How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Texas?

Average Cost to Build a House in Texas

Land and Prep Work Costs

Building a home starts with buying land. In many cases, much of the prep work is done for you. Avoiding surprise costs to building a home in Texas starts with understanding the pre-building process and associated costs, which we list below:

• Purchase land: Decide on developed or undeveloped land. Undeveloped land also needs sewer, water, and utilities installed, but you'll pay less.

• Acquire permits: You'll need a few permits for every step. The costs vary by location.

• Clear the land: Remove trees, shrubs, boulders, and anything else that might prevent building.

• Excavate a hole: Depending on your location, you may need a flat area for a slab foundation. In rural areas, you'll need a hole to install a septic system.

Or hire a professional architect or construction manager near you to handle these preparation steps.

Buying Land in Texas

House building in Texas starts with purchasing land. Lots vary by location, with lots in major cities costing the most. In metropolitan cities like Dallas and Austin, you'll pay anywhere from $10,000 to $6 million per acre for a lot. In rural and remote areas, you may pay as little as $3,000 per acre.

Clearing and Excavating Land

Clearing land costs about $1,000 to $7,000 or $3,500 on average. Excavation costs an additional $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the site accessibility and the size of your planned home. This preps the land to pour a foundation. 

Permits

Home building permits cost $500 to $2,500 on average. You’ll pay different rates based on your location within Texas. Check with your local building department for permit rates in the area.

Texas House Materials Prices

Materials make up about 50% of the total cost to build a house in Texas, for an average of $140,000. Common materials include lumber, concrete, flooring, siding, and more.

Lumber

Lumber costs an average of $35,000 to $85,000 nationwide for a single-family home. Lumber is used to construct your home’s frame and represents a significant portion of the total materials cost.

Concrete

Concrete materials cost about $2,000 to $15,000 and is the most common home foundation. However, many Texas homes don't have basements, which significantly lowers building material costs.

Flooring

Flooring costs between $2 and $7 per square foot. Flooring is an important factor to consider when building your home for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Homeowners can choose between wood, tile, concrete, and more flooring options.

Siding

Siding materials cost about $3 to $15 per square foot andprotects your home against the elements and increases your curb appeal. Common siding materials include wood, vinyl, and cedar shingles.

Roofing

Roofing materials cost between $3,000 and $6,000, with the price varying depending on the type of roof you get. Metal roofing tends to run twice as much as asphalt shingles. In Texas, you’ll likely want high wind-resistant shingles.

Texas House Construction Labor Costs

Labor costs to build a home account for about 40% of the total cost of a new house in Texas, for an average price of $105,000. Labor costs tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living, so expect the cost to build a house to be higher in major cities like Houston or Dallas.

Costs for various labor include:

• General contractor rate: 10%–20% of total construction cost

• Construction manager cost: $3,000–$66,000

• Electrician rate: $50–$100 per hour

• Plumber cost: $45–$200 per hour

• Framer rate: $40–$80 per hour

• Roofer cost: $150–$300 per square 

Texas House Finishing Costs

Finishing a house in Texas costs about the same as national finishing costs, but the overall price varies quite a bit depending on the material and build quality you go with. A basic builder-grade finish costs a fraction of the price of high-end materials like stone counters, tile floors, and custom cabinets.

• Kitchen cabinets cost: $100–$1,200 per lin. ft.

• Hardwood floors cost: $2,500–$7,000

• Tile floors cost: $5–$100+ per sq. ft.

• Interior painting price: $4,000–$11,000

• Appliance price: $3,000–$15,000

• Lighting fixture cost: $2,000–$12,000

Cost per Square Foot to Build a House in Texas

How much is it to build a house in Texas? It can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot. Prices can vary depending on the location of your home, the materials you choose, any other special features or fixtures you decide to add and, of course, labor.

Texas House Cost Factors

Some significant factors that influence the cost of building a new home in Texas include the size of your home, where you live, and the materials and home customizations you choose when building.

Location

Location is another significant influence on home prices in Texas. If you live in or near a major city where the cost of living is higher, like Houston or Dallas, the labor cost will usually be higher, which can raise the total cost of building a new home.

Home Customizations

While the location and size are the two largest factors influencing the cost of your home, other customizations, including particular materials or features, can also affect the price. For example, certain types of siding or flooring may cost more.

You’ll also want to consider landscaping costs, architectural upgrades, and outdoor living space costs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Texas Homebuilder

Unless you have significant construction experience, don't try to build a home yourself. Not only is this an immensely challenging project requiring years of experience, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

In most cases, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a home building company near you to discuss your options. When trying to find a home builder for this project, it’s a good idea to speak to several contractors to determine which one is the best fit for you.