It costs anywhere from $401,000 to $810,000 to build a custom home in Seattle. And that’s just for construction! Land costs can add a hefty $80,400 Avg. per acre. Let’s not forget about the rising costs of permits, materials, and labor fees.
In contrast, buying a new construction home in Seattle is a faster and more cost-effective option. With 26.2% of homes with price drops, now is the perfect time to find your dream home!
Cost Breakdown of Building a Home in Seattle, WA
For an average house size of 3,000 sq ft in Seattle, the average cost is $250 per square foot. Here is a cost breakdown:
| Cost Head | Average Costs |
| Land Cost | $80,400 Avg. per acre |
| Water and Sewer Inspections | $270 – $1,737 |
| Building Permits | $6,597 |
| Foundation | $7.02 – $26.47 per square foot |
| Framing | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Exterior Siding | $3.49 – $8.86 per square foot |
| Roofing | $184.36 – $2,074.05 per 100 square foot |
| HVAC | $4,113.53 – $5,413.27 |
| Plumbing | $79.22 – $89.88 per hour (plus parts and materials) |
| Electrical | $74.90 – $91.03 per hour (plus parts and materials) |
| Drywall | $1.81 – $1.94 per square foot |
| Painting | $1.68 – $4.61 per square foot |
*Source: ProMatcher
What’s the Area-Wise Cost to Build a House in Seattle, WA?
Seattle home construction costs depend on the square footage of your home:
*The cost range has been calculated at an average of $250 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 Seattle 
Your estimated cost to build a house in WA is:
Material Cost of Building a House in Seattle, WA
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 Seattle:
- 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 Seattle home roofing prices per 100 square foot for various materials:
*Source: ProMatcher
- Exterior Painting: Prices may vary based on your choice of exterior. On average, it ranges from $1.68 to $5.56 per square foot.
- Insulation: Fiberglass, drywall, and foam insulation help regulate the temperature inside your home. It costs $1.62 to $1.74 per square foot for the installation.
- Windows & Doors: If you hire a professional to install windows and doors, it will cost from $344 to $864, depending on the material and its uses.
- Flooring Materials: The cost of laminate flooring installation in Seattle ranges between $4.65 and $5.38 per square foot.
- Cabinets & Countertops: Features like granite countertops and teak wood cabinets in kitchens may cost between $87.08 and $124.03 per square foot.
- Plumbing Fixtures: The cost to install sinks, faucets, showers, and PVC pipes throughout a home is between $2,460 and $11,250.
Labor Cost to Build a Home in Seattle, WA
A contractor can help you hire laborers and professionals for the construction process. Their work and associated costs include:
| Professionals | Hourly Rate |
| Flooring Installers | $33.93 |
| Roofers | $24.72 |
| Painters | $27.32 |
| Brick Masons | $28.76 |
| Landscapers | $25.08 |
| General Contractors | $77.00 |
| Plumbers | $56.35 |
| Carpenters | $33.11 |
| HVAC Technicians | $40.23 |
| Structural Engineers | $46.81 |
| Electricians | $41.47 |
*Source: Indeed.com
What Are the Indirect Costs to Build a House in Seattle, WA?
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: $83,000 Per Acre
Before you build your house in Seattle, you need to shop for land. The costs are:
- Purchase Cost: The average price per acre in Seattle is $80,400. 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. Seattle Home Building Permit Costs: $8,597
The cost per square foot to build a home in Seattle 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: $6,597
- HVAC Permit: $250 to $400
- Plumbing Permit: $50 to $500
- Electrical Permit: $10 to $500
3. Home Interiors: $92.25 – $104.69 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.
How Can You Finance Your Home Construction in Seattle, WA?
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 Seattle, WA?
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 Seattle is $700,000. This amount can go beyond $950,000 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 Seattle cost a median of $835,000. You can also easily find homes for sale in Seattle under 400K in 1.5 to 2 months. So, buying a turnkey home is not just cheaper but also faster in the current Washington housing market.
If you buy a home for sale in Seattle, 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 Seattle?
It costs $201,000 to $310,000 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 Seattle?
Building a house in Seattle costs about $150 to $250 per square foot. Home-building costs depend on property type, construction area, labor costs, etc.
How much are roof installation costs in Seattle, WA?
Roof installation cost ranges from $184.36 to $2,074.05 per 100 square foot in Seattle.
