Table of Content
Of course, these are just the basic systems you may want included with your new home. You can also opt to install a home security system or even a more comprehensive smart home for security, temperature, lighting and more. Today’s houses are much more balanced and structured than they were in the past. As architects, we frequently take on more artistic liberties when designing, resulting in a more freeform approach to design.
In addition to the house, you may want to add many things to the structure or surrounding property. Patios, garages, landscaping, and driveways enhance your new home’s appearance and function. Many can be built with the home, while some are later additions. You can design the home from scratch or work from a set of plans that were not part of the manufacturer’s set layouts.
Home Building Cost Breakdown
Installing utility lines cost $2,500 to $25,000 for plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling units. Prices depend on the complexity of the job, and charges are higher for rural properties that require a septic tank, water well, and solar power. Some cheaper prefab house kits may also require you to purchase roof shingles separately. For assembly service only, expect to pay at least 10 percent more.

A land survey may also be required to obtain legal documentation of your site’s boundaries and topography before building on the property ($400–$700). Your contractor also should be familiar with local codes and the required building permits that you will need before beginning construction. Costs can vary, but you can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $2,000 for a building permit. Other permits, such as for basements, electrical, HVAC and plumbing, may also be required. A pole barn house completely finished out will cost $30 to $45 per square foot which makes it the cheapest house to build with quality in mind. Even if you own the land, demolishing an existing house costs $4 and $10 per square foot before the construction of your new home.
How much does it cost to build a new house?
Modular homes attached to a permanent foundation qualify for more loans, but on-frame modular homes are categorized as mobile homes and may require alternative lending sources. Clayton Homes typically includes delivery, installation, and finishes in the final cost. They allow for minor modifications for an additional charge, such as adding a bedroom, installing a bathtub, and modifying kitchen cabinetry. Follows the same building codes as regular site-built homes.
ExpenseCostDescriptionLot Cost$85,139A lot with core utilities such as gas, water and electric already running to it. If you were building your own home with contractors as vendors, this last category would be embedded into their quotes. Your lifestyle, preferences, and expectations will largely impact the price per square foot. We recommend including a reputable builder early in the design phase.
Barndominium FAQs
Material cost estimates can vary widely by home size, design, and expense for shipment or delivery to the site. Lumber, for example, may cost between $25,000 and $65,000 while concrete may cost between $1,000 and $10,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Study our Home Improvement Cost Estimator as much as you can to get an idea of average costs for each stage of your home build. Any different shapes have different cost implications, with squares being the least expensive and curved walls being more expensive.
One way prospective homeowners can control costs is to have a fixed contract with the builder, so if the price of materials continues to go up, the consumer won’t see the impact. With a budget of half a million dollars, you can more comfortably construct a four-bedroom home, or up to 4,000 square feet. Or you could go for a smaller home with more luxury — think granite countertops, hardwood floors, and high-end appliances. Your new house will also need new appliances, like a refrigerator, dishwasher and washer/dryer. If it’s your first time buying large appliances, it’s a good idea to check out price ranges so you can add these items to your calculations.
Purchase Construction Insurance
Since this price range is well above the average price of an existing home, consumers seeking a newly constructed home often ask whether it would be cheaper to just build a house. The cost to install HVAC ranges from about $7,000 to $12,500. That includes installing ductwork, central AC and a furnace.
However, that doesn’t mean you will be expected to pay the remaining materials costs necessary to finish the barndominium out. We will then be able to compute with some accuracy the barndominium price per square foot on any kit — no matter who the manufacturer is or how big the kit is — DIY or turnkey . That’s wonderfully low, but it counts on you doing everything from hanging drywall to plumbing the place by yourself. If so, you’re going to save a lot of money no matter what barndo DIY kit you choose, from whatever vendor.
Check with your builder to find out what options are available in your area. A considerable amount of labor goes into obtaining the correct permits, developing a home plan, hiring a team, and preparing the lot before construction even begins. You can expect pre-construction considerations to make up about 10 percent to 25 percent of total project costs. Your contractor can accurately schedule out the inspections that will need to be carried out during construction.
A two-story home with bedrooms on the second floor can also produce utility savings, if you routinely turn off the heat and air conditioning during the day. All but the wealthiest people approach a new-home project with a budget, and house plans are certainly a great way to economize on design without sacrificing quality. But the bigger question is how much it will cost to construct your house. Trained designers and builders can look at a house plan and arrive at a ballpark estimate of construction costs. A home in the Northeast costs 55% more than one in the South. Before you move into your new home, you must first decide where to live.
The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home and also a large portion of any construction budget. Expect to spend between $4,500 and $13,500 for a typical slab foundation. If you’re still on the fence about building a new home, here are some frequently asked questions about the homebuilding process. At this point, the frame is up, and the structure is beginning to look like a real house.

Since framing often requires wood, keep in mind that lumber prices have been soaring since April 2020, a trend that could make this aspect of the home building cost continue to rise. While a simple slab is on the lower end, if you want to create a basement , costs increase with more material, reinforcement with rebar, and additional excavation. There is a wide range of construction materials available on the market, and the price can vary significantly depending on the type you choose. However, the wood frame construction is going to be the cheapest option.