How much does it cost to build a house in Pennsylvania?
How much does it cost to build a house in Pennsylvania?
$200 – $320 cost per square foot (basic home)
$320 – $450+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$350,000 – $750,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Pennsylvania
The average cost to build a house in Pennsylvania is $350,000 to $750,000, not including the cost of the land or excavation and site prep. The cost per square foot to build a house in PA ranges from $200 to $450+, depending on the home size and style, material quality and finishes, and location.
| Average Cost | $520,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $100,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,800,000 |
| Average Range | $350,000 to $750,000* |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Pennsylvania
The cost to build a house in Pennsylvania is $200 to $320 per square foot on average for a simple home with basic materials and finishes. These builder-grade homes typically come in only a limited number of styles and floor plans, which vary from one builder to the next.
Costs start at $320 to $450+ per square foot for a custom-built home with high-end fixtures and finishes.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $200,000 – $320,000 | $320,000 – $450,000 |
| 1,500 | $300,000 – $480,000 | $480,000 – $675,000 |
| 1,800 | $360,000 – $576,000 | $576,000 – $810,000 |
| 2,000 | $400,000 – $640,000 | $640,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,500 | $500,000 – $800,000 | $800,000 – $1,125,000 |
| 3,000 | $600,000 – $960,000 | $960,000 – $1,350,000 |
| 3,500 | $700,000 – $1,120,000 | $1,120,000 – $1,575,000 |
| 4,000 | $800,000 – $1,280,000 | $1,280,000 – $1,800,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Factors that affect the cost to build a house in PA
Materials make up about 50% to 60% of the total cost to build a house, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size, design complexity, layout, and your choice of materials and finishes have the biggest impact on the total cost.
The table below provides a breakdown of the average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Pennsylvania.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor fee | 10% – 20% of construction costs |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Framing | $30,000 – $80,000 |
| Roof | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| Siding | $8,000 – $37,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $22,500 |
| Plumbing | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| HVAC | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $200,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $2,000 – $6,000 |
*Including labor and materials
When budgeting for new home construction, include an extra 15% to cover overruns and unexpected costs.
Buying land
Before you can build a house, you'll need to purchase a lot suitable for construction. The average price of land in Pennsylvania is $30,000 to $45,000 per acre, but prices vary significantly depending on the location. You can find rural farmland for as low as $6,000 per acre in some parts of the state, while quarter-acre lots in suburban locations cost $100,000+.
Site prep
Your home site will require preparation before construction can begin. Excavation costs $1,500 to $10,000 on average to level and grade the site for a new foundation. However, costs can quickly exceed $20,000 for steeply sloped lots or property with rough terrain or large boulders.
Getting utilities to the site
After preparing the site, your builder will also need to run utility lines. The cost to get utilities on vacant land ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+, with prices depending on the location:
For homes in the city or in a subdivision, the infrastructure for public water and sewer lines may already be in place, but you'll pay installation and connection fees of $2,600 to $17,000.
Homes on rural lots without access to a public water and sewer system require a well and a septic system.
Running electricity lines to a new house costs $5 to $25 per linear foot.
Foundation
Building a new foundation costs $5 to $14 per square foot or $10,000 to $35,000 total on average for a concrete slab, which has become one of the most popular types in new home construction in Pennsylvania due to its cost effectiveness.
Crawl spaces and basements are also popular options but come at a higher cost:
A crawl space foundation costs $7 to $18 per square foot.
An unfinished basement foundation costs $25 to $33 per square foot.
Framing
Framing a house costs $13 to $30 per square foot for labor and materials, or $30,000 to $80,000 total for a typical house, including the roof trusses. Framing makes up a significant chunk of the total construction cost. Framing a house takes 30 to 60+ days, depending on the size, layout, and design complexity.
Roof
A new roof costs $3 to $6 per square foot on average, depending on the material. Asphalt shingle roofs—the most popular type in Pennsylvania—typically fall within this price range and last 15 to 30 years. A metal roof costs $9 to $16 per square foot, while premium materials like slate cost $10 to $30+ per square foot.
Siding
Your choice of exterior finishes also impacts the construction cost. Siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot or $8,000 to $37,000 total with installation, depending on the material, style, and quality. Vinyl siding is a popular, affordable option for Pennsylvania homes. Wood and brick siding cost more but provide a high-end look.
Electrical
The cost to wire a new house is $5 to $9 per square foot or $12,000 to $22,500 total on average. Costs fall on the high end of that range for houses with more complex layouts or those that require a more powerful electrical service panel.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing for new construction costs $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the home's layout and the pipe material used. Rough-in plumbing involves installing water supply lines, drain lines, pipes, connections, and vents. Plumbers charge an extra $450 to $1,800 per fixture to install sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers.
Installing an HVAC system with ductwork costs $7,000 to $16,000, depending on the home's size and the system type, size, and brand.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures include the flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting, painting or wallpaper, and more. This category makes up a large portion of the total building cost, and prices vary significantly depending on the specific materials and quality.
Keep these items in mind when budgeting for your build:
Kitchen cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot with installation.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
New flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot 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 area.
Appliances
New appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each, depending on the brand, model, and features. Prices for top-of-the-line refrigerators, ovens, and ranges can exceed $5,000 each.
A kitchen appliance package with a basic fridge, range, dishwasher, and microwave costs $2,100 to $5,400.
A new washer and dryer set costs $1,000 to $2,300.
Labor costs to build a house in Pennsylvania
Your builder will act as a general contractor to coordinate your entire project, order materials, hire and manage the subcontractors, obtain permits, and ensure construction stays on schedule.
Labor costs make up about 40% to 50% of the construction budget. The table below lists the average hourly labor rates for many of the professionals and subcontractors involved in building a house. Your builder will typically hire and oversee these subcontractors.
| 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 Pennsylvania vs. other states
The nationwide average cost to build a house is $175 to $250 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home or $250 to $420 per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the cost of the land.
Compare the cost of new home construction in Pennsylvania to these other popular states:
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Texas is $180 to $300+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Michigan is $130 to $280+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in California is $200 to $600+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Pennsylvania
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, it is cheaper to buy a house than build one in Pennsylvania. According to current real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Pennsylvania is $297,800, which is lower than the current average cost to build a house in the state.
How long does it take to build a house in Pennsylvania?
Building a house in Pennsylvania takes 9 to 12+ months, not including the architectural design phase or land clearing, excavation, and other site prep needed. The total construction time depends on the current site conditions, the contractor's experience, labor and material availability, and the weather.
Getting estimates from home builders in Pennsylvania
Follow these tips to find the reputable, experienced home builders near you:
Look for builders who specialize in the home style & design you're interested in.
Read reviews for builders in your area on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your desired home size, design, and features.
Tour the builder's model homes or ask to see a portfolio showing their custom homes.
Ask for references from previous clients with contact information.
Confirm the builder is licensed and insured to operate in Pennsylvania.
Get a detailed contract outlining the specific materials, labor, costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask these important questions before signing a contract with a home builder:
How long have you been building homes in Pennsylvania
How many houses do you build per year?
Do you have any model homes nearby that I can tour?
Can you provide references from past clients?
Are you licensed and insured in Pennsylvania?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
Do you have architects or home designers on staff to create the house plans?
How much input will I have on the design, layout, and material choices?
Are there any impact fees or Homeowners Association (HOA) fees I'll be responsible for?
What financing options do you offer? Do you work with specific lenders?
What warranties 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.