It costs anywhere from $110,000 to $550,000 to build a custom home in the US. And that’s just for construction! Average land costs are from $4,000 to $350,000 per acre. Let’s not forget about the rising costs of permits, materials, and labor fees.
In contrast, buying an existing home in the US is a faster and more cost-effective option. With an 11.1% increase in homes for sale and 18% of homes with price drops, now is the perfect time to find your dream home.
Cost Breakdown of Building a Home in the US
For an average house size of 3,000 sq ft in the US, the average cost is $158 per square foot. Here is a cost breakdown:
| Cost Head | Average Costs |
| Land Cost | $4,000 to $350,000 avg. per acre |
| Water and Sewer Inspections | $270 – $1,737 |
| Building Permits | Minimum $30 |
| Foundation | $7 per sq ft |
| Framing | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Exterior Siding | $3.17 – $6.19 per sq ft |
| Roofing | $167 – $1,880 per 100 sq ft |
| AC Installation | $3,732 – $4,910 |
| Plumbing | $80 – $260 per hour plus materials |
| Electrical | $135.91 – $154.73 |
| Drywall | $1.64 – $1.76 per sq ft |
| Painting | $1.75 – $3.79 per sq ft |
*Source for other costs: ProMatcher
What’s the Area-Wise Cost to Build a House in the US?
Home construction costs depend on the square footage of your home:
*The average cost range has been calculated at $158 per sq ft.
Now you can use our Cost to Build a House Calculator to get an instant estimate based on your square feet area. You will get customized estimates for your project.
Calculate the Cost to Build a House in the US 
Your estimated cost to build a house is:
Material Cost of Building a House
You can expect to spend about $50 per square foot on material costs. Here are the material expenses you need to consider to build your home in the US:
- Framing Materials: Foundation, lumber, and steel beams will require about $20,000 to $50,000.
- Roof Installation: The roofing cost depends on the type of material you select, the roof’s slope, and the size of your home. Here are the the US home roofing prices per square foot for various materials:
*Source: ProMatcher
- Exterior Painting: Prices may vary based on your choice of exterior. On average, it costs from $1.77 to $3.89 per hour plus materials.
- Insulation: Fiberglass, drywall, and foam insulation help regulate the temperature inside your home. It costs from $0.89 to $2.61 per square foot.
- Windows & Doors: If you hire a professional to install windows and doors, it will cost from $167 to $914, depending on the material and its uses.
- Flooring Materials: The cost of wood flooring installation ranges between $6.90 and $9.68 per square foot.
- Cabinets & Countertops: Features like granite countertops and teak cabinets in kitchens may cost between $202 and $657 per cabinet.
- Plumbing Fixtures: The cost to install sinks, faucets, showers, and PVC pipes throughout a home is between $80 and $260 per hour plus materials.
Labor Cost to Build a Home
A contractor can help you hire laborers and professionals for the construction process. Their work and associated costs include:
| Professionals | Hourly Rate |
| Flooring Installers | $21.41 |
| Roofers | $23.71 |
| Painters | $21.03 |
| Brick Masons | $26.52 |
| Landscapers | $18.88 |
| General Contractors | $22.08 |
| Plumbers | $28.94 |
| Carpenters | $24.71 |
| HVAC Technicians | $29.00 |
| Structural Engineers | $43.39 |
| Electricians | $28.83 |
*Source: Indeed
What Are the Indirect Costs to Build a House in the US?
Indirect costs are incurred before the construction starts or after you move into the house. They include land costs, permit costs, interiors, etc.
1. Land Acquisition Costs: $7,000 – $353,000 Per Acre
Before you build your house, you need to shop for land. The costs are:
- Purchase Cost: The average price per acre in the US can be between $4,000 and $350,000. This depends on the size and location of the land.
- Preparation Cost: You must clear and level the land before the construction. This can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000.
2. US Home Building Permit Costs: Average $5,000
The cost per square foot to build a home in the US includes permit fees. Construction or building permits are legal documents that authorize the construction process.
Permit costs and building codes are usually based on the construction type, occupancy type, home building area, and project scope. Some permits you may need, along with their average costs, are:
- Building Permit: Minimum $30
- HVAC Permit: $250 to $400
- Plumbing Permit: $50 to $500
- Electrical Permit: $10 to $500
3. Home Interiors: $93.31 – $105.90 Per Hour (Plus Materials)
Before you move into your new home, you’ll need furniture, electronics, kitchen appliances, and bathroom essentials.
The costs will depend upon your preferences and the quality of the finish. For a 3,000 sq ft home, you should budget at least $30,000 for interior furnishings including labor.
How Can You Finance Your Home Construction?
You’re required to have a high credit score (above 480) and enough cash to make a 10% down payment of the project cost.
1. Home Construction Loans
The two most prominent home construction loans are:
- Construction-to-Permanent Loan: This loan covers land purchases and home-building costs. It is converted to a conventional loan after the construction is complete, and you move into the house.
- Construction-only Loan: It only covers the cost of home building. Your entire loan amount will be due after your home is ready. You can pay back the loan in cash or take out a mortgage.
2. Home Equity Loan
If you have home equity, you can finance some or all of your new home’s construction with a home equity loan.
Your home equity is the difference between your property’s fair market value and the remaining loan amount.
Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a House in the US?
It is usually cheaper to buy a home than to build a new one. However, by building your own home, you have the freedom to customize it to your needs.
The average price to build a house in the US is $350,000. This amount can go beyond $500,000 if you include land costs, excavations, permits, and other expenses. Moreover, new home construction can take up to 9 to 12 months.
On the other hand, US homes cost a median of $429,813. You can also easily find homes for sale in the US under 400K in 1.5 to 2 months. So, buying a turnkey home is not just cheaper but also faster in the current US housing market.
Clearly, the cost to build a house is higher than the cost to buy one. If you buy a home for sale in the US, you can move in quickly and renovate it as you wish.
Average Home Building Costs in Each State
Below is the table showing the average cost to build a 3,000 square feet house in each state:
Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as advice or recommendation. Houzeo does not provide any legal or financial advice. The figures mentioned in this blog post are the estimated average costs for the state/city in question. They are applicable as of the date the blog was written. Actual costs may vary depending on various factors, including location, specific building plans, materials used, labor costs, permits, and other local factors.
Please consult with local builders, contractors, and architects to obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing information for your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to build a house in the US?
It costs $110,000 to $650,000 on average, excluding the land cost. This will vary depending on location, property type, labor expenses, material costs, etc.
How much does it cost to build a house per square foot?
Building a house costs about $158 to $400 per square foot. Home-building costs depend on property type, construction area, labor costs, etc.
How much is the cost per sq ft to build in the US?
The house construction costs can be around $158 to $400 per square foot. You can check the complete cost breakdown and plan your budget.
