Building a House in Texas? Here is What it Might Cost You

Breaking down the average cost to build a house in Texas in 2024

Remember that the price ranges we’re providing are a general estimate. Your agent and, eventually, your builder, can give you much more specific information on pricing.

Building Phase	Average cost nationwide (2024)
Foundation	$9,240
Framing	$18,500-$27,500
Roof	$5,855-$13,080
Siding	$5,570-$17,600
Appliances	$2,100-$5,400
HVAC System	$5,000-$12,500
Plumbing System	$370-$2,085
Electrical System	$4,000-$8,000
Building Permits	$500-$2,000
Finishes and Fixtures	$42,000 – $175,000

Buying a plot of land ($6,471 per acre)

According to a March 2024 report by the National Association of Realtors, national land sales rose 1.2% in 2023, moderating from previous years. Land sales for residential use were also up, accounting for 1.4% of all residential real estate sales in 2023.

The USDA’s land values report for August 2023 — which evaluates farmland real estate values — indicates that Texas’ average value per acre was $2,590 in 2023, which is a 7.0% increase over 2022’s land value of $2,420 per acre.

The median price per acre of rural land in Texas exceeded $4,500 during the first three quarters of 2023. The cost of purchasing a plot of land will of course depend on location, demand, and lot size (for example, recreational or residential), and this is where an expert buyer’s agent will come in handy. Work with your agent to scour local land listings to find your perfect plot to build your home. Here are some things to consider:

• Land improvements: The costs to clear the land and excavate can add up quickly, so be sure to account for these costs in your land budget.
• Soil type: Clay soils are prone to causing foundation issues due to their expansion in wet conditions, while clay loam is less prone to expansion and is less likely to cause shifting, cracking, or other damage to the foundation of the home.
• Local zoning laws: Individual cities and towns will have regulations on square footage, utilities, and land use. Be sure to consult with your buyer’s agent to make sure you are buying the right plot of land for what you plan to build on it.

Foundation ($4,067-$14,835)

Foundation costs will vary depending on whether you’re pouring a slab or digging a basement, but a typical price range is between $4,067 and $14,835.

Framing ($18,500-$27,500)

Framing is when the sticks go up and a structure actually starts to take shape. Expect to pay between $18,500 and $27,500 for this phase of building a house in Texas. The more complex the home is, the more expensive the framing will be. For example, the cost to frame a standard 750-square-foot addition would range between $4,500 and $7,500, or between $6 and $10 per square foot on average. Keep in mind that more intricate or complex designs will likely fall towards the higher end of this cost range.

Roof ($5,855-$13,080)

Roofing doesn’t come cheap — whether you’re putting one on a new house or replacing the roof on an existing home. The costs of a new roof typically range from $5,855-$13,080.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Texas, costing between $5,700 and $12,000. Metal roofs, however, are becoming more popular as they are generally more energy-efficient and last longer than shingle roofs. Metal roofs are more expensive than traditional shingles, costing between $6,200 and $34,000.

Siding ($5,570-$17,600)

Siding is another big variable: Are we talking vinyl, wood, brick, concrete, stone, stucco, or something else entirely? Siding costs range between $5,570 and $17,600 with common vinyl or engineered wood siding typically priced between $3 and $12 per square foot. If you decide to replace your siding yourself, you can save between $40 and $90 per hour in labor costs.

Appliances ($2,100-$5,400)

You guessed it — appliance pricing also varies widely. Depending on brand, functionality, finish, and so on, you’ll spend an average of $2,100 and $5,400, but you can certainly spend up to $13,000 or more on high-end appliances.

HVAC System ($5,000-$12,500)

The installation of a new heating and cooling system could cost $5,000 and $12,500 depending on the size of your home.

Plumbing System ($370-$2,085)

Plumbing can cost anywhere from $370 to $2,085 on average. The cost to replace a pipe (including materials and labor) is approximately $1,220, which covers a range of pipe replacements — from the P-trap under your bathroom sink to the sewer line in your yard.

Electrical System ($4,000-$8,000)

The cost to wire a house is, on average, between $4,000 and $8,000.

Building Permits (Variable)

Permits vary by state, city, and county, but they typically range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.

Finishes and Fixtures

Finishes and fixtures comprise everything from countertops to sinks, lighting to flooring. Needless to say, pricing varies wildly and depends heavily on your preferences.

Average carpet installation costs can start at several hundred dollars and go up to $3,000, while hardwood flooring installation starts at around $2,475 on up to $7,031.

Laminate countertops tend to range from $842 to $1,733, while granite averages from $1,840 to $4,386.

Additional costs of building a custom home in Texas

As we mentioned, building a custom home usually comes with additional costs. Again, your agent can help you determine more accurate costs — these are average figures provided to give you an idea.

Hiring an architect ($35,000 – $140,000)

According to Angi, architects typically charge between 8% and 15% of the total project costs. For remodeling projects, some architects may charge up to 15% to 20%, while for new construction jobs, fees can be as low as 5%. The typical cost of hiring an architect, regardless of their specialization, falls between $2,185 and $11,608, with an average fee of $6,600.

Land survey ($376 – $770)

Land surveys, which identify your property lines and land features, range between $376 and $770.

Excavation and grading ($1,550 – $6,330)

If you’re buying a tract home, the land price will be rolled into the overall price to build a home. If you’re buying a lot on your own and then building a custom home, expect to pay between $1,550 and $6,330 for excavation.

As we mentioned above, depending on the soil type of the land you are building on, excavation and grading costs can increase if there are underground obstructions such as rock shelves or boulders.

More affordable options for building a home in Texas

While going with a bare-bones building strategy can get you into a new construction home for less, cheaper isn’t always better. Poor build quality will inevitably lead to problems down the road — anything from a leaky roof to poor sound insulation can be a frustrating discovery when you’ve only been in your new home for a few months — and there’s value in creating a home you genuinely want, not just one you’re settling for.

Alternative home-building options can give you more for your money and offer valuable flexibility during the construction process.

Tiny homes ($30,000 – $60,000)

A tiny house is usually 600 square feet or less in size. They’re not ideal for large families, but building a tiny house can be faster and more affordable than a conventional home if one is a good fit for your lifestyle. On average, tiny homes cost between $30,000 and $60,000 to build.

According to a report by Architectural Digest, Texas ranks among the top three states with the highest number of luxury tiny homes for sale. Moore says that tiny homes are not especially common in her Fort Worth market, however, which means prospective buyers may need to do extra legwork to find a builder for this type of house.

Modular and prefabricated homes ($117,000)

In Moore’s market, modular homes are not common — but, in general, modular homebuilding in Texas tends to cost between $55 and $75 per square foot, with an average of $117,000.

If I were a buyer, I would look into a new home because they’re more energy efficient, they tend to increase in value long-term, and right now they’re even more affordable than resale homes. For our clients, we do recommend looking into new construction before we even start looking at existing homes.

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  Lily Moore Real Estate Agent at Lily Moore Realty

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  • Years of Experience 13
  • Transactions 1167
  • Average Price Point $440k
  • Single Family Homes 1132

Building a home in Texas is a great value

Between eager builders and plenty of available space for new homes, Moore believes it’s a great time to build a home in Texas.

In terms of timeframe, Moore says that since many builders have so many spec homes underway, it’s possible to get into a new construction home within just two or three months of signing a contract. Expect a wait of around ten months on a custom house purchased through a builder, and up to 24 months if you’re buying a raw piece of land and doing everything from scratch.

Moore encourages buyers to work closely with an agent who has experience with new construction homes and is familiar with the builders in the area. Quality, of course, can vary considerably and it’s best to have the guidance of an agent who knows what to expect. It’s also nice to have someone in your corner who can help you realize what’s possible when you perhaps thought otherwise.

“A lot of buyers think they won’t qualify for a new construction loan when the qualifications are actually the same,” says Moore. “When we start comparing apples to apples, I would say that 99% of the time, buyers decide to go with new construction over a preexisting home.”

Between great savings, a quick road to completion, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re the first person to live there, building a house in Texas is definitely the way to go in 2024.

Header Image Source: (Bailey Alexander / Unsplash)