True Cost Guide Architects & Engineers Build a Ranch House

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Ranch House?

Typical Range:

$150,000 - $600,000

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated April 12, 2024

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Building a ranch-style home involves complex tasks like land clearing, foundation building, and permit procurement, that justify hiring a professional.
The average cost to build a new ranch house is $315,000, with material costs ranging from $90,000 to $180,000.
Material quality, labor costs, design features, and the size of the home impact the cost of building a ranch house.
Marble, granite, and laminate are popular materials for countertops in ranch-style homes.
Ranch-style homes are cost-effective, easier to maintain, more energy-efficient, and offer various customization options.

Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, it costs $315,000 to build a ranch house in the U.S, though costs range from $150,000 to $600,000. The typical range for an 1,800-square-foot home is $180,000 to $360,000. They usually cost $100 to $200 per square foot plus the cost of land, but custom and luxury options can push that number up to $500 or more per square foot.

Ranches are known for their single-story design, open floor plan, and attached garages, though some ranches are split-levels or two-story homes. From a large covered porch to an extra bathroom, each decision impacts how much you pay.

The cost of your ranch house ultimately depends on the location of your land, the size and footprint of the home, and the quality of appliances and finishes you choose. Labor makes up approximately 40% of the cost to build a house, while design fees, permits, and materials account for the rest.

Average Cost to Build a Ranch House

Average Cost	$315,000
High Cost	$600,000
Low Cost	$150,000

Ranch House Material Prices

A ranch-style home that is 1,800 square feet will cost about $90,000 to $180,000 for material prices alone without any customization, such as higher ceilings or flooring upgrades. The quality of your materials makes the biggest impact on price.

For instance, you could spend $60 per square foot for a marble countertop or $10 to $40 per square foot for a laminate countertop. Talk with your local home builder about estimates based on your design and style preference.

Material	Cost
Lumber	$25,000 – $65,000 total
Concrete	$1,000 – $10,000 total
Drywall	$10 per sheet
Flooring	$1 – $5 per square foot
Siding	$2 – $15 per square foot
Insulation	$0.10 – $1 per square foot
Roofing	$1,000 – $3,000 total

Labor Costs to Build a Ranch House

The construction pros who build your ranch-style home represent 30% to 60% of your home's total price. Labor costs vary based on the size and complexity of your home, your contractor's buying power, and your ability to get reasonably priced labor. Large custom-built ranch homes have a higher labor cost than smaller homes because of the bigger foundation and extra labor.

Some construction labor costs (not including materials) include:

Construction manager cost: $3,150–$50,000, or 5%–15% of total project cost
House framing cost: $7–$16 per square foot
Roofing installation cost: $5,000–$10,000 on average
Plumber cost: $45–$200 per hour
Electrician cost: $50–$100 per hour

While the average ranch house costs $315,000 to build, other costs could influence your total price:

House planning cost including floor plan: $2,500–$8,000
Lot prices: $3,000–$150,000 per lot, with undeveloped rural lots on the lower end
Land clearing cost: $1,500–$5,000
House demolition cost: $3,000–$25,000
Building permit cost: $2,000–$7,500 depending on your area
Foundation cost: $4,000–$25,000
Septic tank installation: $3,130–$9,680 (if you can connect to city water, main water line installation cost ranges from $620–$2,550)

Find a Ranch-Style Home Expert Near You

Ranch House Cost by Type

You can either have a ranch house built directly on your land (a stick-built home) or choose a home that’s manufactured in a factory and transported to your land (a modular home).

Modular

The average cost of a modular ranch, or prefabricated ranch home, ranges from $132,000 to $225,000, though prices can reach up to $400,000 for homes larger than 1,700 square feet. Modular homes typically cost 10% to 15% less than stick-built homes, as they're built in bulk with fewer construction costs.

Stick-Built

A stick-built ranch home typically costs $180,000 to $360,000 but can reach up to $600,000 for customizations, high-end finishes, and a larger footprint. They’re built entirely or largely on your property based on a blueprint or house plan.

Ranch House Cost by Size

The average cost to build a new construction ranch home is $100 to $200 per square foot, depending on the finishes and appliances, floor plan, and other customizations. Here are some prices based on typical ranch sizes.

Square Feet	Average Range
1,500	$150,000 – $300,000
1,800	$180,000 – $360,000
2,100	$210,000 – $420,000
2,400	$240,000 – $480,000
2,700	$270,000 – $540,000
3,000	$300,000 – $600,000

Ranch House Cost Factors

Your total house price depends on the features you add, the number of rooms you have, and the size of your garage. Here are a few extra design features that can add to your total costs:

Built-in bookcases or entertainment centers: $2,500–$14,000, depending on style and size
Large deck: $4,080–$11,300
Two-stall attached garage: $16,320–$40,050
In-ground pool: $36,000–$100,000, from basic to luxury models

DIY vs. Hire a General Contractor

Building a house yourself costs an average of $256,000, with the typical range being $122,500 to $411,500, not including land. If you have a background in general contracting work, you may save money. But DIY house projects often present challenges that can be costly to fix or adjust. Homebuilding mistakes often require professional repair and extra time, voiding any cost savings.

While you can build your own home, you’ll need experience, the proper permits, and even a general contractor’s license, depending on the state you live in.

FAQs

Are ranch-style homes still being built in the U.S.?

Yes, ranch-style homes are still being built in the U.S. and have seen a resurgence in popularity, according to Today.com. As most ranches are single-story homes, they’re easier to maintain and more energy-efficient.

Why do ranch-style homes cost more than other styles?

Ranch-style homes cost more than other styles because their square footage is spread across a single story, increasing the size and cost of the foundation and roof. Larger ranches also require a bigger lot size, raising the price of the land.