VWB Blog Do you want to stop living in an apartment or trailer and build your home? Are you considering building the perfect home on a plot of land you’ve always wanted? Homeownership is a dream many people share, and building your own is a great way to make that dream a reality.
Being your general contractor saves you money, less than standard home prices. But it takes money to build a home, so what is its average cost?
Here is a breakdown of the cost of building a home and what to expect from the home-building process.
Building Permits
Building permits vary in price depending on the size and scope of the project. Generally, a building permit for a single-family home can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000 or more.
Other costs associated with the building permit process can include plan review and inspection fees, as well as any fees for required permits, such as electrical or plumbing permits. It is essential to research all costs of building permits before starting a home construction project.
Site Work
On average, site work for new construction will cost about $18,000 – $32,000. That number does not include the cost of the home, which will depend on the size and additional features, such as a pool or landscaping.
It is important to note that site work is typically separate from the cost of building a house, and these two components must be budgeted separately. It is essential to also factor in the price of excavation to ensure the ground is level and that the proper foundation is in place. This can range from $1,000 – $5,000 or more, depending on your location and scope of work.
Foundation
The cost of the foundation is a significant factor and is often the most expensive part of building a home. Typically, the national average cost of foundation installation ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the project’s size, type, and complexity.
Foundation costs vary based on local labor rates and the availability of materials. Soil conditions and how the foundation will be built must also be considered when estimating the cost.
Pouring a concrete slab foundation is cheaper than building a crawlspace or basement foundation. However, a concrete slab foundation is only suitable for certain homes and not ideal in certain climates.
Home Framing
The average cost of framing a home is around $36,000-$50,000 or roughly $6-$8 per square foot. Depending on the size of the house, materials used, and the labor cost, the total cost of framing a home can vary greatly. If the homeowner chooses higher-quality materials, labor requires extra work. The framing costs can be significantly higher.
On the other hand, if the homeowner chooses cheaper materials, skips specific steps such as insulation, or foregoes extra framing work, then the framing costs will be lower. Visit Ernst Brothers for more information about fees and help on how to build a home.
Exterior Finishes
Materials such as siding, soffits, fascia, stone veneer, masonry, stucco, brick, and stone can all vary significantly in cost. Most often, brick and stone veneer cost the most, followed by plaster, siding, and masonry. However, the quality of each material and associated labor can vary the cost significantly.
On average, one can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for external finishes, depending on the quality and extent of the work. Furthermore, upgrades such as gutters, downspouts, windows, and shutters can add to the overall home cost.
Interior Finishes
When it comes to interior finishes, these costs can vary significantly based on the level of quality desired. Low-end options like carpet or laminate flooring cost around $1,000 to $2,500 for materials and installation, while higher-end finishes such as marble or stone flooring can cost upwards of $10,000. Similarly, cabinetry, fixtures, and countertops can range from a few hundred dollars for basic options to several thousand for higher-quality materials.
Systems Installation
For complex system installations, such as a complete HVAC system, plumbing, wiring, satellite systems, etc., costs can vary depending on the components and respective labor costs. Many areas also have specific code requirements that will affect final costs.
Depending on specific needs and installation difficulties, installation costs range from $10,000 to $50,000. Electronic systems are factors in the price of building a home. These systems can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for the average homeowner looking for a comprehensive system.
Roofing
Roofing is often a significant contributing component to materials. Examples of these materials are asphalt shingles and metal cladding. The average roofing cost can range from a few thousand dollars for a small single-level home to tens of thousands for a large multi-level residence.
Factors like geographic location, roof framing, insulation, and ventilation can influence roofing materials and labor costs. Furthermore, the roof’s pitch, shape, and slope can significantly impact costs. A good rule of thumb is to expect 10-15% of the total building cost to contribute to the roofing cost.
Plumbing
On average, the installation and hookup of plumbing for a home can range from about $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the job and the materials used. This cost includes the installation of pipes, fixtures, fittings, pumps, and water heaters.
If repiping an existing property, expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on the size and type of pipes. Pre-manufactured homes may need extra materials and labor, adding to the cost of the plumbing job.
Electrical
Most single-family homes between 1,200 and 2,400 square feet will wire between $2,000 and $4,000. This includes the cost of basic wiring, outlets, switches, and installing light fixtures, ceiling fans, and a designated circuit for appliances.
The cost can exceed the average if the homeowner wants higher-quality wiring materials. Adding comfort wiring for lights, outlets, and appliances throughout the house, or if electrical work needs to be done to bring older wiring up to code. Before starting a job, it’s a good idea to shop around and get estimates from reputable electricians for the best deal.
Exterior Windows and Doors
Depending on the type of window or door installed, costs can range from $2,000 for basic standard windows to $20,000 for high-end custom-made ones. Most average-sized homes require 15-18 windows, so the price can quickly increase.
Doors have a wide range in pricing ranging from primary $500 entries to custom wooden or metal doors that cost up to $6,000. The number of windows and doors needed, the types chosen, and the installation costs will impact the average cost of building a home regarding exterior windows and doors.
Painting
When it comes to painting, the average cost of painting a new home once construction has been completed is anywhere from $1200 to $8000 or more. The price can vary depending on the house’s overall square footage and your chosen paint quality. If you’re looking for professional painting services, compare quotes to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Landscaping
For a bare, low-maintenance landscape, the cost of materials such as sod, plants, trees, mulch, and edging will generally run around $7,500, which does not include the cost of installation. A more complex landscape with additional hardscaping, outdoor lighting, and water features may cost $15,000.
Professional landscaping services can vary significantly in cost, with more intricate designs often requiring a licensed landscape architect. When building a home, most homeowners will factor in an estimated landscape cost to ensure adequate funding for the project.
Driveway
The cost of building a driveway is typically not included in your home’s build estimate. The cost of a driveway often depends on the type of material used, which typically ranges from asphalt to paved stone.
While asphalt may be cheaper, it also comes with a shorter lifespan, while paved stone is typically more expensive but can last many years. Building a driveway can range from $2,000 to $10,000 and may include labor costs.
Insulation
Good insulation saves you a significant amount on heating and cooling expenses. According to US News and World Report, the average cost of insulating a typical home ranges from $2,000 to $3,500.
Many factors will determine the best choice regarding insulation materials, such as climate, R-value, and installation fees. Proper maintenance means attic and wall insulation can last 40-50 years.
This initial cost is minimal compared to the wages saved from lower energy bills. The cost of sustainable materials, such as natural fiber insulation, can range significantly, depending on the material utilized.
Cost of Building a Home Must Know
On average, the cost of building a home is between $80 and $200 per square foot. But there is no clear answer because so many things go into making a house.
To better understand how much it will cost to build your dream home, you should talk to professionals who can give you advice and cost figures.
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