How much does it cost to build a house in Minnesota?
How much does it cost to build a house in Minnesota?
$230 – $350 cost per square foot (basic home)
$350 – $500+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$380,000 – $1,200,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Minnesota
The average cost to build a house in Minnesota is $380,000 to $750,000 for a builder-grade home or $750,000+ for a custom home, not including the cost of the land and site prep. Prices range from $230 to $500+ per square foot, depending on the house size and design, location, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $380,000 – $750,000 |
| Custom home | $750,000 – $1,200,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Minnesota
For a basic builder-grade home in Minnesota, expect to pay $230 to $350 per square foot. These houses typically come with standard finishes and limited floor plan options that vary by builder. Builder-grade homes offer good value while maintaining quality construction standards.
Costs range from $350 to $500+ per square foot for a custom home with premium features like spa-like bathrooms, dedicated entertainment rooms, custom millwork, and high-end fixtures. Custom homes allow for unique designs and personalized choices in every aspect of construction.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $184,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $400,000 |
| 1,000 | $230,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $500,000 |
| 1,500 | $345,000 – $525,000 | $525,000 – $750,000 |
| 1,800 | $414,000 – $630,000 | $630,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,000 | $460,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $1,000,000 |
| 2,500 | $575,000 – $875,000 | $875,000 – $1,250,000 |
| 3,000 | $690,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 3,500 | $805,000 – $1,225,000 | $1,225,000 – $1,750,000 |
| 4,000 | $920,000 – $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 – $2,000,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a house in MN?
The home's size, design, layout, and your choice of materials and finishes have the biggest impact on the total cost. Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total cost to build a house, while labor makes up the rest.
Minnesota's climate requires additional considerations that affect costs, including enhanced insulation, hardy exterior materials, and robust foundations to handle freeze-thaw cycles. Location within the state also impacts costs significantly, with contractors in metropolitan areas typically commanding higher prices than rural regions.
| 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 – $85,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Electrical | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Plumbing | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| HVAC | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Insulation & drywall | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $200,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,500 – $5,000 |
*Including labor and materials; not including the land or site prep
Buying land
The average cost of land in Minnesota is $5,000 to $10,000 per acre for rural land, but costs vary significantly by location. Urban and suburban lots can cost $50,000 to $300,000+, while lakefront property can exceed $500,000 in desirable areas.
A land survey for a new house costs $400 to $1,800+. The surveyor will identify property boundaries and mark the home's proposed foundation borders.
Preparing the site
Before construction can begin, your builder must prepare the site. Excavation costs $5,000 to $25,000+ to level and grade the site before pouring the foundation. Minnesota's varied terrain and potential for rocky soil can impact costs, while frost depths requiring deeper foundations can add to site preparation expenses.
Getting utilities to the site
After preparing the site, your builder will also need to run water and power lines to get utilities to the home. The cost to get utilities on vacant land ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on the location:
For homes in urban areas or subdivisions, the infrastructure for public water and sewer lines may already be in place, but installation and connection fees range from $2,600 to $17,000.
Homes on rural property without access to public water and sewer systems require a well and septic system.
Running power lines to a new house costs $5 to $25 per linear foot, which results in higher costs for rural homes set back from the road on large pieces of land.
Foundation
Building a foundation costs $25,000 to $60,000, with higher-than-average costs due to Minnesota's deep frost line, which is typically 42" to 60" deep. A foundation with proper insulation and waterproofing is essential for Minnesota's climate.
Framing
The cost to frame a house is $12 to $35 per square foot or $35,000 to $85,000 total for a typical house, including the roof trusses. Additional structural requirements for Minnesota's snow loads can increase framing costs.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000 total or around $4 to $7+ per square foot, depending on the material. Asphalt shingles are popular but must be rated for Minnesota's climate. Premium materials like metal roofing, which performs well in snow conditions, cost $10 to $30+ per square foot.
Siding
House siding costs $12,000 to $45,000+ installed, depending on the material and quality. Vinyl siding is common, while fiber cement and engineered wood products offer better durability for Minnesota's climate. The cost for premium materials like brick and stone can exceed $45 per square foot.
Electrical
The average cost to wire a new house is $15,000 to $25,000 total for a typical home. Minnesota's cold climate often requires additional circuits for heating systems and snow-melting equipment. Costs will also increase if your house has a complex layout or requires a high-capacity electrical service panel.
Plumbing & HVAC
Rough-in plumbing for a new house costs $15,000 to $28,000, with additional considerations for freeze protection. Fixture installation adds $450 to $1,800 per fixture.
An HVAC system costs $10,000 to $20,000+, with higher costs reflecting the need for a robust heating system to handle Minnesota's harsh winters. High-efficiency furnaces and proper insulation are essential.
Insulation & drywall
The cost for insulation and drywall installation ranges from $12,000 to $40,000 total for an average home. Costs vary based on the type of insulation (fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, or spray foam) and the R-value requirements.
Minnesota is located in climate zones 6 and 7—the coldest zones in the U.S.—and new homes need insulation with the highest R-values.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes make up a large portion of the total construction cost, and prices vary widely depending on the quality and materials you choose. This category includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, painting, lighting fixtures, and more. Keep these items in mind when budgeting for your build:
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot or $4,500 to $15,000+ total, depending on whether they're stock or custom units.
New countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on the material.
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average or $8,000 to $30,000 total with installation.
Painters charge $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Appliances
New appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each on average, depending on the brand, model, and features. Consider these prices:
Kitchen appliance package (basic): $2,500 to $6,000
Kitchen appliance package (high-end): $8,000 to $15,000+
Washer and dryer set: $1,000 to $2,300
Labor costs to build a house in Minnesota
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.
Your builder will typically hire and manage all the subcontractors, as most reputable builders have already established relationships with pros they prefer to work within each industry. The table below lists the average hourly rates for many of the pros involved in building a house in Minnesota.
| 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 |
Minnesota's seasonal construction schedule and harsh winter conditions can affect labor availability and costs, particularly during peak building seasons. Some contractors charge premium rates during winter months when working conditions are more challenging.
Cost to build a home in Minnesota vs. other states
Compared to building a home in Minnesota, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $300 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home and $300 to $400+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the land.
Compare the average cost to build a new home in these other popular states:
The cost to build a house in Wisconsin is $220 to $350 per square foot for a builder-grade home and $350 to $500+ per square foot for a custom home.
The cost to build a house in Michigan is $150 to $250 per square foot for a basic home.
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280 per square foot for a basic home.
FAQs about building a house in Minnesota
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Minnesota?
It's typically cheaper to buy an existing house than build one in Minnesota. According to the latest real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Minnesota ranges from $335,000 to $370,000 depending on the season, which is less than the cost to build a new house.
How long does it take to build a house in Minnesota?
Building a house in Minnesota takes 7 to 12+ months, not including the design phase. Weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact the timeline. Custom homes typically take longer than builder-grade homes.
Can I build a tiny house in Minnesota?
Tiny houses are legal in Minnesota, but regulations vary by municipality. Permanent tiny homes must meet the Minnesota State Building Code and local zoning requirements. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) may face additional restrictions.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Minnesota is $45,000 to $150,000.
Getting quotes from home builders in Minnesota
Follow these tips to find the best Minnesota home builders near you:
Choose builders who specialize in the type of house you're looking for.
Look for builders with experience building in your preferred city or part of the state.
Read reviews of home builders on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Ask to see a portfolio of their custom homes or tour their model homes.
Confirm the builders are licensed and insured in Minnesota.
Ask each builder for references from recent clients. Reach out to the clients directly to ask about their experience collaborating with the builder.
Request a written contract detailing the specific 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:
How long have you been building houses in Minnesota?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Minnesota?
Do you have any model houses I can tour?
Can you provide references with contact information for past clients?
Do you work with specific architects to create the house plans?
How much input will I have on the material, fixture, and design choices?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
What warranties do you offer on the materials and workmanship?
What financing methods do you offer?
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.