What is The Most Expensive Part of Building a New House (2024)

March 9, 2023
What is The Most Expensive Part of Building a New House (1)

Building a home is expensive and there are many factors to consider when trying to build a home within your means.

The Foundation

Building a foundation is often among the most costly items on this list. Home foundations are built underground and support the structure’s weight. A strong foundation must:

  • Assist in support of the above structure
  • Ensure that groundwater is kept out
  • Provide a barrier against water and soil vapor

Larger homes require a more expensive foundation. Even choosing the right foundation, the climate you choose to build in, or deciding if you want a basem*nt are all details that affect the overall price.

Other Major Expenses

The Lot

A large portion of the cost of your home will be directed towards the land on which it will be built. Land costs include more than simply the cost of the land, such as surveying, inspection, and possible plumbing and electrical hook-ups. While you can save money by choosing lots in less desirable areas, adding roads and driveways can add costs. There are also lots that are in more appealing areas but are less expensive, but they are more likely to cost you when it comes time to lay the foundation. The process of choosing a lot requires a delicate balance, so it’s wise to seek professional guidance.

The Framing

A home’s framing is its skeleton. Because so much material and skilled labor is required, this is an incredibly expensive part of building a home. While framing may not be as expensive as the foundation or lot, it is typically more costly than other items.

Plumbing & HVAC

Major systems, such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, are another component that can be the most expensive when building a home. It depends on the type of systems you choose and the features you deem are necessary. While you can’t do much about the cost of your electrical system, you can reduce the cost of your plumbing and HVAC systems. An effective building design can reduce plumbing redundancy. Additionally, you can choose the material for your home’s piping. There are also lower-cost HVAC systems that can be used to cool and heat your home.

Windows & Doors

Your choice of windows and doors can impact the cost of your home, depending on the quality and style. Choosing low-quality windows and doors may result in higher heating and cooling costs, as with other items on this list. In the summer, poorly glazed windows can let in heat. If you have poor quality doors, you may lose conditioned air during the summer and let cold in during the winter. No matter what type of entry door you have, bad sealing puts pressure on your heating and cooling system. Efficiency is the most important factor when it comes to your doors.

Interior & Exterior Finishes

The great thing about interior finishes is that you can choose what matters to you most and you have total control over your choices. Spending less on other items can compensate for an expensive and unique kitchen countertop if it’s essential to you. A skilled home designer can help you achieve the perfect balance between budget and aesthetics.

As for the exterior of your house, it may also become costly depending on your decisions. In comparison with other major elements of your home, exterior stone, siding, or other finishes may not be that expensive. On the other hand, there are many ways to increase the cost of the exterior. You may find yourself spending more of your home’s exterior budget on these major items:

  • Decks or patios
  • Pools
  • Decks
  • Porches
  • Gardens

It is possible to reduce costs in a number of ways. By focusing on only the features that matter most to you, you are able to achieve the best results. In the end, that is one of the biggest advantages of constructing a custom home.

Your Custom Home Builder in Oregon

With the help of New Era Homes, we can help achieve your desired home. From start to finish, we have you covered. Read our uncommon standards to find out what premium features all of our homes include and how you can get the most from your home building investment.

What is The Most Expensive Part of Building a New House (2024)

FAQs

What is The Most Expensive Part of Building a New House? ›

The Framing

What is the most expensive part of building a new house? ›

Perhaps the most expensive part when it comes to building a home is the framing, which consists of wooden beams that make up the home's skeleton.

Which part of a building is most expensive? ›

It's no surprise that the frame of a house ranks among the most costly components of construction. Serving as the foundation and backbone of the structure, it holds paramount importance. The expense is attributed to various factors, including the materials, time, and labor-intensive nature of framing.

What makes building a house more expensive? ›

He divides up costs into three broad buckets: the cost of the land; the “hard costs” associated with construction; and the “soft costs,” such as design, administration, financing, and marketing. The land is about 20% of the total costs; hard construction is 55%; and soft costs are about 25%.

What is the most expensive part of a home addition? ›

The foundation and framing are the most expensive materials when building a home addition. Both are necessary for a safe and sturdy structure and you have less wiggle room for choosing more budget-friendly options.

Where is the most expensive building? ›

The most expensive building on the planet is the Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as Masjid al-Haram. Its construction began in the 7th century AD and has undergone numerous extensions over the centuries. It is estimated that it cost around $100 billion to build this 400,000 square metre megastructure in Saudi Arabia.

What is the most expensive room to build in a house? ›

1. Kitchen ($10,000 to $30,000) One of the most important rooms in the house, it makes sense that kitchens are also one of the most expensive to build or remodel. From plumbing and electrical, to the layout, to the materials in the room, it adds up.

Is framing or foundation more expensive? ›

Preparing and laying the foundation has an average cost of $14,500. Framing is usually the most expensive element of home building in both labor and materials. The national average for framing, including buying the lumber and installing the frame, is $35,000.

What is the biggest cost in construction? ›

Construction labor cost vs material cost: Percentages

Ballpark figures range from 40% to 50% of construction costs being tied to labor, with most of the remaining amount going to labor, followed by miscellaneous costs.

Is 2024 a good year to build a house? ›

Based on what we're seeing, our team of experts here at Heartland Builders believes that 2024 will be a good time to build your custom forever home. We have seen pricing and interest rates stabilize, and there is talk that the Federal Reserve may decrease rates this year instead of raising them.

What is the most cost effective house to build? ›

The cheapest homes to build cost $75 to $275 per square foot on average and include barn-style houses, modular homes, shipping container homes, and tiny houses. The cheapest way to build a house is to construct a small home with prefab components, cost-effective materials, and basic finishes.

What is the most expensive part of building a house? ›

Building a foundation is often among the most costly items on this list. Home foundations are built underground and support the structure's weight. A strong foundation must: Assist in support of the above structure.

Is it cheaper to build up or out on new construction? ›

In general, building up tends to be less costly than building out. When you factor in things like digging and pouring a new foundation, building out typically carries a higher price tag (though this isn't always true, and certainly depends on the size of the room and its purpose).

What is the biggest expense when building a house? ›

Building a foundation is often among the most costly items on this list. Home foundations are built underground and support the structure's weight. A strong foundation must: Assist in support of the above structure.

What is the most expensive construction material? ›

Question: What is the Most Expensive Material to Build a House With? Answer: Among the most expensive materials to build a house with are exotic hardwoods, imported marble, high-end appliances, and custom-designed fixtures, often chosen for luxury homes or specialized projects.

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