintenance in Iowa's humid climate but remains popular for its aesthetic appeal, particularly in rural and historic areas.
Windows and doors
Windows and doors cost $16,000 to $50,000. Triple-pane windows are becoming more common due to their superior insulation properties for handling both summer heat and winter cold. Storm doors are standard in Iowa construction, providing additional weather protection and energy efficiency.
Electrical
Electrical installation for a new house costs $12,000 to $20,000 total for an average-sized home. Expect costs on the high end of that range if your house has a complex layout or requires a high-capacity electrical service panel to power more appliances and devices.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing installation costs $12,000 to $20,000 and includes water supply lines, drainage systems, venting, and fixture connections. Iowa's cold winters require proper insulation of plumbing in exterior walls and unheated spaces to prevent freezing.
HVAC system installation costs $8,000 to $18,000, with heating being the primary concern during Iowa's cold winters. High-efficiency furnaces are popular, often paired with central air conditioning to handle the state's hot, humid summers. Many homeowners choose heat pumps for their efficiency in Iowa's moderate climate zones.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall costs $12,000 to $40,000 installed. Iowa's climate requires substantial insulation to manage both heating and cooling loads effectively. Many builders use higher R-values than minimum code requirements to improve energy efficiency.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures represent a significant portion of construction costs, ranging from $75,000 to $250,000+. This category includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, and other design elements.
Appliances
New appliances cost $3,100 to $7,700 for standard packages, while costs for high-end appliance suites can exceed $15,000. Energy-efficient models are particularly valuable in Iowa due to the state's temperature extremes and utility costs.
Labor costs to build a house in Iowa
Your builder will act as a general contractor to manage your entire project, order materials, coordinate the subcontractors, and ensure construction stays on schedule. A general contractor charges 10% to 20% of the construction budget, and most builders include this fee in their total estimate for the project.
Your builder will hire and manage all the subcontractors involved in the project. Most reputable builders have already established relationships with professionals they prefer to work with in each industry.
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 Iowa vs. other states
The nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $280 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes and $280 to $400+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the land or site prep.
Compared to Iowa, consider the average cost to build a house in these nearby states:
The average cost to build a house in Wisconsin is $220 to $550+ per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Minnesota is $230 to $500+ 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 Illinois is $250 to $550+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Iowa
How long does it take to build a house in Iowa?
Building a house in Iowa takes 6 to 10+ months on average, not including the design and permitting phase. The construction timeline depends on the home's size and complexity, weather conditions, and whether you choose a builder-grade or custom design.
Iowa's construction season runs from April through November, with winter construction possible but potentially extending timelines due to weather-related delays. Spring can present challenges due to wet conditions and soil moisture.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Iowa?
In Iowa, it's usually cheaper to buy a house than build one, but it depends greatly on the home size and design, the specific location within the state, and current housing market conditions.
According to the most recent real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Iowa ranges from $230,000 to $270,000, depending on the time of year.
Can I build a tiny home in Iowa?
Yes, you can build a tiny home in Iowa, though regulations vary by municipality. Iowa has been accommodating to alternative housing solutions, with many communities updating their codes to allow tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or as primary homes when on permanent foundations.
It's important to check local building codes and zoning laws before proceeding, as requirements differ between counties and cities. Some areas may have minimum square footage requirements that affect tiny home placement.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Iowa is $45,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from builders in Iowa
Follow these tips to find the best Iowa 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 house style and design you want.
Read reviews of Iowa builders on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Visit model homes or recently completed projects to assess the builder's workmanship.
Confirm the builder is licensed and insured for home construction in Iowa.
Request references and contact previous clients to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Get a detailed written contract that specifies the materials, labor costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask home builders
Ask the builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Iowa?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction?
Do you have any model homes or recent builds I can tour?
What is your estimated timeline for completing the home?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections? Are those fees included in your bid?
Can you explain your process for inspections and quality control?
How often will I be able to visit the construction site?
What warranty do you offer on your homes?
What sets your company apart from other builders in Iowa?
Can you provide references with contact information for past clients?
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.