How much does it cost to build a house in Utah?
How much does it cost to build a house in Utah?
$180 – $280 cost per square foot (basic builder-grade home)
$280 – $600 cost per square foot (custom home)
$400,000 – $900,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Utah
The average cost to build a house in Utah is $400,000 to $900,000, not including the cost of the land and site prep. New home construction costs in Utah range from $180 to $600 per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| Average Cost | $600,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $120,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,400,000 |
| Average Range | $400,000 to $900,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Utah
The cost to build a house in Utah is $180 to $280 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes. A builder-grade home typically only comes in a limited number of styles and floor plans and offers the least customization options.
The cost to build a custom home in Utah with upgrades like local stone countertops, a spa-like bathroom, and large picture windows is $280 to $600 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $144,000 – $224,000 | $224,000 – $480,000 |
| 1,000 | $180,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $600,000 |
| 1,500 | $270,000 – $420,000 | $420,000 – $900,000 |
| 1,800 | $324,000 – $504,000 | $504,000 – $1,080,000 |
| 2,000 | $360,000 – $560,000 | $560,000 – $1,200,000 |
| 2,500 | $450,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 3,000 | $540,000 – $840,000 | $840,000 – $1,800,000 |
| 3,500 | $630,000 – $980,000 | $980,000 – $2,100,000 |
| 4,000 | $720,000 – $1,120,000 | $1,120,000 – $2,400,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Factors that affect the cost of building a home in Utah
Location is a significant factor in the cost to build a house in Utah. Land and construction costs are lower in rural areas and highest in popular areas like Park City or Salt Lake City.
In addition to the home's location and size, your choice of materials, fixtures, and finishes also impacts the cost. The table below provides a breakdown of the average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Utah.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Builder / general contractor fee | 10% – 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $12,000 – $60,000 |
| Framing | $25,000 – $80,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Siding | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Doors & windows | $6,500 – $30,000 |
| Electrical | $9,000 – $23,000 |
| Plumbing | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| HVAC | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,500 – $5,000 |
*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 your new house, you'll need to purchase a piece of land. The average price of land in Utah is $20,000 to $40,000+ per acre, depending on the location. Home lots in popular areas in and around Park City and Salt Lake City often cost much more, and prices for mountain view lots can easily exceed $300,000 per acre.
A new construction land survey costs $400 to $1,800+. The surveyor will mark property boundaries, utilities, and proposed foundation borders.
Site prep
Before construction on your new home can begin, your builder will need to prepare the site. Excavation costs $1,500 to $10,000 on average to level and grade the site before building a foundation. Costs are significantly higher in mountainous areas or regions with rocky soil.
Getting utilities to the land
After preparing the land, your builder will also need to run utility lines to bring water and power to the home site. The cost to get utilities on vacant land ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+, with prices depending on the location:
Running electricity lines to a new house costs $5 to $25 per linear foot.
Homes on rural lots without access to public water and sewer systems require a well and a septic system.
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.
Foundation
Most homes in Utah have a concrete slab foundation or a basement foundation due to the state's varying climate. A concrete slab foundation costs $5 to $14 per square foot or $12,000 to $30,000 total on average.
For areas with colder climates or where basements are common, a full basement foundation costs $30 to $40 per square foot or $35,000 to $60,000 on average.
Framing & roof
The cost to frame a house in Utah is $11 to $30 per square foot, or $25,000 to $80,000 total for a typical house, including the roof trusses. Framing takes about 30 to 60+ days, depending on the home's size and design, the crew size, and the weather.
After framing, a new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000 total or around $3.50 to $7.00 per square foot, depending on the material. Asphalt shingles, a popular choice in Utah, fall within this price range and last 15 to 30 years. Metal roofing, which is becoming increasingly popular due to its durability in Utah's climate, costs $5 to $16+ per square foot with installation.
Siding
New house siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot or $10,000 to $35,000 total with installation, depending on the material and quality. Vinyl and fiber cement siding are popular options that fall within that range. Brick veneer, another common choice in Utah, costs $8 to $18 per square foot installed.
Electrical
The average cost to wire a new house is $4 to $9 per square foot or $9,000 to $23,000 total for a typical home. Costs fall on the higher end of the range if your house has a complex layout or requires a high-capacity electrical service panel to handle more appliances and devices.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing costs $9,000 to $15,000, depending on the pipe material used. Rough-in plumbing for a new home includes installing pipes, water supply lines, drain lines, connections, and vents. Plumbers also charge $450 to $1,800 per fixture to install toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures.
A new HVAC system with ductwork costs $8,000 to $18,000, depending on the system type, size, and brand. Most Utah homes have a central air conditioning system with a furnace for heating due to the state's hot summers and cold winters.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes account for a large portion of the total construction cost, and prices can vary widely depending on the quality. This category includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, painting or wallpaper, lighting fixtures, and more. Keep these items in mind when budgeting for your new home:
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot or $4,500 to $15,000+ total, depending on if they're stock or custom units.
New countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot with installation, depending on the material.
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average or $8,000 to $30,000 total with installation.
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot or about $8,000 to $30,000 total for a 2,000 square-foot-house, depending on the layout.
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, depending on the brand, model, and features. Prices can exceed $5,000 each for high-end ovens, ranges, and refrigerators from brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf.
A kitchen appliance package costs $2,100 to $5,400 for a basic fridge, range, dishwasher, and microwave.
A washer and dryer set costs $1,000 to $2,300.
Labor costs to build a house in Utah
The general contractor's role is to oversee the entire home construction process, procure materials, hire subcontractors, and manage the project timeline. General contractors add a 10% to 20% fee to the overall construction costs. Most builders incorporate this fee in their total build price.
The table below shows the hourly rates for various professionals involved in Utah home construction. It's worth noting your primary builder will likely hire and coordinate these pros. Established builders often have a network of trusted professionals they regularly collaborate on projects.
| 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 Utah vs. other states
In comparison to Utah, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $150 to $250 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home and $250 to $400 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 Utah to these other popular states:
The cost to build a house in Colorado is $200 to $500 per square foot.
The cost to build a house in California is $200 to $600 per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Florida is $130 to $280+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Texas is $140 to $300+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Utah
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Utah?
The cost to build a house in Utah is often similar to the cost to buy a house, but it depends greatly on the home size, design, and location. According to the latest real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Utah ranges from $560,000 to $626,000 depending on the time of year.
How long does it take to build a house in Utah?
Building a house in Utah takes 5 to 12+ months after the design is complete. The total construction time depends on the home size and style, the condition of the home site, weather conditions, and labor and material availability.
Can you build a house on Greenbelt land in Utah?
Only agricultural land and open space qualify for Utah's Greenbelt designation. If you build a house on Greenbelt land, that portion of the land will be disqualified from Greenbelt status and will not receive the property tax reduction.
If you build a house on Greenbelt land and the size of the remaining undeveloped property is below the minimum five-acre requirement, you will be billed a rollback tax. The rollback tax is the difference between the Greenbelt tax amount and the amount you would have paid if the property had been assessed at market value.
Can you build a tiny house in Utah?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Utah, but regulations vary by location. Some cities and counties are more tiny house-friendly than others. Be sure to check local zoning laws and building codes before starting your tiny house project.
The average cost to build a tiny house is $30,000 to $70,000.
Getting estimates from home builders in Utah
Follow these tips to find the reputable, experienced home builders near you:
Look for builders who specialize in the home style and 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 Utah.
Get a detailed contract that outlines 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 Utah?
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 Utah?
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?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
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.