It costs anywhere from $260,000 to $1,000,000 to build a custom home in Iowa. And that’s just for construction! Land costs can add a hefty $51,100 per acre. Let’s not forget about the rising costs of permits, materials, and labor fees.
In contrast, buying a new construction home in the Hawkeye State is a faster and more cost-effective option. With a 4.2% increase in new listings and 27% of homes with price drops, now is the perfect time to find your dream home!
Cost Breakdown of Building a Home in Iowa
For an average house size of 3,000 sq ft in Iowa, the average cost is $160 per square foot. Here’s a breakdown:
| Cost Head | Average Costs |
| Land Cost | $51,100 per acre |
| Water and Sewer Inspections | $270 – $1,737 |
| Building Permits | Minimum $50 |
| Foundation | $5 per sq ft |
| Framing | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Exterior Siding | $3.17 – $6.19 per sq ft |
| Roofing | $149 – $1,680 per 100 sq ft |
| AC Installation | $3,339 – $4,394 |
| Plumbing | $64 – $72 per hour plus materials |
| Electrical | $121.61 – $138.45 |
| Drywall | $1.47 – $1.57 per sq ft |
*Source for other costs: ProMatcher
What’s the Area-Wise Cost to Build a House in Iowa?
Iowa home construction costs depend on the square footage of your home:
*The average cost range has been calculated at $160 per sq ft.
Material Cost of Building a House in Iowa
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 Iowa:
- 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 Iowa home roofing prices per square foot for various materials:
- Insulation: Fiberglass, drywall, and foam insulation help regulate the temperature inside your home. It costs from $0.94 to $2.34 per square foot.
- Windows & Doors: If you hire a professional to install windows and doors, it will cost from $149 to $818, depending on the material and its uses.
- Flooring Materials: The cost of wood flooring installation in Iowa ranges between $6.17 and $8.66 per square foot.
- Cabinets & Countertops: Features like granite countertops and teak cabinets in kitchens may cost between $36 and $42 per box.
- Plumbing Fixtures: The labor cost to install toilets, sinks, faucets, showers, and PVC pipes throughout a home is between $134 and $145 per hour plus materials.
Labor Cost to Build a Home in Iowa
A contractor can help you hire laborers and professionals for the construction process. Their work and associated costs include:
| Professionals | Hourly Rate |
| Flooring Installers | $19.04 |
| Roofers | $24.07 |
| Painters | $20.15 |
| Brick Masons | $29.21 |
| Landscapers | $19.29 |
| General Contractors | $33.06 |
| Plumbers | $28.83 |
| Carpenters | $23.23 |
| HVAC Technicians | $27.17 |
| Structural Engineers | $39.31 |
| Electricians | $28.78 |
*Source: Indeed
What Are the Indirect Costs to Build a House in Iowa?
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: $54,000 Per Acre
Before you build your house in Iowa, you need to shop for land. The costs are:
- Purchase Cost: The average price per acre in Iowa is $51,100. 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. Iowa Home Building Permit Costs: $2,000
The cost per square foot to build a home in Iowa 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 $50
- HVAC Permit: $250 to $400
- Plumbing Permit: $50 to $500
- Electrical Permit: $10 to $500
3. Home Interiors: $81 – $92 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 2,000 sq ft home, you should budget at least $20,000 for interior furnishings including labor.
How Can You Finance Your Home Construction in Iowa?
1. Home Construction Loans
You’re required to have a high credit score (above 480) and enough cash to make a 10% down payment of the project cost.
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 Iowa?
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 Iowa is $155,686. This amount can go beyond $300,000 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, homes in Iowa cost a median of $232,900. You can also easily find homes for sale in Iowa under 300K in 1.5 to 2 months. So, buying a turnkey home is not just cheaper but also faster in the current Iowa housing market.
Cost to Build vs. Cost to Buy in Iowa Cities
Let’s compare the cost to build a house and the cost to buy a house in Iowa’s most popular cities:
| City | Average Cost to Build (Including Land) | Average Cost to Buy |
| Des Moines ($150 per sq ft) | $500,000* | $208,000 |
*The average cost has been calculated for an average-sized home of 3,000 sq ft.
Clearly, the cost to build a house is higher than the cost to buy one. If you buy a home for sale in Iowa, you can move in quickly and renovate it as you wish.
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 Iowa?
It costs $260,000 to $1,000,000 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 in Iowa?
Building a house in Iowa costs about $100 to $160 per square foot. Home-building costs depend on property type, construction area, labor costs, etc.
How much does it cost to build a 3-bedroom house in Iowa?
The average cost to build a three bedroom house in Iowa is between $240,000 – $320,000.
How much is the cost per sq ft to build in Des Moines, Iowa?
The average house construction costs in Des Moines can be around $150 per square foot. You can check the complete cost breakdown and plan your budget.
