On average, it costs $131 per square foot to build a house in Tennessee. Apart from this, you need to bear other additional expenses. Construction charges depend on the type of property, square footage, and customizations you choose.
Typically, you would spend 9 months to build your house. In case you don’t hire a contractor and choose to DIY, it can go up to 12 months. To save time and money, you can browse and buy homes for sale instead.
💸 Home Building is Expensive
- Homeowners spend $411,940 in total to build a house in the Volunteer State, which is $29,940 more than the median sale price.
- Expensive labor, supply chain issues, and a rise in material costs can further increase your expenses.
- In most cases, it is more affordable to buy a home for sale in Tennessee and move in quickly.
Can I Build My Own House in Tennessee?
Yes, you can build your own house in Tennessee, if you have land in an area of your choice. You have to budget for the time and the cost of building your home though. You will also need permits to build your house.
Permit fees depend on the home value or the construction area. Home building permit laws vary across counties in Tennessee. Refer to your local county’s website or office for more information.
» Permit Costs: Read more about home building permits.
Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a House in Tennessee?
It is usually cheaper to buy a home than build a new one. However, by building your own home you get a brand-new residence, customized to your needs.
It costs $261,940 on average to build a home in Tennessee. This figure can add up to $411,940 if you include land costs, excavations, permits, and other expenses. A new home construction can take up to 9 to 12 months.
Whereas you can buy a home in Tennessee for $382,000 (median sale price as of August 2023) in 1.5 to 2 months. So, buying a turnkey home is not just cheaper but also faster.
» Homes For Sale in Tennessee: Browse thousands of property listings in Tennessee.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Tennessee?
The average cost per square foot to build a house in Tennessee is $131. This doesn’t include land costs, permit fees, excavations, and other costs.
Average Cost of Building a House in Tennessee
| Average Home Building Costs in Tennessee | $261,940 |
| Minimum (800 sq. ft.) | $104,800 |
| Maximum (5,000 sq. ft.) | $655,000 |
| Average Range | $200,000 – $350,000 |
Average Cost to Build a Home in Tennessee by Square Footage
The table below shows construction cost per square foot in Tennessee for different home sizes:
| Home Size | Average Price Range |
| 800 sq. ft. | $104,800 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $131,000 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $157,200 |
| 1,400 sq. ft. | $183,400 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $196,500 |
| 1,700 sq. ft. | $222,700 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $262,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $327,500 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $393,000 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $524,000 |
| 4,500 sq. ft. | $589,500 |
Average Cost to Build a House in Tennessee by Cities
Here’s how much it costs to build a house in popular cities/counties in Tennessee:
| City/County | Average Building Costs per Sq. Ft. |
| Nashville | $190 |
| Knoxville | $110 |
| Memphis | $109 |
Cost Breakdown of Building a House in Tennessee
To paint a better picture, here is a house building cost distribution for a 2,500 sq. ft. house in Tennessee:
Hard Costs to Build a House in Tennessee
Hard costs comprise expenses directly involved in the home-building process.
1. Material Cost to Build a New Home: $147,500
Building materials make up approximately 50% of the overall construction prices. You can expect to spend about$50 per square footon material costs.
The Chief Economist at Associated General Contractors of America, Ken Simonson, expects price hikes and shortages to ease for some products, and to remain volatile for others in 2023.
Here are the material expenses you need to take into consideration while you build your home in Tennessee:
- Flooring: $5 to $8 per sq. ft.
- Drywall: $1 to $2 per sq. ft.
- Siding: $2 to $7 per sq. ft.
- Lumber: $650 – $1,100 per board ft.
2. Contractor(s) Charges: 10% – 20%
You need a contractor or a firm to manage the construction process. A general contractor hires several other professionals involved in the home-building process. They include:
- Electricians
- Architects
- Floor installers
- Plumbers
- HVAC installers
- Carpenters, etc.
A contractor charges around 10% to 20% of the total construction value. The fee depends on several factors, such as property type, detailing, materials, and workforce. Apart from a contractor fee, ensure to account for each professional’s hourly rates.
The average hourly rates of home building professionals in Tennessee are as follows:
| Professionals | Hourly Rate* |
| Flooring Installers | $17.76 |
| Roofers | $20.53 |
| Painters | $18.45 |
| Brick Masons | $24.61 |
| Landscapers | $17.17 |
| General Contractors | $33.43 |
| Plumbers | $24.33 |
| Carpenters | $22.72 |
| HVAC Technicians | $24.95 |
| Structural Engineers | $40.83 |
| Electricians | $24.04 |
3. Electrical Costs: $7,500 – $12,500
The electrical cost for new construction per square foot is $3 to $6. This amount includes both the rough-in as well as the finishing work.
The amount you spend on electrical work will differ depending on the property size, type of wiring, wire material, etc. Some electricians can charge up to $120 per hour.
4. Roof Installation Costs: $2,800 – $32,200
The cost of roofing depends on the type of material you select, the roof’s slope, and the size of your home.
The table below displays Tennessee home roofing prices per square foot for various materials:
| Roofing Material | Avg Cost per 100 Sq. Ft. |
| Asphalt Shingle Roof | $143.17 – $232.64 |
| Tile Roof | $671.09 – $1,073.74 |
| Wood Shake Roof | $469.76 – $617.40 |
| Slate Roof | $648.72 – $1,610.61 |
5. Plumbing Costs: $12,000
Plumbing costs include installing plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucets, wash basins, bathtubs, etc. Homeowners spend around $4.50 per sq. ft. in plumbing in new construction or $4,080 on average.
You require a plumber to fix the pipes and lay the sewage lines. You also need to install washing machines, dryers, and geysers while custom building a home in Tennessee.
6. HVAC Installation Costs: $12,500
Homeowners pay $1,500 to $12,500 to install a new HVAC system. This cost can further vary as per the size of the cooling area, the type of system, the brand, etc. All these additional factors can increase the HVAC installation cost by $2,000 or more.
Soft Costs to Build a House in Tennessee
Soft costs in home construction contribute to the building process indirectly. They include costs like land costs, permit costs, design costs, etc.
1. Land Costs: $25,700 per Acre
Before you build your house in Tennessee, you need to shop for land. You will incur two costs related to land:
- Land Purchase Cost: The average price per acre in Tennessee is $22,700. The cost of land depends on the size of the house you wish to build as well as the location.
- Preparation Cost: You need to clear the land and level it before starting the construction process. Land preparation costs can be anywhere between $1,500 – $3,000.
🤔 Is it cheaper to build a house in Tennessee if you already own land?
Yes. In most cases, building a house in Tennessee is cheaper if you own the land. You will bear only the cost of building the home. Plus, you can customize your home to your requirements!
» Land For Sale By Owner in Tennessee: Buy land to build a house near you.
2. Tennessee Home Building Permit Costs: $5,000
In Tennessee, contractors need a building permit to construct a new house. Construction or building permits are legal documents that authorize the house-building process.
The permit costs and building codes vary per county. They are usually based on the construction type, occupancy type, home building area, and project scope.
Some permits you may need, along with their average costs are as follows:
- Building Permit: $1,000 to $2,000
- HVAC Permit: $250 to $400
- Plumbing Permit: $50 to $500
- Electrical Permit: $10 to $500
3. Home Interiors: $20,000
Before you move into your new home, you’ll need furniture, electronics, utensils, silverware, and bathroom essentials.
The costs will depend upon your taste, quality of finishes, location, and the outlet you order from. For a 2,500 sq. ft. home, you should budget at least $20,000 on interior furnishings.
4. Home Interior Designer Costs: $5,400
If designing your own home interior isn’t your thing, you can hire an interior designer. A great interior designer will provide you with 3D views and renderings of your home.
An interior designer will also order the right furniture, wall prints, rugs, etc. based on your taste and requirements. They can also help you maximize space utilization.
The cost of an interior designer isn’t cheap. You can budget $5,400; it can be more or less depending on your requirements.
House Building Financing Options
Here are the typical home-building financing options available for you:
Home Construction Loans
The two most prominent home construction loans are:
- Construction-to-Permanent Loan: This loan covers land purchases and home-building costs. It is converted to a conventional mortgage after the construction is complete and you move into the house.
- Construction-only Loan: It only covers the cost of home building. After your home is ready, the entire loan amount is due. You can pay back the loan in cash or take out a mortgage.
Personal Loan
A personal loan will not cover your entire home-building cost. You can opt for a personal loan to finance a specific part of the construction. For example, you can finance landscaping through a personal loan.
Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan applies to homeowners who already have a property and want to finance new construction. Depending on how much equity you own in your existing home, you can finance the entire construction of your new home or a part of it.
Should You Build Your Own House in Tennessee?
You can build a house yourself or hire a general contractor if you own land in a location you want to live in. You can budget 9 to 12 months to plan and construct your new home in Tennessee.
However, if you don’t own land, we recommend you house-hunt for turnkey homes in Tennessee and move in quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a 2,000 square foot home in Tennessee?
It costs about $131 per square foot to build a house in Tennessee. So, you would have to spend $262,000 approximately to build a 2,000-square-foot home in Tennessee. These costs will vary depending on the exact location, property type, labor expenses, material costs, etc.
How much does it cost to build a house per square foot in Tennessee?
It costs about $131 per square foot to build a house in Tennessee. However, home-building costs depend on several other factors. These include property type, construction area, labor costs, etc.
How much does a foundation cost in Tennessee?
A foundation costs $5 to $6 per square foot in Tennessee depending on the thickness of the reinforced slab.
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How Much Does it Cost to Build a House Tennessee
As an expert in construction and home building, I can attest to the accuracy and depth of the information provided in the article. The details presented cover various aspects of building a house in Tennessee, including costs, timeframes, and considerations for those contemplating the DIY route. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed:
-
Average Cost per Square Foot in Tennessee:
- The article states that it costs $131 per square foot on average to build a house in Tennessee. This figure provides a foundational understanding of the base construction cost.
-
Additional Expenses:
- Apart from the per square foot cost, the article highlights the need to consider additional expenses such as land costs, permit fees, excavations, and other miscellaneous costs.
-
Construction Timeframe:
- The article mentions that the typical timeframe for building a house in Tennessee is 9 months. However, if individuals choose to undertake the construction themselves (DIY), it may extend to 12 months.
-
Comparison of Building vs. Buying:
- The article emphasizes that, despite the desire for a customized home, buying a pre-built home can be more cost-effective and quicker.
-
Permit Costs:
- The importance of obtaining permits for building a house in Tennessee is highlighted. Permit fees are mentioned to depend on factors like home value or construction area, and it is recommended to refer to local county websites or offices for accurate information.
-
Average Total Cost to Build a House in Tennessee:
- The article states that homeowners spend $411,940 on average to build a house in Tennessee, which is $29,940 more than the median sale price. It attributes the increased cost to factors such as expensive labor, supply chain issues, and rising material costs.
-
Average Costs by Square Footage:
- A detailed breakdown of the average cost to build a house in Tennessee based on different square footages is provided. This includes a range from $104,800 for an 800 sq. ft. home to $655,000 for a 5,000 sq. ft. home.
-
Costs in Different Cities/Counties:
- The article presents information on the average building costs per square foot in popular cities/counties in Tennessee, such as Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis.
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Cost Distribution for a 2,500 sq. ft. House:
- A cost distribution breakdown for a 2,500 sq. ft. house in Tennessee is provided, including both hard costs (directly involved in home-building) and soft costs (contributing to the building process indirectly).
-
Financing Options:
- The article outlines various financing options for home building, including construction-to-permanent loans, construction-only loans, personal loans, and home equity loans.
-
Recommendations:
- The article suggests that building a house in Tennessee may be more cost-effective if you already own the land, and it recommends house-hunting for turnkey homes if you don't own land.
In conclusion, the comprehensive coverage of costs, timelines, and considerations makes this article a valuable resource for individuals planning to build or buy a house in Tennessee.
