How much does it cost to build a house in Missouri?
How much does it cost to build a house in Missouri?
$180 – $300 cost per square foot (basic home)
$300 – $500 cost per square foot (custom home)
$375,000 – $750,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Missouri
The average cost to build a house in Missouri is $375,000 to $750,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. Prices range from $180 to $500 per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, materials and finishes selected, and whether you opt for a builder-grade or custom home.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $375,000 – $600,000 |
| Custom home | $600,000 – $900,000+ |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Missouri
In Missouri, the cost to build a basic builder-grade home ranges from $180 to $300 per square foot. These houses—also called spec or production houses—come with standard finishes and limited floor plan options, which vary by builder. Builder-grade homes typically offer good value but minimal customization options.
Costs range from $300 to $500 per square foot on average for a custom home with premium features. These homes offer the highest level of personalization and the best quality, often featuring high-end materials and luxury finishes.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $144,000 – $240,000 | $240,000 – $400,000 |
| 1,000 | $180,000 – $300,000 | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| 1,500 | $270,000 – $450,000 | $450,000 – $750,000 |
| 1,800 | $324,000 – $540,000 | $540,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,000 | $360,000 – $600,000 | $600,000 – $1,000,000 |
| 2,500 | $450,000 – $750,000 | $750,000 – $1,250,000 |
| 3,000 | $540,000 – $900,000 | $900,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 3,500 | $630,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,750,000 |
| 4,000 | $720,000 – $1,200,000 | $1,200,000 – $2,000,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Missouri?
Several factors influence the cost of building a home in Missouri. Location plays a significant role, with urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City generally having higher construction costs compared to rural regions. The home's size, design complexity, and chosen materials also impact the overall cost.
The table below provides a breakdown of average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Missouri:
| 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 | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Insulation & drywall | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $275,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,500 – $6,000 |
*Including labor and materials; not including the land or site prep
Buying land
The cost of land in Missouri varies widely depending on the property's location, size, and features. Urban and suburban areas near major cities tend to have higher land costs compared to rural areas. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000+ per acre, with land in prime locations fetching even higher prices.
A land survey for a new home costs $400 to $1,800 on average. This type of survey includes marking the property boundaries and the foundation borders for new construction.
Site preparation
Preparing your land for construction is a crucial step in ensuring your home has a solid foundation and proper drainage. In Missouri, site preparation and excavation costs range from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on the condition of the land. This process includes clearing the land, grading, and excavation.
Getting utilities to the site
After preparing the site, your builder will also need to run water, sewer, and power lines to get utilities to the home. The cost to get utilities to a new home site ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on the location.
Costs are typically highest for remote locations or if extensive work is needed to bring utilities to the property. 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.
Foundation
Building a foundation costs $25,000 to $60,000, depending on the soil conditions and whether you choose a slab, crawl space, or basement. Missouri's diverse geology can significantly impact foundation requirements. In areas prone to expansive clay soils, common in parts of the state, additional structural considerations may be necessary.
Framing
Framing costs $35,000 to $85,000 and is one of the most significant expenses in home construction. This includes the cost of lumber, labor, and any structural elements required. Missouri's varied climate, which can include everything from tornadoes to ice storms, means homes often require robust framing to withstand extreme weather.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the home size, the pitch of the roof, and the materials used. Asphalt shingles are the most popular and economical choice, while metal roofing, which offers better durability against Missouri's weather conditions, costs more.
Siding
Siding for a house costs $12,000 to $45,000. This wide range reflects the variety of siding options available, from vinyl and fiber cement to brick or stone veneer. The siding material also affects the home's ability to withstand Missouri's climate, which includes hot summers and cold winters.
Electrical
Electrical wiring for a new house costs $15,000 to $25,000, including wiring, switches, outlets, and the main electrical panel. Costs are higher for larger homes or those with complex layouts. Costs will also increase if your home requires a high-capacity electrical service panel to power more appliances and devices.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing for a new house costs $15,000 to $28,000, while HVAC installation costs $8,000 to $18,000. An energy-efficient heating and cooling system is crucial for year-round comfort in Missouri, where the climate features hot summers and cold winters.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall costs $12,000 to $40,000+. Given Missouri's temperature extremes, proper insulation is key to maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. The wide cost range reflects various insulation options, from standard fiberglass batts to more advanced spray foam insulation.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures make up a large portion of the total construction cost. This category includes flooring, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and other design elements. Prices vary widely depending on the material quality and design choices.
Keep these items in mind when planning your new home:
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot with installation.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average with installation.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Appliances
The cost of appliances for a new home ranges from $3,100 to $7,700. This includes essential appliances like a refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and washer/dryer set. Costs are significantly higher for luxury appliance brands like Wolf and Subzero.
Labor costs to build a house in Missouri
Your general contractor will typically charge 10% to 20% of the total construction budget for overseeing the project, ordering materials, managing subcontractors, and ensuring the project meets all deadlines.
Your builder will be responsible for hiring and coordinating the subcontractors. Most reputable builders maintain strong relationships with skilled professionals in different industries. The table below shows the average hourly rates for many of the pros involved in new home construction.
| 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 Missouri vs. other states
The cost to build a house in Missouri is the same as the nationwide average at $180 to $300 per square foot for a builder-grade home with standard finishes and $300 to $500+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the cost of the land or site preparation.
For comparison, consider the average cost of a basic builder-grade home in these other states:
The cost to build a house in Indiana is $150 to $350+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Tennessee is $180 to $350+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Georgia is $150 to $350+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Missouri
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Missouri?
It's typically cheaper to buy an existing home in Missouri than build a new one. According to the most recent realtor data, the median sale price for single-family homes in the state ranges from $240,000 to $290,000, depending on the location and time of year.
How long does it take to build a house in Missouri?
Building a house in Missouri takes 7 to 18 months after the site is prepped. The construction timeline depends on the home size and design complexity, weather conditions, and the availability of materials and labor. Custom homes typically take longer to build than production homes.
Can you build a pole barn house in Missouri?
Yes, you can build a pole barn house in Missouri. Pole barn homes, also known as post-frame homes, are becoming increasingly popular in rural areas of the state due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility.
However, it's important to check local zoning laws and building codes, as regulations for pole barn homes can vary by location. A pole barn house costs $120,000 to $360,000+.
Can you build a tiny house in Missouri?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Missouri, but regulations vary by location. Some areas, particularly in rural Missouri, are more accommodating to tiny homes, while urban centers often have stricter regulations. Check with local authorities about square footage requirements, zoning restrictions, and whether they'll classify it as an RV or a permanent dwelling.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Missouri is $45,000 to $150,000, depending on the size, design, and whether it's built on a foundation or wheels.
Getting quotes from home builders in Missouri
Follow these tips to find the best Missouri home builders near you:
Choose builders who specialize in the specific house style you're interested in.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or real estate professionals.
Research local builders and read reviews from previous clients.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Visit the builders' model homes or recently completed projects to assess their quality of work.
Request a detailed quote from each builder for comparison.
Confirm the builder is licensed and insured in Missouri.
Get a detailed written contract that outlines the specific materials and associated costs, labor costs, warranties, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask Missouri house builders
Ask builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Missouri?
How many homes have you built in the past five years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Missouri?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
Do you have any model homes or recent builds I can tour?
What's your typical timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
What's your process for the final walk-through and addressing any issues before move-in day?
What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?
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.