The cost to convert a vaulted ceiling to a second floor depends on factors such as its size, intended function, materials, and the project's complexity.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in New York, NY? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $123,929 - $799,705
The average cost to build a house in New York, NY is $461,817, and most projects total between $123,929 and $799,705. A pro will factor in location, material quality, home size, and more.
How we get this data
Amy Walters / Adobe Stock Photography
Amy Walters / Adobe Stock Photography
Cost Insights
The cost to build a new home in New York is far above the national average.
A combined total sales tax rate above 8% must be factored into material costs for a new build.
The price for a new build increases significantly when a basement foundation is needed.
With New York being one of the most expensive places in the country for new constructions, the average cost to build a house in New York is around $461,817. However, homeowners might expect to pay between $123,929 and $799,705 based on factors that include home size and the finishes chosen. When creating plans for a new build in New York, you'll work with a licensed builder to select a budget per square foot. Read on to learn more about the costs that go into custom home construction in New York.
Home Building Cost Factors
Factors like heavy permit requirements and the standard practice of using basement foundations in New York help drive up costs. However, homeowners do have control over their building budgets when it comes to selecting doors, windows, countertops, and other finishes that are available in many different price tiers.
Square Footage
The cost to build a custom home can range anywhere from $100 to $500 per square foot, with the average sitting right around $150 per square foot. The higher end of this range accounts for building luxury homes or homes in large cities. The size and type of house you choose will also affect what you’ll pay.
| House Size (Sq. Ft.) | Price per Sq. Ft. | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $200–$700 | $200,000–$700,000 |
| 1,500 | $200–$700 | $300,000–$1,050,000 |
| 2,000 | $200–$700 | $400,000–$1,400,000 |
| 2,500 | $200–$700 | $500,000–$1,750,000 |
| 3,000 | $200–$700 | $600,000–$2,100,000 |
| 3,500 | $200–$700 | $700,000–$2,450,000 |
Number of Bedrooms
It’s helpful to have an idea of the total construction cost based on the number of bedrooms, since that will likely be the first thing you decide. You can expect to pay $100,000 to $120,000 per bedroom. Note that the added cost comes from not only the additional square footage for the bedroom but also larger living spaces, additional bathrooms, and utilities to support additional occupants. The average home in the U.S. today is 2,200 to 2,500 square feet and has three bedrooms.
Here are the new construction home costs based on the number of bedrooms at the average price of $150 per square foot.
| # of Bedrooms | Average Median Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 | $150,000–$230,000 |
| 3 | $200,000–$290,000 |
| 4 | $280,000–$390,000 |
| 5 | $400,000–$600,000 |
Foundation Type
The cost of your foundation will come down to where you live, the soil conditions, and the type of foundation that’s best for your home.
Unless you’re well-versed in construction, you’ll probably want to lean on a structural engineer to help you determine the correct foundation type and inspect the foundation after its completion.
| Foundation Type | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basement | $12–$50 | Increased living space and storm shelter | Higher cost, longer initial construction phase |
| Slab-on-grade | $7–$19 | Fast, cost-effective, moisture-resistant, and pest-resistant | Makes pipe/utility repairs more complex |
| Pier-on-beam | $9–$20 | Flood resistance and easy access to pipes/utilities | Risks for settling and wood rot |
| Crawl space | $5–$11 | Access for home repairs, minor flooding protection | Moisture and pest risks |
Exterior Finishes
Exterior finishes, from the siding to the shingles on your roof, will account for $25,000 to $60,000 of your overall home-building costs. You and your team will have a lot of decisions to make depending on the exterior style you’re going for and the best options for your local climate, among other factors. Things like high-end roofing materials and gutters will increase your cost but also provide a greater ROI.
| Exterior Finish | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Roofing | $7–$12 |
| Siding | $5–35 |
| Gutters | $5–$40 per linear foot |
| Exterior trim | $12–$20 per linear foot |
| Stucco | $7–$15 |
The higher cost range accounts for more complex and sought-after materials. These include everything from insulation with higher R-values to beautiful marble countertops. Nearly every category, however, offers options for all budget preferences.
Interior Finishes
Moving on to the interior work of your home is an exciting phase. This stage is the moment to determine the flooring, the paint colors, and all appliances and home systems that make your house a home. Assume you'll pay between $50,000 and $175,000 for all interior finishes.
The higher cost range accounts for more complex and sought-after materials. These include everything from insulation with higher R-values to beautiful marble countertops. Nearly every category, however, offers options for all budget preferences.
| Interior Finish | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Countertops | $15–$200 |
| Painting | $5–9 |
| Flooring | $7–$20 |
| Interior doors | $77–$550 each |
| Interior trim | $1–$5 per linear foot |
Home Building Pro Costs
A custom home builder in New York will work with you to find a price per square foot that fits your budget. New York homebuilders generally act as general contractors. That means that they will handle all aspects of permits, taxes, and insurance needed for your build. They will also manage all coordination and payment for subcontractors needed for foundation work, plumbing, electric, septic, landscaping, and more. These additional costs and services are incorporated in the full cost per square foot of the build.
Permits
New York, New York and the surrounding areas have some of the strictest permitting requirements in the country. Plan review fees for new constructions are generally $1,000. While the base fee for a building permit from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is $1,000, the total cost for all permits needed for the project might range from $3,000 to $10,000 based on the specifics of the build.
Taxes
While the labor to build a new home in New York is not taxed, all materials purchased for the property are subject to state sales tax of 4%, New York City sales tax of 4.5%, and Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) tax of .375% for a combined rate of 8.875%.
Licensing, Certification, and Insurance
General contractors in New York City pay the Department of Buildings (DOB) $300 every three years to maintain licensing. They may also pay special licensing fees for different types of work that range from $100 to $500 per year. Additionally, costs for insurance and bonding can range from $200 to $600 monthly.
Is Building a New House Worth It?
With one of the strongest real estate markets in the country, New York offers one of the strongest returns on investment for new builds. However, it's important to weigh the budget for a new build against potential long-term resale value. Additionally, the strict permit requirements in New York compared to other parts of the country can impact how long it takes to build a custom home.
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 survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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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