How much does it cost to build a house in Oregon?
How much does it cost to build a house in Oregon?
$250 – $350 cost per square foot (basic home)
$350 – $550+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$450,000 – $1,200,000 average total cost (not including land)
Average cost to build a house in Oregon
The average cost to build a house in Oregon is $450,000 to $1,200,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Oregon range from $250 to $550+ per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, amount of customization, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures selected.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $450,000 – $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 Oregon
The cost to build a basic builder-grade house in Oregon is $250 to $350 per square foot. Builder-grade homes come with standard finishes and limited customization options while meeting Oregon's stringent building codes and environmental requirements.
Building a custom home in Oregon costs $350 to $550+ per square foot. Premium custom homes often incorporate high-end materials, sustainable features, and designs that complement Oregon's natural landscape.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $200,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $440,000 |
| 1,000 | $250,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| 1,500 | $375,000 – $525,000 | $525,000 – $825,000 |
| 1,800 | $450,000 – $630,000 | $630,000 – $990,000 |
| 2,000 | $500,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $1,100,000 |
| 2,500 | $625,000 – $875,000 | $875,000 – $1,375,000 |
| 3,000 | $750,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,650,000 |
| 3,500 | $875,000 – $1,225,000 | $1,225,000 – $1,925,000 |
| 4,000 | $1,000,000 – $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 – $2,200,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Oregon?
The home's size and architectural style, 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 construction budget, while labor makes up the rest.
Oregon's diverse climate and geography significantly influence construction costs. The state's wet winters require excellent moisture management, while seismic activity demands earthquake-resistant construction.
| 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 |
| Windows & doors | $16,000 – $50,000 |
| 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 | $3,000 – $30,000+ |
*Including labor and materials; not including the cost of the land or site prep
Buying land in Oregon
Land prices in Oregon vary dramatically based on the location and features. Rural properties in eastern Oregon cost $5,000 to $25,000 per acre on average, while residential lots in Portland's metro area range from $150,000 to $500,000+. Premium lots in areas like Lake Oswego, Bend, or coastal communities can exceed $750,000 for less than an acre.
Site preparation
Before you can build a new house, you'll need to clear and prepare the site. Site preparation costs $8,000 to $50,000+ depending on the terrain, vegetation, and soil conditions. Due to Oregon's varied topography, new home sites often require specialized site work, careful drainage planning, and erosion control measures.
Getting utilities to the site
Utility installations or connections cost $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on the location and existing infrastructure. Urban areas have established utility networks, while rural properties may require well drilling, septic system installation, and extensive electrical line extensions.
Foundation
Foundation costs range from $25,000 to $60,000 on average, depending on the size and type. The Pacific Northwest's earthquake activity makes reinforced concrete foundations with proper anchoring systems a requirement to meet seismic building codes.
Basements are less common in western Oregon due to high groundwater levels and clay soils, though they're more feasible in drier eastern regions. Crawl spaces with proper moisture barriers are common for the region's wet climate.
Framing
Framing a house costs $35,000 to $75,000 on average. Oregon building codes require earthquake-resistant framing with proper shear walls and connections. Many builders use engineered lumber products that perform well in the state's moisture-rich environment.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the home size and roofing material. Oregon's heavy rainfall and occasional snow require durable, well-sealed roofing systems. Asphalt shingles remain popular, though metal roofing is gaining favor for its longevity and performance in wet conditions.
Siding
Siding costs $12,000 to $45,000, with material choices focused on moisture resistance and durability. Fiber cement siding is extremely popular in Oregon due to its excellent performance in wet climates and resistance to rot and insects.
Wood siding, particularly cedar, remains a traditional choice but requires regular maintenance in Oregon's damp climate. Vinyl and engineered wood products offer lower-maintenance alternatives while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Windows & doors
Windows and doors cost $16,000 to $50,000 with installation. High-performance windows with excellent thermal properties are essential for managing heating costs during wet, cool winters.
Many Oregon homeowners prioritize large windows and sliding glass doors to capture natural light during the state's cloudy months and provide access to outdoor living spaces during pleasant weather.
Electrical
Electrical installation costs $12,000 to $20,000+. New Oregon homes increasingly incorporate smart home technology and renewable energy preparations. Solar panel pre-wiring is common, taking advantage of Oregon's net metering programs and renewable energy incentives.
Electric vehicle charging outlets are becoming standard in new Oregon construction, reflecting the state's environmental consciousness and EV adoption rates.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing installation costs $12,000 to $25,000. This includes water supply lines, drain lines, venting, and fixture connections.
HVAC installation costs $8,000 to $18,000+, with heating being the primary concern in Oregon's mild but damp climate. Heat pump systems are increasingly popular, providing both heating and cooling while offering excellent energy efficiency for Oregon's moderate temperature ranges.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall installation cost $12,000 to $40,000 for the materials and labor. Oregon homes require substantial insulation to meet energy efficiency standards. The state's building codes emphasize thermal performance and moisture control, often requiring vapor barriers and continuous insulation strategies.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures make up a large portion of construction costs, ranging from $75,000 to $250,000+ depending on the material and quality. This category includes cabinets, countertops, lighting, paint, flooring, and more.
Oregon homeowners often prioritize sustainable materials like bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, and low-VOC finishes that align with the state's environmental values.
Appliances
New appliances cost up to $3,500 each, depending on the brand, model, and features. Energy-efficient models are particularly important in Oregon due to the state's environmental focus and utility incentive programs. Prices for high-end ovens, ranges, and refrigerators can exceed $5,000 each.
Labor costs to build a house in Oregon
Your builder will act as the general contractor, managing all aspects of the project. General contractors charge 10% to 20% of the construction budget, with experienced Oregon builders commanding premium rates for their expertise in local building codes, seismic requirements, and climate-specific construction techniques.
The table below lists the labor rates for many of the professionals involved in building a house. However, your builder will handle hiring and managing these subcontractors. Most builders already have 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 Oregon vs. other states
Compared to Oregon, the nationwide average cost to build a house is lower, ranging from $180 to $300 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes and $300 to $450+ 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 states:
The average cost to build a house in Washington is $220 to $550 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in California is $200 to $600 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Utah is $180 to $600 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Colorado is $200 to $500 per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Oregon
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Oregon?
In most cases, it is cheaper to buy a house than build one in Oregon, but it depends on the home size, design, and features, the location, and housing market conditions.
According to current real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Oregon ranges from $515,000 to $550,000 depending on the location and time of year, but the average home price in some cities like Bend or Powell Butte exceeds $750,000.
How long does it take to build a house in Oregon?
Building a house in Oregon takes 8 to 14 months from breaking ground to completion, not including the design and permitting phase, which can add 3 to 6 months to the timeline. The total construction timeline depends on the home size and design complexity, weather conditions, material availability, and whether you choose a builder-grade or custom design.
Can you build a tiny house in Oregon?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Oregon, though regulations vary across the state. It's important to check local zoning laws and building codes before proceeding, as requirements differ in each city and county.
Oregon has been progressive regarding alternative housing solutions, with several communities updating their codes to accommodate tiny homes as affordable housing options.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Oregon is $60,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from home builders in Oregon
Follow these tips to find the best Oregon home builders near you:
Look for builders who specialize in the type of home you're interested in.
Read reviews for home builders and general contractors 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 is licensed and insured.
Get a detailed contract outlining the materials, labor, costs, timeline, and milestones 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 Oregon?
How many homes have you built in the past five years?
Are you licensed and insured to build homes in Oregon?
Do you have any recently built homes 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 material and fixture choices?
Can you suggest ways to reduce costs without compromising the home's quality?
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 financing options do you offer? Do you work with specific lenders?
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.