How Much Does It Cost to Build a Mid-Century Modern-Style Home?

Average Cost to Build a Mid-Century Modern Home

Estimating Mid-Century Modern Home Building Costs

Material Prices

Building a mid-century modern home requires about $90,000 to $625,000, or 30% to 50% of total project costs, for materials. This style of home relies heavily on natural materials like wood, stone, and glass. Massive windows—often custom—define the era and these homes, as families sought to blur the line between indoors and out. Here’s a breakdown of elements typically used in a mid-century build:

Labor Costs

The total labor cost for building a mid-century home costs about $90,000 to $750,000. About 30% to 60% of the total cost of building your mid-century modern home goes toward labor costs, from hiring architects and designers to paying for electricians, plumbers, roofers, and general construction workers.

Permits and Inspections

If you’re building a new home, you’ll spend 10% to 20% of the total project cost, or about $30,000 to $312,500 for permits.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Mid-Century Modern Home by Size?

A mid-century modern home costs $200 to $500 per square foot to build because you may need custom materials and features, like windows or roofs, that cost more per square foot. A true MCM home typically has around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, so your total project cost could range from $300,000 to $1,250,000.

Average Mid-Century Modern Home Costs by Location

Home-building prices vary widely based on location. Building a mid-century modern home in Palm Springs, California, where this style is prominent in the community, will cost far more than building a similar home in the Midwest.

DIY vs. Hire a Mid-Century Modern Pro

Building a home requires a lot of professional assistance, and labor costs account for 30% to 60% of the total cost of building a new home. You can save money by helping out where you have some skills. Maybe you can paint the interiors or lay floors, but leave the construction, plumbing, and electrical work to certified professionals.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Build a Mid-Century Modern Home?

Many factors can increase the cost of a mid-century modern home, from obtaining building permits to designing open-floor plans. These factors are popular for homes inspired by the mid-century era (the mid-1900s).

Interior Design

Hiring an interior designer costs about $6,000, and the furniture will add up if you choose to find style-specific pieces. For example, a designer lounge chair may cost $5,000 to $20,000. Because mid-century modern style is still trendy today, you can find plenty of replicas, even at major retailers, for less expensive prices.

Large Fireplaces

A new fireplace costs an average of $6,750 and is key to nailing that mid-century-inspired den or living room style. Large fireplaces are a focal point for communal spaces in mid-century modern homes. So if you’re designing a family room, consider adding a fireplace for an authentic mid-mod look.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs, which cost $3 to $12 per square foot, are a quintessential component of mid-century modern homes. When you look at an MCM-style home built in the mid-1900s, one of the first things you may notice is the low-pitched roof. While this can be an attractive option, keep in mind that it’s not always the best option for snowy climates because the minimal angling of the roof can’t shed the snow as efficiently.

Open-Floor Plans

An open-floor plan home relies on heavy-duty beams for support, which cost about $5 to $20 per foot plus $100 to $400 per foot for installation. Open-floor plans became very popular in mid-century homes, but the lack of less expensive load-bearing walls means you’ll need to invest more in support beams, which are usually made of structural steel. Structural steel support beams may require certified welding and additional inspections.

Carports

Another staple of mid-mod design is carports, which cost an average of $6,300. If you’re designing a garage space for your home, you might opt for a carport instead if you don’t require additional storage space or live in a warmer climate. Comparatively, building a garage costs about $21,000 more than a carport.

FAQs About Building a Mid-Century Modern Home

What is a mid-century modern home?

The mid-century modern movement is one of many interior design evolutions that covers the mid-20th century in the U.S. It refers to architecture, interior design, and even graphic design that was popular during the era. The designs have futuristic elements, like curved lines, while relying heavily on nature. Statement wood and glass features are commonly found in mid-century modern homes.

How do I decorate a mid-century modern home?

When it comes to mid-century modern interior design, expect natural materials, like wood (teak and oak), stone, and glass, and clean lines. You can find MCM-inspired decor at many major retailers, saving you some money, or you can peruse vintage shops and estate sales to find treasures from the time period.

Should I buy or build a mid-century modern home?

You’ll save about $350 to $490 per square foot to renovate an existing mid-century modern home to your taste rather than build one to match that style. That’s because building with custom finishes to match the architecture from this era can cost up to $500 per square foot, especially with today’s higher lumber prices. Renovating a home costs anywhere from $10 to $150 per square foot.