How much does it cost to build a house in Wisconsin?
How much does it cost to build a house in Wisconsin?
$220 – $350 cost per square foot (basic home)
$350 – $500+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$375,000 – $1,000,000 average total cost
Average cost to build a house in Wisconsin
The average cost to build a house in Wisconsin is $375,000 to $1,000,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. Prices range from $220 to $500+ per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $375,000 – $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 Wisconsin
The cost to build a house in Wisconsin is $220 to $350 per square foot for a basic, builder-grade home with standard finishes. These homes typically come in only a limited number of styles and floor plans, which vary from one builder to the next.
The cost to build a custom home in Wisconsin with upgrades like granite countertops, hardwood floors, and high-end fixtures and finishes is $350 to $500+ per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) |
Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $176,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $400,000 |
| 1,000 | $220,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $500,000 |
| 1,500 | $330,000 – $525,000 | $525,000 – $750,000 |
| 1,800 | $396,000 – $630,000 | $630,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,000 | $440,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $1,000,000 |
| 2,500 | $550,000 – $875,000 | $875,000 – $1,250,000 |
| 3,000 | $660,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 3,500 | $770,000 – $1,225,000 | $1,225,000 – $1,750,000 |
| 4,000 | $880,000 – $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 – $2,000,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost factors to build a home in Wisconsin
The home's size, design, 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 cost to build a house, while labor makes up the rest.
The table below provides a breakdown of the average costs for major aspects of new home construction in Wisconsin.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% to 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Framing | $30,000 – $80,000 |
| Roof | $6,000 – $20,000 |
| Siding | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Plumbing | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| HVAC | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,000 – $3,500 |
*Including labor and materials; not including the land or site prep
Buying land
The average cost of land in Wisconsin is $5,500 to $12,000 per acre, but costs vary significantly by location. You can find rural farmland for as little as $4,500 per acre in some parts of Wisconsin, while prices for vacant lakeshore land can exceed $350,000 for less than half an acre.
A land survey costs $400 to $1,800 to identify property boundaries and mark the proposed foundation borders and locations of utility lines for new home construction.
Preparing the site
Before the builder can begin construction on your new home, they must prepare the site. Excavation costs $10,000 to $20,000+ to level and grade the site before pouring the foundation. Costs may be higher if you're building in an area with difficult terrain or rocky land that requires excavation with a jackhammer or blasting.
Getting utilities to the site
After clearing and preparing the land, your builder will also need to run water and power lines 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 power to a new house costs $5 to $25 per linear foot, which can result in higher costs for rural homes set back from the road on large pieces of land.
Homes on rural property 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 installation and connection fees range from $2,600 to $17,000.
Foundation
Building a foundation costs $12,000 to $100,000 on average, depending on the type. A poured concrete foundation is the most popular type for new home construction in Wisconsin. The builder installs footings below the frost line—typically 40" to 48" inches deep—and then pours the concrete into premade forms.
Framing
The cost to frame a house is $11 to $30 per square foot or $30,000 to $80,000 total for a typical house, including the roof trusses. Framing an entire house takes 30 to 60+ days on average, depending on the home's size and layout.
Roof
A new roof costs $6,000 to $20,000 total or around $3 to $6+ per square foot, depending on the material. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choice and fall within this price range. Tile and other premium roof materials cost $7 to $25+ per square foot with installation.
Siding
Your choice of exterior finishes also impacts the construction cost. House siding costs $10,000 to $40,000+ installed, depending on the material and quality. Vinyl siding is a popular and classic choice priced in the lower half of that range, while premium materials like brick and stone cost up to $45 per square foot.
Electrical
The average cost to wire a house is $12,000 to $20,000 total for an average home. Expect costs on the high end of that range if your house has a complex layout or requires a high-capacity electrical service panel to power more appliances and devices.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing costs $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the pipe material and the home's layout. Rough-in plumbing for a new house includes installing water supply and drain lines, pipes, connections, and vents. Plumbers also charge $450 to $1,800 per fixture to install toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures.
A new HVAC system costs $7,000 to $16,000+, depending on the home size and the system type, size, and brand.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes include cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, painting, and more. Fixtures and finishes make up a significant chunk of the total construction cost, and prices vary widely depending on the materials and quality. Keep these items in mind when planning your build:
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot with installation, depending on whether they're stock or custom cabinets.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed.
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average with installation.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Painting costs $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 type, brand, model, and features. Prices for high-end ovens, ranges, and refrigerators often exceed $5,000 each.
A kitchen appliance package with a basic fridge, range, dishwasher, and microwave costs $2,100 to $5,400. A package featuring high-end appliances costs $5,400 to $13,000+.
A washer and dryer costs $1,000 to $2,300 per set.
Labor costs to build a house in Wisconsin
Your builder will act as a general contractor to oversee your project, order materials, manage the subcontractors, 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 involved in the project. Most reputable builders have already established relationships with pros they prefer to work within each industry. The table below lists the average hourly rates for many of the professionals involved in building a house.
| 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 Wisconsin vs. other states
Compared to building a home in Wisconsin, 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.
Compare the average cost to build a new home in these other popular states:
The cost to build a house in Michigan is $130 to $220 per square foot for a basic home.
The cost to build a house in Texas is $180 to $300+ per square foot, with prices for some custom homes reaching $500+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280 per square foot for a basic home.
FAQs about building a house in Wisconsin
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Wisconsin?
It is usually cheaper to buy a house than build one in Wisconsin. According to the most recent data from the Wisconsin Realtors Association, the median sale price for single-family homes ranges from $265,000 to $325,000 depending on the time of year.
How long does it take to build a house in Wisconsin?
Building a house in Wisconsin takes 6 to 10+ months, not including the design phase. The total construction time depends on the home size, whether you go with a builder-grade model home or a custom design, the condition of the home site, weather conditions, and labor and material availability.
Can I build a tiny house in Wisconsin?
Tiny houses are legal in Wisconsin, but regulations vary by city and some cities have different rules for a tiny house on wheels (THOW) versus a tiny house on a permanent foundation. All tiny homes must adhere to Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) in addition to any city or county codes.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Wisconsin is $45,000 to $150,000.
Getting quotes from home builders in Wisconsin
Follow these tips to find the best Wisconsin home builders near you:
Choose builders who specialize in the type of house you're looking for.
Read reviews of home builders on HomeGuide and Google.
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.
Verify the builders are licensed and insured in Wisconsin.
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.
Request 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 builder these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building houses in Wisconsin?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Wisconsin?
Do you have any model houses I can tour?
Can you provide references with contact information for past clients?
Do you work with specific home designers or architects to create the house plans?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
What warranties do you offer on the materials and workmanship?
What financing methods 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.