How much does it cost to build a house in Oklahoma?
How much does it cost to build a house in Oklahoma?
$170 – $280 average cost per square foot
$280,000 – $400,000 average total cost (not including land)
Average cost to build a house in Oklahoma
The average cost to build a house in Oklahoma is $280,000 to $400,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Oklahoma range from $170 to $280+ per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, and quality of the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| Average Cost | $340,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $136,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,120,000 |
| Average Range | $280,000 to $400,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Oklahoma
The cost to build a house in Oklahoma is $170 to $280+ per square foot on average, depending on whether you opt for a builder-grade home or a custom home.
At the lower end of that range, you'll find homes with basic finishes, standard fixtures, and simpler designs. Custom homes fall at the higher end of the range and offer more layout options and higher-quality materials and finishes. The cost for homes with high-end finishes and luxury fixtures can exceed $300 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) |
Average cost* |
|---|---|
| 800 | $136,000 – $224,000 |
| 1,000 | $170,000 – $280,000 |
| 1,500 | $255,000 – $420,000 |
| 1,800 | $306,000 – $504,000 |
| 2,000 | $340,000 – $560,000 |
| 2,500 | $425,000 – $700,000 |
| 3,000 | $510,000 – $840,000 |
| 3,500 | $595,000 – $980,000 |
| 4,000 | $680,000 – $1,120,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Oklahoma?
Several factors influence the cost of building a home in Oklahoma. The state's diverse climate ranges from humid subtropical in the east to semi-arid in the west. This climate diversity can impact choices in materials, insulation, and HVAC systems, affecting the overall cost.
The house may also require additional structural reinforcements or storm-resistant features due to Oklahoma's susceptibility to severe weather events like tornadoes, increasing the cost of construction.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% to 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Framing | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Siding | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $15,000 |
| Plumbing | $12,000 – $16,000 |
| 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
The cost of land in Oklahoma varies significantly depending on the location, lot size, and development potential. Other factors like proximity to amenities, schools, and infrastructure also influence land costs.
Home lots in urban and suburban areas near Oklahoma City and Tulsa typically command higher prices, while rural property is generally more affordable. Average costs range from $6,000 to $11,000 per acre for rural land to $100,000 or more for lots in desirable neighborhoods.
Site preparation
Site preparation costs in Oklahoma vary based on the land's condition, location, and accessibility. Site prep includes clearing, grading, and excavation. Costs range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the soil type, terrain, and the presence of rocks or trees that need removal.
Getting utilities to the site
The cost to get utilities on vacant land ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+. This includes connecting electric, water, sewer or septic systems, and natural gas lines. Costs are often on the high end for rural properties due to the need for well drilling, septic system installation, and the longer distance to run power lines.
Foundation
A new foundation costs $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the type—slab, crawl space, or basement—along with the home size and soil conditions. Oklahoma's diverse soil types, from clay to sandy loam, can impact foundation requirements and costs.
Framing
Framing a house costs $35,000 to $75,000 on average, including the lumber, labor, and any structural elements required to meet local building codes. The total cost depends on the home's design complexity and current lumber prices, which can fluctuate significantly.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the home size and the roofing material you choose. Given Oklahoma's severe weather, including high winds and occasional hail, many homeowners opt for durable materials like impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing, which can increase costs but offer better long-term protection.
Siding
Siding for a house costs $12,000 to $40,000. This wide price range reflects the variety of siding options available, from vinyl to fiber cement to brick veneer. The choice of material can significantly impact both the cost and the home's ability to withstand Oklahoma's storms and climate extremes.
Electrical
Electrical wiring for a new house costs $12,000 to $15,000. This includes wiring, outlets, switches, and the main electrical panel. Costs may increase for houses with smart home features, complex layouts or lighting designs, or high-capacity electrical needs.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing installation costs $12,000 to $16,000, while HVAC installation costs $8,000 and $18,000. Given Oklahoma's hot summers and cold winters, investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system can provide long-term savings on utility bills.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall installation costs $12,000 to $40,000+. Proper insulation is crucial in Oklahoma's climate to maintain energy efficiency and comfort year-round, potentially justifying costs on the higher end of this range.
Interior finishing & fixtures
The total cost for interior finishes and fixtures ranges from $75,000 to $250,000+. This category includes flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting, and other design elements. The wide price range reflects the vast differences in material quality and design choices available to homeowners.
Appliances
The average cost of new appliances ranges from $3,100 to $7,700. This includes essential appliances like a refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and washer/dryer set. Appliances from high-end and luxury brands like Subzero and Wolf can cost $10,000+ each.
Labor costs to build a house in Oklahoma
A general contractor coordinates your entire home construction project, orders materials and supplies, hires the subcontractors, and keeps the project running on schedule. General contractors charge 10% to 20% of the construction budget, and most home builders include this fee in the total cost of the build.
The table below lists the average labor rates for many of the professionals involved in building a house. However, your builder will hire and manage these subcontractors, as most builders already maintain relationships with pros they prefer to work with.
| 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 Oklahoma vs. other states
Compared to Oklahoma, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $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 reference, consider the average cost to build a house in these other states near Oklahoma:
The average cost to build a house in Colorado is $200 to $500 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Texas is $180 to $400 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Missouri is $180 to $500 per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Oklahoma
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Oklahoma?
It's typically cheaper to buy a house than build one in Oklahoma. However, this depends greatly on the home size, style, and features, the location, and current real estate market conditions.
According to the latest real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Oklahoma ranges from $215,000 to $250,000 depending on the location and time of year.
How long does it take to build a house in Oklahoma?
Building a house in Oklahoma state takes 8 to 10+ months, depending on the home size, style, and whether you go with a builder-grade home or a custom design. The total construction time also depends on the home site's accessibility and condition, weather conditions, and labor and material availability.
Can you build a tiny house in Oklahoma?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Oklahoma. However, it's important to check local zoning laws and building codes before starting a tiny house project, as regulations vary by county. The average cost to build a tiny house in Oklahoma is $45,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from home builders in Oklahoma
Follow these tips to find the best Oklahoma house builders near you:
Research local builders and read reviews from previous clients.
Choose builders who specialize in the type and style of house you're looking for.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Ask for references from recent clients and contact them to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Visit model homes or recently completed projects to assess the builder's work quality.
Request detailed quotes from each builder for comparison.
Verify the builder is licensed and insured in Oklahoma.
Get a written contract detailing the specific materials, costs, labor, and project timeline.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask the builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Oklahoma?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Oklahoma?
Do you have any model homes I can tour?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
Are you familiar with local building codes and regulations?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of costs?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
What's your typical timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How do you handle potential weather-related delays in Oklahoma?
How do you ensure energy efficiency in your homes?
What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?
What's 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.