How Much Does It Cost to Build a Victorian House? [2025 Data]
The average cost to build a Victorian house ranges from $413,500 to $837,500, with most homeowners paying an average of $625,000. Size, materials, location, and ornate details are the main cost factors.
How much it costs to build a Victorian house depends on size, materials, location, and the amount of custom or decorative work, with labor and specialty finishes adding to the total.
Expect to pay between $200 and $350 per square foot, on average.
Labor and materials account for an average of 50% of the project total each.
Victorian homes feature ornate details and complex designs, making them a unique building project.
Specialized labor and permits are required, which can add to the timeline and budget.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
How much does it cost to build a Victorian house? The average cost to build a Victorian home is $625,000, with most projects ranging from $413,500 to $837,500 on average. Expect to pay $200 to $350 per square foot, depending on design complexity and finishes.
Building a Victorian house is a rewarding investment for homeowners who value character and craftsmanship. This guide explains every cost factor, so you can plan your budget with confidence and create a home that stands out.
Building a Victorian House Cost Factors
Building a Victorian house involves a range of costs, from selecting materials to hiring skilled labor. The total expense depends on the size and design, but ornate features such as turrets, stained glass, and custom woodwork can significantly increase your budget.
Materials and labor make up the largest portion (averaging 50% of the project total each), while permits, design fees, and site preparation are also key contributors.
Victorian-style construction is often more expensive per square foot than most modern homes due to its complexity and need for specialized craftspeople. For comparison, building a Victorian house can cost $200 to $350 per square foot, while simpler home styles may range from $150 to $300 per square foot.
Victorian House Size
The size of your Victorian house is a major factor in your total project cost. Larger homes require more materials, labor, and design work, while smaller Victorian homes can still be costly due to the intricate details that define the style.
Average Victorian houses range from 2,000 to over 4,000 square feet. Adding stories, turrets, or wings increases both complexity and price. More elaborate floor plans and exterior features, such as wraparound porches or bay windows, further impact expenses.
| House Size (Sq. Ft.) | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 | Modest Victorian, basic features | $400,000–$700,000 |
| 3,000 | Mid-sized, some custom details | $600,000–$1,050,000 |
| 4,000+ | Large, highly ornate | $800,000–$1,400,000+ |
Selecting the right size for your needs and budget helps balance your vision with affordability.
Cost by Location
Where you build your Victorian house has a major impact on your final price. Labor and material costs often run higher in urban or coastal regions, while rural areas may offer some savings. Local building codes, climate, and access to specialty materials can also affect costs. Researching local markets and regulations helps avoid surprises during your build.
Labor Costs
Building a Victorian house requires a team of experienced professionals. Each plays a unique role in turning your design into a durable, beautiful home. Labor costs can vary by location and the pro’s expertise.
General Contractor
A general contractor oversees the entire building process, from hiring trades to managing schedules and ensuring quality. General contractors charge 10% to 20% of the total project cost as a management fee, or sometimes a flat rate. For a Victorian house build, expect contractor fees to range from $40,000 to $240,000, depending on the project’s size and complexity.
Architect or Designer
Victorian homes benefit greatly from custom architectural plans. An architect ensures your home’s design is authentic, functional, and up to code. Architect fees range from $125 to $250 per hour. Custom design services for a Victorian house cost $20,000 to $70,000, influenced by the level of detail and number of unique features. The more ornate or complex the design, the higher the architect’s fee.
Specialized Craftspeople
Ornate millwork, stained glass, and decorative trim require skilled craftspeople. These specialists may charge $60 to $150 per hour or use a project-based fee. For example, custom stained glass windows or elaborate woodwork can add $60,000 to $50,000 or more to your budget. Hiring experts ensures historical accuracy and high-quality finishes.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Beyond the core team, several other professionals play key roles in building a Victorian house:
Structural engineer: Ensures your home’s framework is safe and sound, with fees from $3,000 to $15,000. Structural engineers charge $100 to $200 per hour.
Interior designer: Creates period-appropriate interiors, costing $5,000 to $40,000 depending on scope. Expect to pay $50 to $200 per hour for interior design services.
Landscape architect: Designs Victorian-style gardens and walkways for $3,000 to $15,000. Landscape architect fees range from $70 to $150 per hour.
HVAC specialist: Installs modern heating and cooling systems in complex layouts, ranging from $10,000 to $45,000.
Electrician and plumber: For large, intricate homes, expect $20,000 to $50,000 for electrical and $15,000 to $50,000 for plumbing installations. Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour, and plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour.
Factoring in these pros ensures every detail meets your expectations and modern standards.
Additional Cost Factors
Building a Victorian house involves more than just construction. Homeowners should budget for taxes, insurance, warranties, and the unique features that make these homes special. Accessibility upgrades, potential repairs, and post-construction cleanup can all add to your final bill.
Demolition and Prep
If your lot has an existing structure, demolition may be necessary before building. Site clearing, grading, and laying the foundation cost $20,000 to $60,000, but can increase if access is difficult or the property has challenging terrain. Proper prep work ensures a solid base for your Victorian home.
Permits
Building a Victorian house requires several permits, including those for building, electrical, plumbing, and sometimes historical compliance. Your contractor or architect often handles permits, but it’s important to clarify responsibilities. Permit fees for new homes range from $3,000 to $7,000, and approval timelines vary from a few weeks to several months, especially in areas with strict historical guidelines.
DIY Victorian House vs. Hiring a Pro
Some homeowners consider building their Victorian house themselves to save on labor costs. However, Victorian homes are complex, and DIY builds require advanced skills, specialized tools, and significant time commitments. Mistakes can lead to safety issues, code violations, or costly repairs.
While DIY can reduce labor costs, saving an average of 50% of the project total, hiring professionals delivers better results and peace of mind for such a detailed home style.
Victorian House Remodel vs. Renovate
Remodeling and renovating a Victorian house serve different goals and budgets. Renovation focuses on restoring original features, updating finishes, or repairing damage—think refinishing wood floors or restoring stained glass. Remodeling goes further, changing the layout, adding modern amenities, or expanding the space.
Renovations are often less expensive, costing $50,000 to $400,000, depending on the extent. Full remodels, especially those changing the structure or adding square footage, can rival the cost of new builds. When working with Victorian homes, consider historical preservation, building codes, and the impact on resale value. Carefully balancing updates with period charm can yield the best return.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Building a Victorian House
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your Victorian home build more budget-friendly:
Choose stock plans with Victorian features instead of fully custom designs.
Use modern materials that mimic traditional looks for a lower cost.
Limit ornate details to key areas such as the entryway or facade.
Source reclaimed or salvaged architectural elements.
Get multiple bids from local custom home building contractors.
Plan for phased construction to spread out costs.
Consider energy-efficient systems to reduce long-term expenses.
Does Building a Victorian House Increase Home Value?
Building a Victorian house can boost your home’s value, thanks to its curb appeal and timeless charm. Buyers often pay a premium for unique architecture and well-crafted details. While the return on investment for custom or period-style homes varies, Victorian houses in desirable locations with quality craftsmanship can see strong resale potential.
Factors such as historical accuracy, modern amenities, and market demand all influence your home’s value. Compared to other home styles, well-built Victorian homes often stand out, attracting buyers who appreciate character and craftsmanship.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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