•
Find out the average cost to repair a greenhouse, key price factors, and ways to save. Get transparent estimates to plan your greenhouse repair project confidently.
Cost to Build a House in Columbus, OH [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $287,142 - $400,000
The average cost to build a house in Columbus, OH is $312,222, and most projects total between $287,142 and $400,000. 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
All materials and supplies used in construction are subject to 7.5% sales tax in Columbus, which is included in the total project cost.
Vinyl and fiber cement siding are top choices for Ohio homes, offering durability and affordability in harsh, fluctuating weather.
Basements are standard in Columbus due to frost depth, which adds thousands to construction costs compared to regions with milder climates.
Permit costs for new builds in Franklin County start at $1,000, with additional fees—$250 each—for foundation and plumbing permits.
The average cost to build a house in Columbus, OH is $312,222, which comes in lower than the national average. That doesn’t mean you’re getting away with a bargain build. Once you factor in your climate’s deep frost line (which often means a full basement for foundation), and the need for durable exterior finishes that can handle everything from icy winters to sweltering summers, your final price tag could land anywhere between $287,142 and $400,000. And of course, every personal touch—from layout tweaks to upgraded materials—will affect what you ultimately spend. Here’s what you need to know before breaking ground on your new home in Columbus.
Home Building Cost Factors
Square footage is the biggest line item when you’re building in Columbus, OH. More space means more materials, labor, and time on site. However, your home’s size isn’t the only factor driving your final cost. The way your home is designed matters just as much. A straightforward layout will be nicer on your budget than one with complex angles, specialty rooflines, or custom architectural details.
The type of foundation you choose is another big deal here, especially since Ohio’s frost line runs deeper than in warmer regions. Most new builds in Columbus include basements by default—partly due to code requirements and partly because locals expect them. Add in the number of bedrooms and material choices, and you start to see why the cost depends on much more than just square footage.
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 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $105–$300 | $105,000–$300,000 |
| 1,500 | $105–$300 | $157,500–$450,000 |
| 2,000 | $105–$300 | $210,000–$600,000 |
| 2,500 | $105–$300 | $262,500–$750,000 |
| 3,000 | $105–$300 | $315,000–$900,000 |
| 3,500 | $105–$300 | $367,500–$1,050,000 |
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.
| Bedrooms | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $220,000 | $200,000–$240,000 |
| 3 | $330,000 | $300,000–$360,000 |
| 4 | $440,000 | $400,000–$480,000 |
| 5 | $550,000 | $500,000–$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 per Sq. Ft. | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slab-on-grade | $5–$15 | Cost-effective, fast construction, pest-resistance, moisture-resistance, greater home accessibility | Risk of frost heave, difficult repairs, no additional space |
| Crawl space | $6–$18 | Open space for utilities, minor flood protection, ideal for sloped land | Moisture and pest issues, lack of usable space |
| Basement | $20–$37 | Additional living space, available space for storm shelter, easy access for utilities | High cost, susceptible to moisture issues, longer build time |
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.) |
|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $3–$10 |
| Fiber Cement Siding | $8–$14 |
| Asphalt Shingles | $3–$6 |
| Metal Roofing | $7–$12 |
| Gutters | $3–$25 (per linear foot) |
| Painting | $1.50–$5 |
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.) |
|---|---|
| Flooring (Vinyl) | $3–$4 |
| Flooring (Hardwood) | $6–$9 |
| Painting | $1–$7 |
| Drywall | $1.50–$5 |
| Cabinetry (Stock) | $100–$400 (per linear foot) |
| Cabinetry (Custom) | $500–$1,200 (per linear foot) |
| Carpeting | $3–$11 |
Home Building Pro Costs
Building a home in Columbus, OH, involves more than floor plans and finishes. Hiring a custom home builder includes a stack of professional costs that can quickly add up. These combinations of hard and “soft costs” cover everything from skilled labor to required permits and material-related taxes. And they’re just as important to your budget as any physical product. Knowing how these expenses work in the Columbus market helps you plan with fewer surprises along the way.
Labor
Labor is one of the largest expenses in a home build. You can expect labor to account for 30% to 50% of the total budget, while general contractors typically charge between 10% and 20% of the full project cost. Skilled trades, like electricians, plumbers, and framers, usually bill separately, sometimes combining flat fees with hourly rates for any additional or unexpected work; however, general contractors will usually handle most of the subcontracting for you.
Permits
Permits are a must before construction starts, and the city of Columbus and Franklin County require everything from site plans to architectural drawings as part of their review process. Basic permit fees for a single-family home start at $1,000, but that’s just the beginning. Foundation permits ($250), as well as separate permits for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, are also required and priced individually. Once a complete application is submitted, Columbus’s Building and Zoning Services aims to review the plans and issue a permit within 10 to 15 business days. That timeline can stretch depending on the project’s complexity, whether corrections are needed, and how busy the permitting office is at the time.
Taxes
In Ohio, construction labor isn’t taxed, but materials are. Builders in Columbus pay sales tax on all supplies and products used in your home, and that cost usually gets rolled into your total contract price. With Franklin County’s combined sales tax rate sitting at 7.5%, costs can add up quickly—$100,000 in materials means $7,500 in tax.
Is Building a New House Worth It?
In Columbus, building your own home is a combination of getting what you want and skipping a lot of what you don’t. With many existing homes built before 1980, you’re often dealing with dated layouts, aging systems, and the kind of surprises that turn into expensive renovation projects. While the median home price in Columbus hovers around $295,000, that number doesn’t reflect the cost of modernizing an older space or dealing with constant repairs. A new build may cost more upfront, but it offers you a home tailored to your lifestyle, built to current energy standards, and covered by warranties that keep unexpected costs low. Over time, the financial benefits add up: lower utility bills, fewer surprise repairs, and better resale value.
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.
The homeowners guide to home building services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
•Get the facts on the cost to build a barn. Learn what impacts barn construction prices, from materials to labor, and how to budget for your project.
•Get transparent shed repair cost info so you can learn average prices, cost factors, and ways to save on shed repairs for your home.
•Discover the cost to build a saltbox house. Learn about price factors, regional variations, and ways to save on your saltbox home construction project.
Barndominiums combine the comforts of home with rural living. Compare the pros and cons of barndominium homes to see if one is right for you.
How much does a container home cost? It depends on the number of containers you use. This guide will help map out potential expenses for your project.