How much does it cost to build a house in Maryland?
How much does it cost to build a house in Maryland?
$250 – $450+ cost per square foot (not including land)
$500,000 – $1,000,000 average total cost (not including land)
Average cost to build a house in Maryland
The average cost to build a house in Maryland is $500,000 to $1,000,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Maryland range from $250 to $450+ per square foot, depending on the location, house size and style, amount of customization, and the quality of the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| Average Cost | $750,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $300,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,800,000 |
| Average Range | $500,000 to $1,000,000* |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Maryland
The cost to build a house in Maryland ranges from $250 to $350 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home with standard finishes. These homes typically feature efficient floor plans and quality construction that meets Maryland's building codes while keeping costs manageable.
Building a custom home in Maryland costs $350 to $450+ per square foot. The cost for premium homes on waterfront properties or in high-end communities like Bethesda and Potomac can exceed $500 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) |
Average cost* |
|---|---|
| 800 | $200,000 – $360,000 |
| 1,000 | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| 1,500 | $375,000 – $675,000 |
| 1,800 | $450,000 – $810,000 |
| 2,000 | $500,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,500 | $625,000 – $1,125,000 |
| 3,000 | $750,000 – $1,350,000 |
| 3,500 | $875,000 – $1,575,000 |
| 4,000 | $1,000,000 – $1,800,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Maryland?
Material costs account for around 50% to 60% of the total construction budget, while labor makes up the remainder. Maryland's location in the Northeast corridor and proximity to Washington, D.C., often results in higher labor and material costs compared to more rural states.
| 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 – $75,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Plumbing | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| 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 costs in Maryland vary dramatically based on location and proximity to urban centers. Land in rural areas in Western Maryland costs $8,000 to $25,000 per acre on average, while smaller suburban lots near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., range from $150,000 to $500,000. Premium waterfront properties along the Chesapeake Bay can exceed $1,000,000.
A land survey costs $500 to $2,000, depending on the property size and complexity. Wetland delineation surveys, common in coastal areas, may add $1,000 to $3,500 to identify protected areas and building restrictions.
Site preparation
Site preparation costs $8,000 to $25,000+ depending on the terrain and soil conditions. Maryland's clay-heavy soil in some regions can increase excavation costs, while homes in coastal areas may require specialized drainage solutions and erosion control measures.
Properties near the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic coast often need additional site work for flood protection and stormwater management, potentially adding $10,000 to $30,000 to preparation costs.
Getting utilities to the site
Connecting utilities to a new home site costs $9,000 to $34,500+ in Maryland. Connection costs are lower in urban and suburban areas due to existing infrastructure, while rural properties may require extensive utility runs.
Electric service connection ranges from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on distance from existing lines.
Water and sewer hookups in developed areas cost $5,000 to $12,000, while well and septic systems for rural properties can cost $15,000 to $20,000+ combined.
Foundation
Foundation costs in Maryland range from $25,000 to $60,000, depending on soil conditions and the foundation type. The state's varied geology requires different approaches, from full basements in northern counties to crawl spaces and slab foundations in southern regions.
Coastal properties often require elevated foundations to meet flood zone requirements, adding $15,000 to $35,000+ to the standard costs.
Framing
House framing costs $35,000 to $75,000, depending on the home size and design complexity. Maryland building codes require framing capable of withstanding wind loads from coastal storms and supporting traditional architectural styles popular in the region.
Many Maryland builders incorporate hurricane straps and reinforced connections in coastal areas, particularly on the Eastern Shore.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the home size and the roofing material selected. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular option, offering good value and weather resistance for Maryland's climate.
Metal roofing is gaining popularity for its longevity and wind resistance, particularly in coastal areas. Standing seam metal roofs cost $18,000 to $40,000 but last 50+ years and provide excellent storm protection.
Siding
Siding costs $12,000 to $45,000, depending on the material and home size. Vinyl siding is popular for its affordability and low maintenance, while fiber cement siding is also a common choice due to its durability and appearance.
Traditional materials like cedar shingles and clapboard siding are common in Maryland's historic areas and waterfront communities, providing authentic regional character but at a higher cost. Brick and stone veneer siding accents are popular in upscale communities.
Electrical
Electrical wiring costs $12,000 to $20,000 for new Maryland homes. This includes service panel installation, complete home wiring, and installing outlets, switches, and basic lighting fixtures.
An at-home electric vehicle charging station costs $750 to $2,600 with professional installation and is a popular add-on for new homes.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing installation costs $12,000 to $25,000 for new construction. This includes water supply lines, drainage systems, venting, and connections for all fixtures. Due to the hard water in parts of Maryland, some homes may also require a water treatment system.
An HVAC system costs $8,000 to $18,000 installed, with Maryland's climate requiring both effective cooling and heating capabilities. Heat pumps are increasingly popular due to their efficiency in Maryland's moderate climate, while traditional systems remain common in northern counties with colder winters.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall cost $12,000 to $40,000 with installation, depending on the home size and insulation quality. Maryland's climate zones require different insulation approaches, with higher R-values needed in northern counties and moisture management crucial in coastal areas.
High-performance insulation packages, often required for energy-efficient home certifications, can increase costs by $5,000 to $12,000 but provide substantial long-term utility savings and improved comfort.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures include the flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting, painting, and more. This category makes up a large chunk of the total building cost, and prices can vary significantly depending on the quality. Keep these items in mind when budgeting for your new home:
New flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot with installation.
Kitchen cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot or $4,500 to $15,000+ total with installation.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot, depending on the material.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Appliances
New appliance packages cost $3,100 to $7,700 for standard models with basic features, while high-end packages can exceed $15,000. Energy-efficient models are particularly important in Maryland due to relatively high utility costs.
Smart appliances are increasingly popular, adding $2,000 to $5,000 to standard packages but offering convenience and energy monitoring capabilities. Professional-grade kitchen appliances are common in custom homes, with premium ranges and refrigerators costing $8,000 to $20,000 or more.
Labor costs to build a house in Maryland
Labor represents 40% to 50% of total construction costs in Maryland. General contractors charge 10% to 20% of the construction budget to manage the project, hire and coordinate subcontractors, order materials and supplies, obtain permits, and ensure the project meets each deadline.
The table below lists the labor rates for many of the professionals and subcontractors 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 Maryland vs. other states
While new home construction in Maryland costs $250 to $450+ per square foot, the nationwide average cost to build a house is slightly lower, ranging from $180 to $300 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes 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 other nearby states:
The average cost to build a house in Pennsylvania is $200 to $450 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Virginia is $250 to $500 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in New Jersey is $200 to $600 per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Maryland
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Maryland?
In most cases, it's cheaper to buy a house than build one in Maryland, but it depends greatly on the home size, design, and features, the location, and current housing market conditions.
According to the latest real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Maryland ranges from $450,000 to $550,000, but the average home price in some cities exceeds $700,000.
How long does it take to build a house in Maryland?
Building a house in Maryland takes 8 to 12 months from groundbreaking to completion, not including the design and permitting phases. The timeline depends on the home size and complexity, weather conditions, permit approval processes, and contractor availability.
Custom homes with complex designs or premium finishes may require 12 to 18 months. Maryland's generally favorable building climate allows for year-round construction, though winter weather can occasionally cause minor delays.
Can you build a tiny house in Maryland?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Maryland, though regulations vary across the state. Maryland has relatively progressive tiny house policies, but some cities are more tiny house-friendly than others. Be sure to check local zoning laws and building codes before starting your tiny house project.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Maryland is $50,000 to $180,000, not including land or site preparation.
Getting quotes from home builders in Maryland
Follow these tips to find the best Maryland house builders near you:
Look for builders who specialize in the type of home you're interested in.
Read reviews for new home builders on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your desired home size, design, and features.
Ask for references from previous clients.
Tour the builder's model homes or ask to see a portfolio showing their custom homes.
Confirm the builder's license and insurance credentials.
Get a detailed contract outlining the materials, labor, costs, and timeline 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 Maryland?
How many homes have you built in the past five years?
Are you licensed and insured to build homes in Maryland?
Do you have any recent builds or model homes I can tour?
Can you provide references from past clients?
Do you have architects or home designers on staff who will create the house plans?
How much input will I have on the materials and fixture choices?
Can you suggest ways to reduce costs without compromising the home's quality?
What financing options do you offer? Do you work with specific lenders?
What's your typical 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.