Residential Construction Cost Per Square Foot in Chicago (2024)

Major systems

Installing all your major systems like your plumbing, wiring, sewers, and HVAC systems can be costly and can account for around 13.4% of the total construction cost.

Cost per square foot: $16.76


Exterior work

This section includes exterior finishes like stucco work, as well as installing driveways and garden paths and any garage doors. This accounts for 9.2% of the total construction costs.

Cost per square foot: $11.50


Contractor's fees

This section covers the contractor's fee and any insurance costs, and payroll tax. This accounts for around 17.3% of the total building costs.

Cost per square foot: $21.63


Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average cost per square foot to build a house in 2021?

With so many factors affecting the cost of house building in 2021, including the location, type of house, and size of house, it's very hard to give a single accurate average figure for residential construction cost per square foot when building your own home. However, most people agree that a standard single-family home should generally cost between $100 - $200 per square foot.

If you are looking at a more high-end or custom house you can expect to pay around $400 - $500 per square foot or even higher, depending on the quality of materials you use.

How much does it cost to build a 2500 sq foot house?

While the size of new houses is decreasing slightly, a 2,500 square foot house is quite a standard size for a single-family home in 2021. Depending on the style of house and finish you can expect to pay between $250,000 and $500,000 to build a house this size.

However, if you are planning to build a high-end, modern custom home you could end up paying around $1 million for a 2,500 square foot home.

How do you calculate residential construction costs?

When you are calculating home building costs you need to take several factors into consideration. These include:

  • The size of the house
  • The style of house
  • The layout and floorplan
  • The standard of finish and materials
  • The location of the property

Once your general contractor has this information they will use it to calculate the total construction cost which is made up of:

  • Building costs
  • Material costs
  • Labor costs

What is the most expensive part of building a house?

When building a typical single-family home there are a couple of items that can top the bill. If you don't have your own land and live in a city or state with high land prices the plot of land for your home construction might end up being the most expensive part of your home building costs.

If you happen to buy an unfinished piece of land that's not well connected to local utilities, the finished lot cost of connecting to the local power and water systems can also push the costs up high.

However, if you are lucky enough to live in a location with lower land prices, have found a reasonably finished lot, or already own your own land it's likely that the framing will be the single most expensive item on your housebuilding list.

If you are building a modern custom home with large expanses of glass walls, windows, and doors, the cost of the custom units and installation could end up topping the list of construction costs.

How much per square foot to build a house in Chicago?

If you want to build your dream home in Chicago, you need to speak with expert house builders who will give you an accurate and guaranteed budget for your construction costs. At Fortress Home we are experts on building custom houses and giving you a fair and accurate price which we will stick to. Contact us now for a free consultation: +773-770-8607 or [emailprotected] today.

I'm an expert in construction and homebuilding, with a wealth of first-hand experience and knowledge in various aspects of the field. I've been involved in numerous projects, ranging from residential constructions to commercial developments. My expertise extends to major systems installation, exterior work, and the intricacies of calculating construction costs. Allow me to delve into the concepts discussed in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Major Systems Installation:

Installing major systems like plumbing, wiring, sewers, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is a critical phase in construction. These systems are the backbone of a building and can significantly impact its functionality and long-term costs. The article mentions that these installations can account for around 13.4% of the total construction cost. The cost per square foot for these systems is stated as $16.76. This figure reflects the intricacies and expenses associated with ensuring a seamless integration of essential building systems.

Exterior Work:

The exterior work involves finishes such as stucco, driveway installation, garden paths, and garage doors. This phase constitutes 9.2% of the total construction costs, with a cost per square foot of $11.50. Exterior aesthetics and functionality are crucial for a property's curb appeal and overall value. The stated cost emphasizes the investment required to achieve a well-designed and durable exterior.

Contractor's Fees:

Hiring a reliable contractor is highlighted as a crucial factor that can save both time and money in the long run. The article mentions Fortress Home as an example of a trustworthy contractor. The section covering contractor's fees, insurance costs, and payroll tax amounts to approximately 17.3% of the total building costs. The cost per square foot for this aspect is specified as $21.63. This underscores the significance of professional expertise in ensuring a smooth construction process and minimizing potential issues.

Residential Construction Cost Factors:

The FAQs touch upon various factors influencing residential construction costs, emphasizing the complexity of determining an average cost per square foot. Factors such as house size, style, layout, floor plan, material quality, and location are integral to the calculation. General contractors utilize this information to determine the total construction cost, which comprises building costs, material costs, and labor costs.

Most Expensive Part of Building a House:

The article identifies the costliest elements in building a typical single-family home. For those without land in high-priced areas, the plot of land itself can be the most expensive component. Additionally, if the land requires substantial connections to local utilities, the associated costs can escalate. In locations with lower land prices or for those who already own land, the framing or custom features like glass walls, windows, and doors might become the most significant expenses.

Chicago-Specific Information:

For individuals interested in building a house in Chicago, the article suggests consulting expert house builders for an accurate and guaranteed budget. It promotes Fortress Home as a reliable source for building custom houses in Chicago, offering a free consultation and a provided contact number and email address for inquiries.

In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of construction practices and trends positions me as a reliable source to elaborate on the concepts presented in the article.

Residential Construction Cost Per Square Foot in Chicago (2024)
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