True Cost Guide Architects & Engineers Build a House

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in 2025?

Typical Range:

$138,937 - $531,294

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,217 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated December 3, 2024

Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Building a home averages $323,026, with most homeowners typically paying between $138,937 and $531,294.
Material and labor costs usually split home building budgets evenly.
The quality of materials significantly impacts total building costs, with premium and luxury elements reflecting high construction prices.
General contractors charge 10% to 20% of construction costs and may hire various workers and subcontractors.

The average cost to build a home in the U.S. is $323,026, with a typical range between $138,937 and $531,294. Costs are split nearly equally between building materials and labor but may vary depending on material quality, location, square footage, and other factors.

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National Average	$323,026
Typical Range	$138,937 - $531,294
Low End - High End	$1,800 - $950,000

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,217 HomeAdvisor members.

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House-Building Cost Factors

Acquiring various materials and hiring local home-building contractors represent the main costs for building your home.

Materials

Expect to spend about 50% of your budget on home-building materials for framing, foundation, flooring, and numerous other elements. Structural and finishing materials come in a range of quality, availability, and affordability, and choosing premium over common options generally translates to higher costs.

Material	Average Cost Range
Lumber	$25,000–$65,000
Foundation	$5–$37 per sq. ft.
Drywall	$1.50–$3 per sq. ft.
Flooring	$2–$25 per sq. ft.
Siding	$1–$30 per sq. ft.
Insulation	$0.30–$6.75 per sq. ft.
Roofing	$5,700–$30,000

Home Size

The size of your home is the main determinant of total construction costs. Larger homes generally require more materials and labor to build and carry higher costs. Building a home averages $150 per square foot, or about $300,000 total for a 2,000-square-foot home.

The number of bedrooms in your home directly influences total square footage and cost. For example, see these average costs based on the number of bedrooms:

Three-bedroom homes (975–2,400 sq. ft.): $146,400
Four-bedroom homes (1,900–2,800 sq. ft.): $285,000
Five-bedroom homes (2,500–3,500+ sq. ft.): $375,000

Your home’s floor plan may also affect costs. For example, multi-story or otherwise complex layouts may pose greater challenges to your construction team. Single-story houses can be more affordable, but a sprawling home may incur greater roofing and foundation costs.

House Size (Sq. Ft.)	Average Cost Range
800	$80,000–$160,000
900	$90,000–$180,000
1,000	$100,000–$200,000
1,200	$120,000–$240,000
1,500	$150,000–$300,000
1,600	$160,000–$320,000
1,800	$180,000–$360,000
2,000	$200,000–$400,000
2,500	$250,000–$500,000
2,700	$270,000–$540,000
3,000	$300,000–$600,000
4,000	$400,000–$800,000
5,000	$500,000–$1,000,000

Labor

Labor accounts for 30% to 50% of home construction costs. Costs vary depending on the size of your build, the complexity of its design, and local general contractor and subcontractor rates. For example, homes built with template blueprints and prefabricated finishings are often more affordable than highly customized builds, which may require hiring architects, designers, and other specialized professionals.

Labor costs for building a home typically include:

Service	Average Cost Range
General contractor	10%–20% of the total project cost
Architect	$125–$250 per hour
Structural engineer	$100–$200 per hour
Draftsperson	$50–$130 per hour
Interior designer	$50–$200 per hour
Landscape architect	$70–$150 per hour
Construction manager	5%–15% of the total project cost
House framer	$7–$16 per square foot
Electrician	$50–$100 per hour
Plumber	$45–$200 per hour

Location

Construction prices vary significantly across different states and between urban and rural areas. For example, building a home in Arkansas can cost as little as $135,000, while in New York, new home construction can cost around $600,000.

New York City, San Francisco, and similar metropolitan areas are population-dense and have high costs of living, translating to higher contractor and material rates. Rural areas may have lower rates but limited availability for materials and contractors, sometimes resulting in shipping and transportation surcharges.

See the average house-building costs by state based on new construction ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet:

State	Cost per Sq. Ft.	Cost Range (1,500–2,500 sq. ft.)
Alabama	$90–$140	$135,000–$350,000
Alaska	$150–$300	$225,000–$750,000
Arizona	$110–$200	$165,000–$500,000
Arkansas	$90–$150	$135,000–$375,000
California	$200–$400	$300,000–$1,000,000
Colorado	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
Connecticut	$180–$250	$270,000–$625,000
Delaware	$120–$170	$180,000–$425,000
Florida	$110–$200	$165,000–$500,000
Georgia	$100–$180	$150,000–$450,000
Hawaii	$300–$600	$450,000–$1,500,000
Idaho	$100–$200	$150,000–$500,000
Illinois	$120–$200	$180,000–$500,000
Indiana	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Iowa	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Kansas	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Kentucky	$90–$150	$135,000–$375,000
Louisiana	$90–$150	$135,000–$375,000
Maine	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
Maryland	$120–$200	$180,000–$500,000
Massachusetts	$200–$350	$300,000–$875,000
Michigan	$100–$180	$150,000–$450,000
Minnesota	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
Mississippi	$90–$140	$135,000–$350,000
Missouri	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Montana	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
Nebraska	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Nevada	$130–$250	$195,000–$625,000
New Hampshire	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
New Jersey	$180–$300	$270,000–$750,000
New Mexico	$100–$180	$150,000–$450,000
New York	$200–$350	$300,000–$875,000
North Carolina	$100–$180	$150,000–$450,000
North Dakota	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Ohio	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Oklahoma	$90–$140	$135,000–$350,000
Oregon	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
Pennsylvania	$120–$200	$180,000–$500,000
Rhode Island	$180–$250	$270,000–$625,000
South Carolina	$100–$180	$150,000–$450,000
South Dakota	$100–$160	$150,000–$400,000
Tennessee	$110–$200	$165,000–$500,000
Texas	$100–$200	$150,000–$500,000
Utah	$110–$200	$165,000–$500,000
Vermont	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
Virginia	$120–$200	$180,000–$500,000
Washington	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000
West Virginia	$90–$150	$135,000–$375,000
Wisconsin	$120–$200	$180,000–$500,000
Wyoming	$150–$250	$225,000–$625,000

Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC represent major system costs because each requires labor-intensive and specialized work and complex equipment. Homes generally require rough-in plumbing, electrical wiring, ductwork, and HVAC unit installation.

System installation costs range from $20,000 to $75,000, depending on size and type. For instance, standard HVAC installation costs between $5,000 and $12,500, but opting for a geothermal heat pump over standard forced air can increase costs to $24,450 or more.

System Type	Average Cost Range
HVAC	$5,000–$12,500
Electrical	$7,000–$13,000
Plumbing	$7,500–$17,500

Interior Finishes

Interior home finishes refer to the materials and treatments inside your home that serve both decorative and functional purposes. Depending on the quality of your materials, interior finishing averages $50,000 to $175,000. Complex or premium finishing materials, such as countertops or flooring, represent the high end of the cost range. The low end also includes various materials offering functionality, durability, and visual appeal.

Examples of interior finishes include:

Interior Finish Type	Average Cost Range
Cabinets	$2,000–$11,000
Countertops	$1,900–$4,500
Flooring	$3–$25 per sq. ft.
Painting and wallpaper	$2–$6 per sq. ft.
Appliances	$3,000–$15,000
Lighting	$2,000–$12,000
Interior doors	$360–$1,200 per door
Fireplace	$1,000–$10,000

Exterior Finishes

Exterior finishes, which range from $40,000 to $60,000 in total, refer to materials and installations outside your home, such as siding, shingles, masonry veneer, and more. These materials are generally meant to protect your home and provide visual appeal.

Like interior finishes, the cost of exterior finishes depends on the quality of materials and installation complexity. For example, stucco may require specialized labor, while stone details carry high material costs.

Exterior Finish	Average Cost Range
Windows	$2,300–$7,300
Driveway	$2,500–$7,300
Hardscaping	$5,000–$18,000
Siding	$6,400–$18,300
Roofing	$5,900–$13,200
Landscaping	$3,000–$15,000
Painting	$1,700–$5,700

Other Home Building Cost Factors

While materials and general construction make up most of your budget, other factors can also influence costs.

Site Prep

Land plots may require site prep if they haven’t already been developed, which ranges from $2,000 to $35,000. This includes clearing and grading the land and sometimes soil testing, inspections, and soil amendments. If not already in place, your plot may require additional costs for plumbing, sewer, and electrical connections.

Site Prep Task	Average Cost Range
Excavation and grading	$1,400–$6,200
Land surveyor	$400–$750
Soil testing	$650–$2,150
Water and sewer connection	$2,500–$11,700
Electrical connection	$3,000–$25,000

Building Plans

You can choose from a variety of stock plans or pre-designed home plans with popular features. Expect to pay $500 to $5,000 for stock plans. Custom plans require an architect or similar professional and cost $2,000 to $20,000.

Permits

Permits are required to build a new home. The cost of a building permit is between $1,200 and $2,000. Permit costs vary based on your area’s regulations and the complexity of your build.

Additional Home Areas

Building a pool, backyard, or basement adds additional costs to your project.

Outdoor Space

Outdoor living spaces, including landscaping and hardscaping tasks, average $7,800 and range between $4,150 and $20,000. Extensive, complex, or luxury projects can exceed this cost range.

For example, in-ground pools cost anywhere from $33,000 for a basic model to $100,000 or more for a luxury custom design. Outdoor kitchens cost between $6,350 and $26,900, and decks cost $4,300 to $12,500.

Basement

Building a basement averages $20 to $37 per square foot, depending on its size, complexity, and level of finish. Finishing a basement, which includes adding flooring, walls, and fixtures, can increase costs from $10,000 to $100,000. Luxury finishes and features, such as a home theater or additional living space, increase costs further.

Garage

Adding a detached garage costs $26,400, ranging from $19,200 to $33,600. These ranges vary based on the square footage, but adding a workshop or storage to the space can also drive costs higher.

Style of Home

The cost to build a new home varies across types, from $50 to $400 per square foot. Here's how popular styles vary in cost per square foot:

Ranch home: $100–$200
Modular home: $50–$160
Timber-framed home: $200–$250
Steel-framed home: $10–$15
Pool house: $25–$600
Brick house: $10–$15
Bungalow: $120–$175
Concrete house: $110–$250
Log cabin: $125–$300
Tiny home: $300–$400
Mid-century modern house: $200–$500
Treehouse: $75,000–$400,000
Guest house: $100–$250
A-frame home: $100–$200
Beach house: $150–$700
Dome house: $100–$250

Budgeting for the Cost of Building a House

Building a home is likely one of the biggest investments you make. To streamline costs while still maximizing your investment, try these budgeting strategies:

Focus on essential features in areas where you spend the most time, such as the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.
Opt for common, discounted, or otherwise budget-friendly materials when possible.
Get bids from multiple contractors to find the most competitive option.
Avoid excessive customization. Instead, prioritize custom features where they make the biggest impact.
Choose prefabricated elements and templated building plans where it makes sense.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house?

Building a home is generally less expensive than purchasing an existing one. With the national average to buy an existing home around $393,500, building a home offers a moderate cost-saving advantage. Your actual savings depend on the degree of customization, land costs, and your area.

How do I finance building a house?

A construction loan is one of the most common financing options available for building a home. You’ll typically need a high credit score and make a down payment when you apply for the loan. Other alternatives include federal construction loans for active and retired service members, hard money loans, and construction loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

How long does it take to build a house?

Building a house takes about seven months, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction. Consider the demand for housing, labor shortages, and supply-chain issues, and allow a few extra months for delays and other unforeseen circumstances when building a house.