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This answer varies based on where you are, but most states require that all homes are greater than 320 square feet. Remember that four walls are not the only requirements—windows, closet space, minimal ceiling heights, and indoor air quality are also factors. Each state and municipality differs, though, and as some don’t consider tiny homes permanent shelters, you’ll need to check to ensure you aren’t violating any local or state laws with your build.

The construction stage is almost always the longest part of building a house. Within this stage, framing often takes the most time, lasting anywhere from one week to a couple of months, depending on the home's size, the crew, and the time of year. Other parts of the construction phase include pouring the foundation and installing doors, windows, a roof, siding, drywall, and flooring. The planning and design phase can also be very time-consuming, sometimes taking months or even years, especially for a custom home. The final finishing process, which includes painting and installing trim, is typically shorter than the construction or planning stages.

Ranch and colonial-style homes are often the most affordable to build. They have a common layout with available designs that are easy to adjust in simple ways without having to spend too much on a structural engineer or architect. Both types of homes' symmetry, simple roofs, and often one or two-story plans mean they often fall in the $150 to $200 square-foot range, putting them right around average.

It is almost always more affordable to buy an existing home than to build a new one. Building a home involves numerous costs, including labor, permits, inspections, utility hookups, and brand-new materials, finishes, and appliances. Additionally, new construction loans can have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages, and property taxes on new homes are often higher, increasing long-term costs. An exception is a DIY house build, which can be cheaper than buying an existing home if you do the labor yourself. While building is generally more expensive, a new custom home offers complete control over the layout and design. Furthermore, new construction is typically worth more than a comparable pre-owned home and may provide a better return on investment if sold quickly.