How Much Does it Cost to Build a House?

2018-08-21

how

Building a house is a dream for many people, but it can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, from the cost of materials and labor to the time it takes to complete the project. In this article, we'll break down the costs associated with building a house and provide some tips for saving money on your build.

The cost of building a house can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the house, the materials used, and the location of the build. In general, however, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per square foot to build a house. This means that a 2,000-square-foot house could cost anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 to build.

Now that you have a general idea of how much it costs to build a house, let's take a closer look at the different factors that can affect the cost of your build.

how much does it cost to build a house

Many factors affect the cost of building a house.

Size of the house
Complexity of the design
Materials used
Labor costs
Location of the build
Permits and fees
Timeline of the project
Unexpected expenses

By carefully considering all of these factors, you can get a good estimate of how much it will cost to build your dream home.

Size of the house

The size of your house is one of the most important factors that will affect the cost of your build. The larger the house, the more materials and labor will be required, and the higher the cost will be.

Square footage:
The cost to build a house is typically calculated on a per-square-foot basis. This means that the more square footage your house has, the more it will cost to build.
Number of rooms:
The number of rooms in your house will also affect the cost of your build. Each room requires materials and labor to construct, so the more rooms you have, the higher the cost will be.
Room size:
The size of each room in your house will also affect the cost of your build. Larger rooms require more materials and labor to construct than smaller rooms.
Story count:
If you are planning to build a multi-story house, the cost of your build will be higher than if you are building a single-story house. This is because multi-story houses require more materials and labor to construct.

By carefully considering the size of your house, you can get a good estimate of how much it will cost to build.

Complexity of the design

The complexity of the design of your house will also affect the cost of your build. A more complex design will require more materials and labor, and will therefore be more expensive to build.

Roof design:
The design of your roof can have a significant impact on the cost of your build. A simple roof design, such as a gable roof, will be less expensive to build than a more complex roof design, such as a hip roof or a mansard roof.
Window and door design:
The type and number of windows and doors in your house will also affect the cost of your build. Custom windows and doors are more expensive than standard windows and doors. Additionally, the more windows and doors you have, the higher the cost of your build will be.
Interior layout:
The interior layout of your house will also affect the cost of your build. A more complex interior layout, with lots of different rooms and hallways, will be more expensive to build than a simpler interior layout.
Finishes:
The finishes you choose for your house, such as the type of flooring, countertops, and cabinets, will also affect the cost of your build. Higher-end finishes will be more expensive than lower-end finishes.

By carefully considering the complexity of the design of your house, you can get a good estimate of how much it will cost to build.

Materials used

The materials you choose for your house will also have a significant impact on the cost of your build. Some materials are more expensive than others, and some materials require more labor to install. Here are some of the most common materials used in house construction, along with their associated costs:

Wood: Wood is a popular choice for house construction, as it is relatively affordable and easy to work with. However, wood is also susceptible to rot and termites, so it is important to choose a type of wood that is resistant to these problems.

Concrete: Concrete is another popular choice for house construction, as it is strong and durable. However, concrete is also more expensive than wood, and it requires more labor to install.

Brick: Brick is a classic material for house construction, and it can give your home a timeless look. However, brick is also more expensive than wood or concrete, and it requires more labor to install.

Metal: Metal is a less common choice for house construction, but it can be a good option for modern or industrial-style homes. Metal is strong and durable, but it can also be more expensive than other materials.

In addition to the materials used for the structure of your house, you will also need to choose materials for the interior of your home, such as flooring, countertops, and cabinets. The cost of these materials will vary depending on the type of material you choose.

Labor costs

Labor costs are another major expense to consider when building a house. The cost of labor will vary depending on the location of your build, the complexity of the design, and the materials used. In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for labor costs.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common labor costs associated with house construction:

Excavation and foundation: This includes the cost of digging the foundation and pouring the concrete.
Framing: This includes the cost of building the frame of the house, including the walls, roof, and floors.
Electrical: This includes the cost of installing the electrical wiring and fixtures.
Plumbing: This includes the cost of installing the plumbing pipes and fixtures.
HVAC: This includes the cost of installing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Insulation: This includes the cost of installing insulation in the walls, roof, and floors.
Drywall: This includes the cost of installing drywall on the walls and ceilings.
Painting: This includes the cost of painting the interior and exterior of the house.
Flooring: This includes the cost of installing flooring, such as carpet, hardwood, or tile.
Cabinets and countertops: This includes the cost of installing cabinets and countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The best way to get an accurate estimate of the labor costs for your build is to get quotes from several different contractors. Be sure to compare the quotes carefully before making a decision.

Location of the build

The location of your build will also have a significant impact on the cost of your house. The cost of land and labor can vary widely from one location to another. In general, you can expect to pay more for land and labor in urban areas than in rural areas.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the cost of building a house in a particular location:

Cost of land: The cost of land is one of the biggest factors that will affect the cost of your build. Land prices can vary significantly from one location to another. In general, land is more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas.
Cost of labor: The cost of labor can also vary significantly from one location to another. In general, labor costs are higher in urban areas than in rural areas. This is because there is more competition for labor in urban areas.
Availability of materials: The availability of materials can also affect the cost of building a house. In some locations, certain materials may be more expensive or difficult to obtain than in other locations.
Local regulations: Local regulations can also affect the cost of building a house. For example, some municipalities may have stricter building codes than others. This can lead to higher construction costs.

Before you start planning your build, it is important to research the cost of land and labor in your chosen location. You should also be aware of any local regulations that may affect the cost of your build.

Permits and fees

Before you can start building your house, you will need to obtain a building permit from your local government. The cost of a building permit will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. In general, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for a building permit.

In addition to the building permit, you may also need to pay other fees, such as:

Plan review fees: These fees are charged by the local government to review your building plans and ensure that they comply with local building codes.
Impact fees: These fees are charged by the local government to help pay for the impact that your new house will have on the community. Impact fees can cover things like new roads, schools, and parks.
Utility connection fees: These fees are charged by the local utility companies to connect your new house to water, sewer, and electricity.

The total cost of permits and fees can vary significantly from one location to another. It is important to research the cost of permits and fees in your chosen location before you start planning your build.

Timeline of the project

The timeline of your project will also affect the cost of your build. The longer it takes to build your house, the more it will cost.

Permitting and approvals: The first step in any construction project is to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from the local government. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your project.
Site preparation: Once you have obtained the necessary permits, you will need to prepare the site for construction. This includes clearing the land, excavating the foundation, and installing utilities.
Foundation and framing: The next step is to build the foundation and frame of your house. This is typically done using concrete and wood.
Exterior finishes: Once the foundation and frame are in place, you can start to install the exterior finishes, such as siding, roofing, and windows.
Interior finishes: Once the exterior finishes are complete, you can start to install the interior finishes, such as drywall, flooring, and cabinets.

The timeline for each of these steps will vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. However, you can expect the entire construction process to take anywhere from six months to a year.

Unexpected expenses

Even the most carefully planned construction project can experience unexpected expenses. These expenses can range from minor inconveniences to major setbacks. Here are some of the most common unexpected expenses that can occur during a house build:

Weather delays: Bad weather can delay construction and drive up costs. For example, if there is a lot of rain, the foundation may not be able to be poured on schedule. This can lead to delays and additional costs.
Material shortages: Sometimes, there can be shortages of certain materials, which can also lead to delays and additional costs. For example, if there is a shortage of lumber, the cost of lumber may go up, and the construction schedule may be delayed.
Subcontractor issues: Subcontractors are often used to perform specialized tasks on a construction project. If a subcontractor does not perform their work properly, it can lead to delays and additional costs. For example, if the electrician does not install the wiring properly, it may need to be redone, which will cost more money and time.
Change orders: Sometimes, homeowners decide to make changes to the plans during construction. This can lead to change orders, which are written agreements between the homeowner and the contractor that outline the changes and the associated costs. Change orders can add significant costs to the project.

The best way to avoid unexpected expenses is to plan carefully and to have a contingency fund in place. A contingency fund is a sum of money that is set aside to cover unexpected expenses. This fund can help to mitigate the financial impact of unexpected expenses and keep the project on track.

FAQ

If you are planning to build a house, you may have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how much it costs to build a house, along with their answers:

Question 1: How much does it cost to build a house per square foot?
Answer: The cost to build a house per square foot can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the house, the materials used, and the location of the build. In general, however, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per square foot to build a house.

Question 2: What are the biggest expenses when building a house?
Answer: The biggest expenses when building a house typically include the cost of materials, labor, and permits and fees. The cost of materials will vary depending on the type of materials used, while the cost of labor will vary depending on the location of the build and the complexity of the project. Permits and fees can also add a significant amount to the cost of your build.

Question 3: How can I save money when building a house?
Answer: There are a number of ways to save money when building a house, such as choosing less expensive materials, doing some of the work yourself, and getting multiple quotes from contractors. You can also save money by planning carefully and avoiding change orders.

Question 4: How long does it take to build a house?
Answer: The timeline for building a house can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the weather and the availability of materials and labor. However, you can expect the entire construction process to take anywhere from six months to a year.

Question 5: What are some unexpected expenses that can occur during a house build?
Answer: Some unexpected expenses that can occur during a house build include weather delays, material shortages, subcontractor issues, and change orders. It is important to plan carefully and to have a contingency fund in place to cover these unexpected expenses.

Question 6: How can I find a good contractor to build my house?
Answer: There are a number of ways to find a good contractor to build your house, such as getting recommendations from friends or family, reading online reviews, and interviewing multiple contractors. It is important to choose a contractor who is experienced, reputable, and licensed.

Question 7: What are some tips for designing a house that is both affordable and stylish?
Answer: There are a number of tips for designing a house that is both affordable and stylish, such as choosing a simple design, using less expensive materials, and incorporating energy-efficient features. You can also save money by choosing a smaller house and by doing some of the work yourself.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how much it costs to build a house. If you are planning to build a house, it is important to do your research and to get multiple quotes from contractors. This will help you to get the best possible price for your build.

Now that you know more about the costs involved in building a house, you can start planning your budget and making decisions about the design and construction of your dream home.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you save money and get the most for your money when building a house:

Tip 1: Choose a simple design. The more complex the design of your house, the more it will cost to build. By choosing a simpler design, you can save money on materials and labor.

Tip 2: Use less expensive materials. There are a wide variety of building materials available, and some are more expensive than others. By choosing less expensive materials, you can save money without sacrificing quality.

Tip 3: Do some of the work yourself. If you are handy, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself. For example, you could paint the house yourself or install the flooring.

Tip 4: Get multiple quotes from contractors. Before you hire a contractor, it is important to get multiple quotes. This will help you to get the best possible price for your build.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can save money and get the most for your money when building a house. Remember to plan carefully, do your research, and get multiple quotes from contractors. With a little planning, you can build your dream home without breaking the bank.

Building a house can be a daunting task, but it is also a rewarding one. By following the tips in this article, you can save money and get the most for your money when building your dream home.

Conclusion