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How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Houston, TX? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $137,787 - $653,062
The average cost to build a house in Houston, TX is $395,425, and most projects total between $137,787 and $653,062. 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 Houston is above the national average cost for new construction.
The popularity of slab foundations versus basements here can make construction faster and less expensive overall.
It is important to remember that a sales tax rate above 8% will be applied to all materials and finishes for a new build in Houston.
The average cost to build a house in Houston today is around $395,425. Homeowners with different visions might expect to pay between $137,787 and $653,062 based on the size of the home they're building, the quality of the finishes they choose, and other factors. Builders generally price new homes by square foot after taking all of these factors into account. Keep reading to learn more about how new home constructions are priced in Houston, Texas.
Home Building Cost Factors
The home's size and layout will determine the base costs when building your home in Houston. From there, you'll choose finishes like flooring and windows. Generally, the cost of the initial stage of breaking ground on a home in Houston is lower compared to cities where digging a basement is necessary.
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 | $150–$600 | $150,000–$600,000 |
| 1,500 | $150–$600 | $225,000–$900,000 |
| 2,000 | $150–$600 | $300,000–$1,200,000 |
| 2,500 | $150–$600 | $375,000–$1,500,000 |
| 3,000 | $150–$600 | $450,000–$1,800,000 |
| 3,500 | $150–$600 | $525,000–$2,100,000 |
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 | $155,000–$220,000 |
| 3 | $260,000–$250,000 |
| 4 | $260,000–$400,000 |
| 5 | $405,000–$480,000 |
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 | $7–$17 | Fast, cost-effective, moisture-resistant, and pest-resistant | Makes pipe/utility repairs more complex |
| Pier-on-beam | $9–$13 | 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–$14 |
| Siding | $2–$35 |
| Stucco | $6–$112 |
| Interior trim | $5–$41 per linear foot |
| Interior doors | $12–$25 per linear foot |
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 | $10–$200 |
| Painting | $4–$6 |
| Flooring | $11–$15 |
| Interior trim | $1–$3 per linear foot |
| Interior doors | $70–$440 each |
Home Building Pro Costs
A custom home builder in Houston, Texas, will generally charge by the square foot based on the specifications you choose for your new home. Keep in mind that your price per square foot will include costs associated with permits, taxes, licensing, and insurance. General contractors also coordinate work and payment for all subcontractors needed for things like electrical and plumbing.
Permits
Your contractor will handle the plan review and permit requirements needed to get approval to begin construction on a residential property in Houston. For homes between $150,000 and $1 million, base permit fees range from $803 to $4,363.
Taxes
When budgeting for a new build in Houston, keep in mind that state and local sales taxes will apply to all building materials and finishes needed. The combined sales tax total for state, city, and Houston MTA taxes amounts to 8.25%.
Licensing, Certification, and Insurance
While Texas doesn't have licensing requirements for general contractors, your contractor must hire subcontractors with appropriate licensing for plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. In addition, contractors build fees for insurance and bonding into their rates. For a sole contractor, these costs can amount to $90 to $200 per month.
Is Building a New House Worth It?
Houston's growth and competitive housing market make building your own custom home an attractive choice. The city's economic growth and construction-friendly environment can make the return on investment strong for many homeowners who decide to build instead of buy. One of the mistakes to avoid when building a new house that you intend to sell within a few years is overspending on personal touches that don't impact 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.
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