How much does it cost to build a house?
How much does it cost to build a house?
$180 – $280 average cost per square foot (basic home)
Average cost to build a house
The average cost to build a house is $350,000 to $800,000, not including the land or site prep. Home construction costs range from $180 to $450+ per square foot, depending on the house size and design, whether you choose a custom or builder-grade home, the quality of the material and finishes, and your location.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $350,000 – $500,000 |
| Custom home | $500,000 – $800,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house
The average cost to build a house is $180 to $280 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home with standard finishes. These homes are also called spec houses and come in a limited number of styles and floor plans, which vary from one builder to the next.
The cost to build a custom home ranges from $280 to $450+ per square foot. Custom homes offer more options for personalization in the architectural style, design, and finishes. These homes typically have premium finishes and upgrades like gourmet kitchens, hardwood floors, or vaulted ceilings.
| Home size (square feet) |
Builder-grade home cost* | Custom home cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $145,000 – $225,000 | $225,000 – $360,000 |
| 1,000 | $180,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $450,000 |
| 1,500 | $270,000 – $420,000 | $420,000 – $675,000 |
| 1,800 | $325,000 – $500,000 | $500,000 – $810,000 |
| 2,000 | $360,000 – $560,000 | $560,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,500 | $450,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $1,125,000 |
| 3,000 | $540,000 – $840,000 | $840,000 – $1,350,000 |
| 3,500 | $630,000 – $980,000 | $980,000 – $1,575,000 |
| 4,000 | $720,000 – $1,120,000 | $1,120,000 – $1,800,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home?
Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total home construction budget, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size, layout, architectural style, and your choice of materials and finishes have the most significant impact on the total cost.
Buying land
Land prices vary considerably based on the location and proximity to urban centers. Rural agricultural land costs $8,000 to $15,000 per acre on average, while residential lots in established neighborhoods range from $30,000 to $100,000+. Premium lots in highly desirable areas can exceed $200,000.
Preparing the site
Before the builder can begin construction on your new home, they must prepare the site. Site preparation costs $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on the terrain and existing conditions. In areas with rocky soil, rock ledge, or steep slopes, the cost of site prep can exceed $100,000.
Getting utilities to the site
The cost to get utilities to a new home site ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on the location and existing infrastructure.
Urban and suburban areas already have established utility networks, making connections more straightforward and affordable. Rural properties often require a well and septic system and may require longer utility runs for electricity and natural gas.
Foundation
The average cost to build a foundation is $25,000 to $70,000, depending on the type. The best foundation depends on the soil conditions, water level, and frost line in your area. A concrete or slab-on-grade foundation is the least expensive, while a basement foundation costs the most.
Framing
House framing costs $35,000 to $75,000 on average. This includes the cost of materials and labor for constructing the skeleton of your home, including exterior and interior walls, floor systems, and roof trusses. Homes in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as tornados or hurricanes, may require additional structural support.
Roof
A new roof costs $10,000 to $25,000+ installed, depending on the home size and roofing material. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice due to their cost-effectiveness and performance. Metal roofing costs more but is gaining popularity for its durability and long lifespan. Costs are highest for premium roof materials like tile and slate.
Siding
Siding costs $12,000 to $45,000, depending on the material. Vinyl siding remains popular due to its low maintenance requirements and performance in variable weather conditions.
Fiber cement siding is gaining popularity for its resistance to weather damage and temperature fluctuations. Traditional brick or wood siding requires more maintenance but remains popular for its aesthetic appeal, particularly in rural and historic areas.
Windows and doors
Windows and doors cost $16,000 to $50,000 installed. Triple-pane windows are becoming more common due to their superior insulation properties for handling both summer heat and winter cold.
Electrical
Electrical installation for a new house costs $12,000 to $20,000 total for an average-sized 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 installation costs $12,000 to $20,000 and includes water supply lines, drainage systems, venting, and fixture connections. Homes in areas with cold winters require proper insulation of plumbing in exterior walls and unheated spaces to prevent freezing.
HVAC system installation costs $8,000 to $18,000. Total costs depend on the house size and the HVAC system size, type, and brand.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall costs $12,000 to $40,000 installed, depending on the insulation type and the home's interior layout. The location and climate determine the ideal insulation type for your home. Homes that experience cold weather require insulation with a higher R-value.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures represent a significant portion of construction costs, ranging from $75,000 to $250,000+. This category includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, and other design elements.
Appliances
New appliances cost $3,100 to $7,700 for standard packages, while costs for high-end appliance suites from brands like Wolf and Subzero can exceed $15,000.
Cost to build a house by state
The cost to build a house varies significantly depending on the location. Costs per square foot are typically much higher in areas with a high cost of living, like California and Hawaii.
Costs also vary even within the same state, with the cost to build a custom home in major urban areas or highly desirable locations often exceeding $500 per square foot.
| State | Builder-grade house cost per square foot* |
Custom house cost per square foot* |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $150 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| Alaska | $180 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| Arizona | $200 – $300 | $300 – $550 |
| Arkansas | $150 – $220 | $220 – $300 |
| California | $200 – $400 | $400 – $600 |
| Colorado | $200 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| Connecticut | $230 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| Delaware | $200 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| Florida | $180 – $250 | $250 – $400 |
| Georgia | $150 – $270 | $270 – $350 |
| Hawaii | $250 – $400 | $400 – $750 |
| Idaho | $150 – $220 | $220 – $350 |
| Illinois | $250 – $350 | $350 – $550 |
| Indiana | $150 – $250 | $250 – $350 |
| Iowa | $175 – $220 | $220 – $400 |
| Kansas | $150 – $250 | $250 – $350 |
| Kentucky | $170 – $280 | $280 – $400 |
| Louisiana | $170 – $220 | $220 – $300 |
| Maine | $250 – $350 | $350 – $450 |
| Maryland | $250 – $350 | $350 – $450 |
| Massachusetts | $280 – $350 | $350 – $600 |
| Michigan | $170 – $260 | $260 – $350 |
| Minnesota | $230 – $350 | $350 – $500 |
| Mississippi | $150 – $200 | $200 – $300 |
| Missouri | $180 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| Montana | $220 – $300 | $300 – $400 |
| Nebraska | $160 – $250 | $250 – $400 |
| Nevada | $180 – $280 | $280 – $450 |
| New Hampshire | $220 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| New Jersey | $200 – $350 | $350 – $600 |
| New Mexico | $220 – $280 | $280 – $400 |
| New York | $220 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| North Carolina | $180 – $250 | $250 – $450 |
| North Dakota | $170 – $250 | $250 – $400 |
| Ohio | $130 – $220 | $220 – $300 |
| Oklahoma | $170 – $200 | $200 – $300 |
| Oregon | $250 – $350 | $350 – $550 |
| Pennsylvania | $200 – $320 | $320 – $450 |
| Rhode Island | $180 – $250 | $250 – $400 |
| South Carolina | $200 – $250 | $250 – $400 |
| South Dakota | $180 – $250 | $250 – $400 |
| Tennessee | $180 – $250 | $250 – $350 |
| Texas | $180 – $280 | $280 – $400 |
| Utah | $180 – $280 | $280 – $600 |
| Vermont | $220 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
| Virginia | $250 – $325 | $325 – $500 |
| Washington | $220 – $350 | $350 – $550 |
| West Virginia | $150 – $200 | $200 – $300 |
| Wisconsin | $220 – $350 | $350 – $500 |
| Wyoming | $220 – $350 | $350 – $500 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Labor costs to build a house
Your builder will act as a general contractor to manage your entire project, order materials, hire and manage the subcontractors, and ensure construction stays on schedule. Most reputable builders have already established relationships with professionals they prefer to work with in each industry.
The table below shows the average labor rates for many of the pros 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 |
| Insulation contractors | $40 – $80 |
| Drywall contractors | $40 – $100 |
| Painters | $20 – $70 |
| Flooring installers | $20 – $70 |
| HVAC installers | $75 – $150 |
| Landscapers | $25 – $50 |
FAQs about building a house
How long does it take to build a house?
Building a house takes 6 to 12+ months on average, not including the design and permitting phase. The construction timeline depends on the home's size and complexity, your location, weather conditions, and whether you choose a builder-grade or custom home.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a house?
It's usually cheaper to buy a house than build one, but it depends greatly on the home size and design, the specific location, and current housing market conditions in your desired area.
Can you get a loan to build a house?
Yes, you can get a loan to build a house. These are called construction loans, and they cover the cost of building rather than buying an existing home.
Funds are usually released in stages as construction progresses, and once the home is complete, the loan can often be converted into a standard mortgage. Borrowers usually need good credit, a detailed construction plan, and a licensed builder.
Getting quotes from house builders
Follow these tips to find the best home builders near you:
Determine your total budget up front and make a list of your must-have features.
Research builders who specialize in the house style and design you want.
Read reviews of builders on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Visit model homes or recently completed projects to assess the builder's workmanship.
Confirm the builder is licensed and insured for home construction.
Request references and contact previous clients to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Get a detailed written contract that specifies the materials, labor costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask home builders
Ask the builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
What sets your company apart from other builders?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction?
Do you have any model homes or recent builds I can tour?
Can you provide references with contact information for past clients?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections? Are those fees included in your bid?
Can you explain your process for inspections and quality control?
How often will I be able to visit the construction site?
What is your estimated timeline for completing the home?
What 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.