How much does it cost to build a house in Washington state?
How much does it cost to build a house in Washington state?
$220 – $350 average cost per square foot (basic home)
$350 – $550 average cost per square foot (custom home)
$500,000 – $1,000,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Washington state
The average cost to build a house in Washington state is $500,000 to $1,000,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Washington range from $250 to $550 per square foot, depending on the location, the house size and design, and your chosen materials, finishes, and fixtures.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $500,000 – $700,000 |
| Custom home | $700,000 – $1,000,000+ |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Washington state
The cost to build a house in Washington state is $220 to $350 per square foot for builder-grade homes. At the lower end of that range, you’ll find homes with basic finishes, standard fixtures, and simpler designs. As you move up the scale, you'll find better quality materials and slightly more customization options.
Custom homes range from $350 to $550+ per square foot and often feature high-end materials, luxury finishes, and unique architectural designs. These homes offer the highest level of personalization and quality.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home cost* |
Custom home cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $176,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $440,000 |
| 1,000 | $220,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| 1,500 | $330,000 – $525,000 | $525,000 – $825,000 |
| 1,800 | $396,000 – $630,000 | $630,000 – $990,000 |
| 2,000 | $440,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $1,100,000 |
| 2,500 | $550,000 – $875,000 | $875,000 – $1,375,000 |
| 3,000 | $660,000 – $,1050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,650,000 |
| 3,500 | $770,000 – $1,225,000 | $1,225,000 – $1,925,000 |
| 4,000 | $880,000 – $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 Washington state?
Washington state's diverse geography, from the coastal areas of Seattle to the mountainous regions of the Cascades and the drier climate of Eastern Washington, affects construction costs and considerations.
In addition to the home's size and location, your choice of materials and finishes also impacts the cost. The table below provides a breakdown of average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Washington.
| 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 | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
*Including labor and materials; not including the cost of the land or site prep
Seismic considerations also impact the cost to build a house in Washington state. Buildings must be designed to withstand potential earthquakes, particularly in Western Washington, which often results in higher foundation and structural costs.
Buying land
The cost of land in Washington state varies widely depending on location. Urban areas like Seattle and its suburbs command premium prices, while rural areas can be more affordable. Factors such as proximity to amenities, water or mountain views, and lot size all impact land costs. Be prepared to budget anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million for a buildable lot in desirable areas.
A land survey costs $800 to $3,000 and includes marking property boundaries and foundation borders for new construction. Some land surveys also include topographical information.
Site preparation
Site preparation costs in Washington can be significant due to the state's varied topography. Costs typically range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on factors like slope, soil type, and required clearing. Areas with rocky terrain or steep slopes may require additional work, increasing excavation costs.
Getting utilities to the site
The cost to get utilities to the site ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+. This includes connecting to water, sewer or septic systems, electricity, and natural gas lines. Costs are often on the high end for rural properties due to the need for well drilling and septic system installation.
Foundation
A new foundation costs $25,000 to $60,000, depending on the type of foundation—slab, crawl space, or basement—along with the home size and soil conditions. Areas prone to seismic activity may require additional reinforcement, potentially increasing costs.
Framing
Framing a house costs $35,000 to $85,000 on average, including the lumber, labor, and any structural elements required to meet local building codes. The total cost depends on the complexity of the home's design 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. The state's wet climate often necessitates durable roofing materials, which can increase costs. Options like metal roofing, while more expensive initially, may offer better long-term value than asphalt shingles in Washington's climate.
Siding
Your choice of exterior finishes also impacts the construction cost. Siding for a house costs $12,000 to $45,000. This wide range reflects the variety of siding options available, from vinyl to fiber cement to brick or stone veneer. Many homeowners opt for materials that can withstand the state's wet climate, which increases costs but improves longevity.
Electrical
Electrical work for a new home costs $15,000 to $25,000. This includes wiring, outlets, switches, and the main electrical panel. Smart home features or complex lighting designs can increase these costs.
Costs also increase if your home requires a high-capacity electrical service panel to power more appliances and devices, such as an electrical vehicle charging station in the garage.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing for a new house costs $15,000 to $28,000, while HVAC installation costs $8,000 and $18,000. An energy-efficient heating and cooling system, while more expensive up front, can provide long-term savings in Washington's variable climate.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall installation costs $12,000 to $40,000+. Proper insulation is crucial in Washington's climate to maintain energy efficiency and comfort year-round.
Interior finishing & fixtures
The total cost for interior finishes and fixtures ranges from $75,000 to $275,000+. 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.
Keep these items in mind when planning your build:
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average with installation.
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot with installation.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Appliances
The cost of appliances for a new home ranges from $3,100 to $7,700. This includes essential appliances like a refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and washer/dryer set. The total cost can be significantly higher for high-end brands like Subzero and Wolf.
Labor costs to build a house in Washington
As the general contractor, your builder will oversee the entire project, manage subcontractors, order materials, and ensure construction meets all deadlines. General contractors charge 10% to 20% of the construction budget, and this fee is usually included in your builder’s estimate.
Your builder is responsible for hiring and coordinating subcontractors. Reputable builders typically maintain strong relationships with skilled professionals in different industries. The table below provides average hourly rates for key tradespeople involved in homebuilding.
| 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 Washington vs. other states
Compared to Washington state, 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 $500+ 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:
The average cost to build a house in California is $200 to $600 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Colorado is $200 to $500 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $400 per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Washington
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Washington?
It's usually cheaper to buy a house than build one in Washington state. However, this depends greatly on the location and the home size, style, and features. According to the latest real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Washington ranges from $450,000 to $650,000+ depending on the location and time of year.
How long does it take to build a house in Washington?
Building a house in Washington state takes 7 to 12+ 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 condition of the home site, labor and material availability, weather conditions, and the contractor's experience.
Can you build a tiny house in Washington state?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Washington state. The state has adopted the International Residential Code's Appendix AQ Tiny House building codes for houses that are 400 square feet or smaller, but some regulations still vary by county. It's crucial to check local zoning laws and building codes before starting a tiny house project.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Washington state is $45,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from home builders in Washington
Follow these tips to find the best Washington home builders near you:
Choose builders who specialize in the specific type and style of house you're looking for.
Research local builders and read reviews from previous clients.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or real estate professionals.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Ask each builder for references from previous clients, including contact information. Reach out to the clients directly to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Visit model homes or recently completed projects to assess the builder's quality of work.
Request a detailed quote from each builder for comparison.
Verify the builder is licensed and insured in Washington.
Get a written contract that details the specific materials and associated costs, labor costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask the builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Washington?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Washington?
Do you have any model homes I can tour?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
Are your homes energy-efficient and built to withstand Washington's climate?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
What's your typical timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
What's your process for final walk-through and addressing any issues before the move-in date?
What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?
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.