How much does it cost to build a house in Virginia?
How much does it cost to build a house in Virginia?
$250 – $325 cost per square foot (basic home)
$325 – $500+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$500,000 – $1,500,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Virginia
The average cost to build a house in Virginia is $500,000 to $1,500,000, depending on the location, home size and design, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose. Prices range from $250 to $500+ per square foot. Costs can be significantly higher in Northern Virginia and coastal areas.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $500,000 – $800,000 |
| Custom home | $800,000 – $1,500,000+ |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Virginia
A basic builder-grade home in Virginia costs $250 to $325 per square foot. These houses typically come with standard finishes and limited floor plan options, which vary by builder.
Prices range from $325 to $500+ per square foot for a custom home with premium features like spa-like bathrooms, flex spaces, and high energy efficiency. Custom homes allow for unique designs and personalized choices in every aspect of construction.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $200,000 – $260,000 | $260,000 – $400,000 |
| 1,000 | $250,000 – $325,000 | $325,000 – $500,000 |
| 1,500 | $375,000 – $487,500 | $487,500 – $750,000 |
| 1,800 | $450,000 – $585,000 | $585,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,000 | $500,000 – $650,000 | $650,000 – $1,000,000 |
| 2,500 | $625,000 – $812,500 | $812,500 – $1,250,000 |
| 3,000 | $750,000 – $975,000 | $975,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 3,500 | $875,000 – $1,137,500 | $1,137,500 – $1,750,000 |
| 4,000 | $1,000,000 – $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 – $2,000,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Virginia?
The home's size, design, and your choice of materials and finishes have the biggest impact on the cost to build a house. Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total cost, while labor makes up the rest.
Due to Virginia's diverse geography, construction costs vary significantly by region. Coastal areas require hurricane-resistant construction, mountain regions need specific foundation types and grading, and Northern Virginia typically has higher labor and material costs due to its proximity to Washington, D.C.
| 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 average cost of land in Virginia varies dramatically by region:
Rural areas: $3,500 to $15,000 per acre
Suburban areas: $75,000 to $250,000 per acre
Northern Virginia: $200,000 to $1,000,000+per acre
Waterfront property: $300,000 to $2,000,000+per acre
A land survey costs $400 to $1,800+ to identify property boundaries and mark the proposed foundation borders for new home construction.
Preparing the site
Site preparation costs vary based on terrain and location. Excavation costs $8,000 to $22,000+ to level and grade the site before pouring the foundation. Costs may be higher in areas with significant clay soil, rocky terrain, or steep slopes, particularly in Virginia's Piedmont and mountain regions.
Getting utilities to the site
After preparing the site, your builder will need to run water and power lines to the home. The cost to get utilities on vacant land ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on the location:
For homes in urban areas or subdivisions, fees to connect to public water and sewer systems range from $2,600 to $20,000+.
For homes on rural property, a septic system costs $3,500 to $8,500 and drilling a well costs $4,000 to $20,000.
Running power lines to a new house costs $5 to $25 per linear foot for labor and materials, which results in higher costs for rural homes set back from the road on large pieces of land.
Foundation
Building a foundation costs $25,000 to $60,000. Virginia's varied terrain and soil conditions will impact the choice of foundation types:
Slab foundations work well in warmer regions.
Crawl spaces are common in areas with high water tables.
Full basements are popular in Northern Virginia and mountain regions.
Framing
Framing a house costs $12 to $35 per square foot or $35,000 to $85,000 total for a typical house, including the roof trusses. Hurricane-resistant construction methods may increase costs in Virginia's coastal areas.
Roof
A roof costs $10,000 to $25,000 total or around $4 to $7+ per square foot, depending on the material. Asphalt shingles are the most common option in Virginia. Premium materials like metal roofing cost $10 to $30+ per square foot.
Siding
House siding costs $12,000 to $45,000+ installed, depending on the material and quality. Vinyl siding is common, while fiber cement and engineered wood products offer better durability. Premium materials like brick and stone add a touch of luxury to a home, but the cost can exceed $45 per square foot.
Electrical
The average cost to wire a new house is $15,000 to $25,000 total for a typical home. Smart home technology and whole-house generator preparation can increase costs. Many homeowners in Virginia install solar panels for greater energy independence.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing for a new house costs $15,000 to $28,000. Plumbers also charge $450 to $1,800 per fixture for installation. Areas with hard water, particularly in the Piedmont region, may require additional water treatment systems, adding $800 to $3,000 to the total cost.
An HVAC system costs $8,000 to $18,000+ installed. Virginia's climate requires both efficient cooling and heating systems, with heat pumps being a popular choice.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation costs and drywall installation costs range from $12,000 to $40,000 total for an average home. Virginia's varied climate zones require different insulation approaches, with coastal areas needing moisture-resistant materials and mountain regions requiring higher R-values.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes include cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting fixtures, painting, and more. This category makes up a large portion of the total construction cost, and prices vary widely depending on the materials and quality you choose. Keep these items in mind when budgeting for your build:
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot or $4,500 to $15,000+ total, depending on whether they're stock or custom units.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on the material.
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average or $8,000 to $30,000 total with installation.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400+ each with installation.
Painters charge $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Appliances
New appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each on average, depending on the brand, model, and features. Consider these prices:
Kitchen appliance package (basic): $2,500 to $6,000
Kitchen appliance package (high-end): $8,000 to $15,000+
Washer and dryer set: $1,000 to $2,300
Labor costs to build a house in Virginia
Your builder will act as a general contractor to oversee your project, manage the subcontractors, order materials, and ensure construction meets all deadlines. A general contractor charges 10% to 20% of the construction budget, and most builders include this fee in their total estimate for the project.
Your builder will typically hire and manage all the subcontractors, as most reputable builders have already established relationships with pros they prefer to work with in each industry. The table below lists the average hourly rates for many of the pros involved in building a house in Virginia.
| 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 |
Labor costs vary significantly across Virginia, with contractors in Northern Virginia and urban areas like Richmond commanding premium rates due to higher demand and cost of living. Coastal regions may see increased labor costs during hurricane season preparations, while mountain areas might experience seasonal rate fluctuations due to weather conditions.
Cost to build a house in Virginia vs. other states
Compared to building a home in Virginia, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $300 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home and $300 to $400+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the land.
For reference, consider the average cost to build a new home in these other states:
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280+ 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 New Jersey is $200 to $600 per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Pennsylvania is $200 to $450+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Michigan is $130 to $220+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Virginia
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Virginia?
It's typically cheaper to buy an existing house than build one in Virginia. According to the latest real estate market data, the median home sale price for single-family homes in Virginia ranges from $398,000 to $449,000, depending on the region, which is less than the average cost to build a new house.
How long does it take to build a house in Virginia?
Building a house in Virginia takes 7 to 10+ months, not including the design phase. The construction timeline depends on the location and current site conditions, type of home, labor availability, local permitting processes, and weather conditions.
Can you build a tiny house in Virginia?
Tiny houses are legal in Virginia, but regulations vary by locality. Permanent tiny homes must meet the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Some jurisdictions have minimum square footage requirements that may affect tiny house construction.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Virginia is $45,000 to $150,000.
Getting quotes from home builders in Virginia
Follow these tips to find the best Virginia home builders near you:
Choose builders who specialize in the type of house you're looking for.
Look for builders with experience building in your preferred city or part of the state.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Ask to see a portfolio of their custom homes or tour their model homes.
Confirm the builders are licensed and insured in Virginia.
Verify the builder's Virginia Class A, B, or C contractor licensing.
Ask each builder for references from recent clients. Reach out to the clients directly to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Request a written contract that outlines the specific materials and associated costs, labor costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask the builder these important questions before signing a contract:
How many years have you been building homes in Virginia?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
What is your experience in my specific region?
Are you familiar with local zoning and HOA requirements?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Virginia?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
Do you have any model houses or recent builds I can tour?
What energy-efficient features do you include?
Do you handle permits and inspections?
Do you work with specific architects to create the house plans?
How much input will I have on the material, fixture, and design choices?
What warranties do you offer?
What financing options are available?
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.