Shopping for your dream home requires lots of patience. Relying on the property market’s fluctuating prices and a great deal of luck doesn’t always render the desired results. It’s rare to find a home that meets everything on your wishlist without compromise. That’s why some owners prefer to build their homes from scratch.
So, how much does it cost to build a house in Iowa? It really depends on the size, location, and construction materials. Let’s break down the factors that influence price to illustrate more or less how much it would cost to build a house and help you decide if it’s a viable option for your future.
The average cost to build a house in Iowa is between $500,0000-600,000. This number ranges greatly depending on taste, location, and demand for labor and materials. How much does building a house cost, then? Generally, it will cost more than if you were to buy a home in a subdivision or work from a developer’s pre-existing plans.
As a rule of thumb, you should also consider adding 15% of the total price as a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs that avail themselves during construction. And at Zenith Design + Build, our custom services tend to come in above average, due to high-quality labor and materials.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average cost per square foot to build a house in Iowa is between $100 to $155. These figures are inclusive of building practices, the cost of land, and labor.
| REGION | COST TO BUILD A NEW HOUSE, PER SQUARE FOOT |
|---|---|
| South Region | $100 |
| Midwest Region | $109 |
| West Region | $131 |
| Northeast Region | $155 |
Of course, the cost to build a new house is also dictated by how many bedrooms it has. Houses in Iowa are on average 1,550 square feet. In Des Moines, new zoning laws don’t allow for homes to be less than 1,100 square feet, with the typical American home averaging three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Des Moines’s zoning laws also require all homes to have a single-car garage or shed.
| SQUARE FEET | HOW MUCH TO BUILD A NON-CUSTOM HOME |
|---|---|
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $128,868 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $161,085 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $214,780 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $268,275 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $322,170 |
So, then, how much does it cost to build a custom house? Ballpark figures suggest anywhere between $200 to $500 per square foot. The large discrepancy accommodates for location, design choices, and finishes.
At Zenith Design + Build, we are often asked, “how much is it to build a home?” And the truth is: there’s no hard-set answer. We always offer convenience and style. Our team takes care of the entire process, so you need only let us know what your dream home looks like and approve the design that works with your budget.
The price of building a custom home includes much more than laying a foundation and building walls. Below are some other factors that influence the price.
Determining the average cost to build a house in Iowa is like asking what it costs to buy a vehicle. Below is a median estimation that accounts for the entire building process.
Location plays a major role in the cost of building a new home. Due to scarcity and high demand, the closer a property is to the city center, the more expensive it becomes. Building on the outskirts of a metropolis or in surrounding suburbs will often be more affordable.
Construction costs contain a variety of things, from site work to exterior finishes that homeowners don’t always think about. This can range from foundation work to all of your major systems like electrical and plumbing.
Pricing can vary greatly and is all dependent on your floor plan, size of the home, and interior finishes like flooring and cabinetry. When everything from doorknobs to foundation work and everything in between is totaled up, most custom homes in Iowa start at around $500,000 to finish.
When working with your contractors, go over the construction schedule and break down all costs line by line, so you have a clear idea of what everything costs.
Even within a budget price bracket, there are choices to be made. Building a house is a financial commitment, so take the time to think about how your home will serve your lifestyle needs.
Sometimes, it’s better to save for your desired budget than build in a rush and not have everything you want — unless you plan to start small and renovate later.
From buying land to drawing plans, building a house is a many-step process that occurs in carefully planned phases. Create a rough timeline of how and when you plan to build your dream home.
The average cost to build a house in Iowa requires a decent amount of capital, so you should always hire professionals. A cheap and poorly built house will inevitably end up costing more in the long run.
At Zenith Design + Build, we build spectacular custom homes across the Des Moines metroplex. Our award-winning team has made many clients’ dreams come true with their innovative designs and exemplary craftsmanship. We don’t just build houses; we build homes. Contact us today at (515) 329-9988 or click here to find out how much it costs to build a home with us.