In 2024, constructing a new single-family home in Illinois runs an average of $132.72 per square foot, meaning a typical 2,000 square foot house will cost around $265,440 to build. However, when factoring in vital additional expenses such as the price of land, permits, utility connections, and excavation work, the total cost to build a home often ends up in the range of $415,440. The full process of building a custom house in Illinois generally spans 9-12 months from securing the land to final inspection and move-in. Key elements determining the final price tag include location, materials used, property size, layout complexity, and choice of contractor.
Key Takeaways
- Average cost to build a house in Illinois $132.72 per square foot
- Total costs range from $265,000 to $420,000
- Most houses fall in the range of $125 to $150 per square foot.
- Size, finishes, efficiency impact costs significantly.
- New home timeline is 9 to 12 months.
How to Build a House in Illinois
- Plan Your Home: Decide on design, size, and features.
- Secure Financing: Obtain construction loans or necessary funding.
- Find Land: Purchase a suitable plot in your desired location.
- Hire Professionals: Engage an architect, contractor, and other specialists.
- Design the House: Work with an architect for blueprints and layouts.
- Obtain Permits: Secure necessary building permits from local authorities.
- Prepare Land: Clear, level, and prepare the site for construction.
- Begin Construction: Follow architectural plans to build the structure.
- Install Utilities: Set up electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
- Finish Interior/Exterior: Complete interior design and exterior landscaping.
- Final Inspection: Have a final inspection for compliance and safety.
- Move In: Once approved, the house is ready for occupancy.
Average Cost of Building a House in Illinois
On average, it costs about $132.72 per square foot to build a house in Illinois. However, this figure is just a starting point. The total cost of building a home in Illinois can range from $265,000 to $420,000, with the state average standing at approximately $265,500. This cost is influenced by various factors, including the size of the house, the quality of materials, and the complexity of the design.
Cost by Square Footage
| Home Size | Average Price Range |
| 500 sq. ft. | $66,000 – $75,000 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $132,000 – $150,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $198,000 – $225,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $264,000 – $300,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $330,000 – $375,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $396,000 – $450,000 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | $462,000 – $525,000 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $528,000 – $600,000 |
| 4,500 sq. ft. | $594,000 – $675,000 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | $660,000 – $750,000 |
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Michigan
Average Cost to Build a House in Illinois by Cities
| City | Average Building Costs per Sq. Ft. |
| Chicago | $130 |
| Waukegan | $100 |
| Schaumburg | $160 |
Price to Build a House by State
| State | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $267,620 |
| Alaska | $421,080 |
| Arizona | $295,580 |
| Arkansas | $251,800 |
| California | $405,440 |
| Colorado | $299,300 |
| Connecticut | $345,440 |
| Florida | $263,640 |
| Georgia | $273,860 |
| Idaho | $315,520 |
| Illinois | $265,440 |
| Montana | $298,960 |
| Nebraska | $210,900 |
| Nevada | $334,140 |
| New Hampshire | $299,900 |
| New Jersey | $376,900 |
| New Mexico | $290,940 |
| New York | $360,180 |
| North Dakota | $212,500 |
| Ohio | $222,480 |
| Oregon | $340,580 |
| Pennsylvania | $302,200 |
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in New Jersey
Detailed Cost Breakdown
- Land costs: $32,300 per acre.
- Material cost: $147,500 approximately.
- Contractor charges: 10-20% of total value.
- Electrical costs: $7,500 – $12,500.
- Roof installation: $3,100 – $35,500.
- Plumbing costs: Around $12,000.
- HVAC installation: $1,500 – $12,500.
- Permit costs: Approximately $5,000.
- Home interiors: Budget $20,000.
- Interior designer: Around $5,400.
Factors Influencing Cost
- Location: Land prices, local regulations, and labor costs vary by area.
- Size: Larger homes require more materials and labor, increasing costs.
- Design: Complex designs and custom features add to construction expenses.
- Materials: Quality and type of materials significantly impact overall cost.
- Labor: Skilled labor rates and workforce availability influence building expenses.
- Permits: Costs for building permits vary based on project scope.
- Utilities: Installation of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems affects costs.
- Land Preparation: Clearing, leveling, and preparing land incurs additional expenses.
- Market Conditions: Fluctuating material prices and labor availability impact costs.
- Finishing Touches: Interior design, landscaping, and final details add to budget.
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Florida
How to Save Money on Building a House
- Choose a Simple Design: Opt for a less complex, straightforward architectural style.
- Budget-Friendly Materials: Select cost-effective building materials without compromising on quality.
- Efficient Planning: Plan meticulously to minimize waste and optimize resource use.
- Compare Contractor Bids: Get multiple quotes and compare prices from different contractors.
- DIY Where Possible: Undertake tasks yourself where feasible, like painting or minor installations.
- Bulk Purchases: Buy materials in bulk to avail discounts.
- Recycled Materials: Use recycled or reclaimed materials where appropriate.
- Energy-Efficient Design: Incorporate energy-saving features that can reduce long-term costs.
- Limit Custom Features: Reduce the number of expensive customizations.
- Negotiate with Suppliers: Bargain for better deals on materials.
- Phase the Project: Consider constructing your home in phases to spread out costs.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the project to avoid costly mistakes or delays.
Smart Design Choices Reduce Costs
Several design decisions influence what you’ll pay to build in the Prairie State too. Making smart choices during the planning process prevents budget overruns.
Here are some top ways to reduce construction costs through prudent Illinois home design:
- Take advantage of open floor plans – Large open spaces minimize interior walls and finishings.
- Build a smaller garage – Oversized 3-4 car garages waste money. Right-size based on usage.
- Skip basement additions – Finished lower levels add significantly to concrete and framing costs.
- Reduce ornamental stonework – Limit expensive stone veneers to accent walls only.
- Simplify the roofline – Complex rooflines require more time, labor, and material waste.
- Choose vinyl or fiber cement siding – Much cheaper than brick or stone finishes.
- Select mid-grade finishes – High-end costs soar. Think semi-custom kitchens, not ultra premium.
- Omit rarely used spaces – Nix unused formal dining rooms, sitting rooms, theaters, etc.
- Right-size windows – Limit huge or arched windows requiring custom work.
Timeline for Completion
- Planning and Design: 1-2 months for finalizing plans and obtaining necessary permits.
- Site Preparation: 1-3 weeks for clearing, excavation, and leveling.
- Foundation Work: 1-3 weeks for pouring and curing the foundation.
- Framing: 1-2 months for constructing the basic structure.
- Roofing and Siding: 2-4 weeks for exterior work including roofing.
- Interior Work: 1-2 months for insulation, drywall, flooring, and interior finishes.
- Systems Installation: 1 month for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
- Final Touches: 2-4 weeks for painting, fixtures, and final inspections.
- Landscaping: 1-2 weeks for basic yard work.
Overall, building a house can take approximately 8-12 months, depending on the size, complexity, and any unforeseen delays.
House Building Financing Options
When financing the construction of a house, several options are available:
- Mortgage Loans: Standard mortgages can be used for newly constructed homes, especially those built by developers.
- Construction Loans: Short-term loans that cover the cost of building. They are typically converted into a traditional mortgage after construction completion.
- Personal Savings: Using your own funds to cover some or all construction costs, avoiding the need for loans.
- Owner-Builder Loans: For those who plan to oversee the construction themselves. These loans require detailed plans and a proven track record in construction.
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): If you already own property, a HELOC allows you to borrow against your home’s equity to finance construction.
- Government Loans: Programs like FHA construction loans offer lower down payments and are more lenient with credit requirements.
- Land Loans: If you’re buying land for construction, a land loan can finance this purchase, often combined with a construction loan.
- Bridge Loans: Short-term loans that cover the gap between construction costs and long-term financing.
Building vs. Buying Which is The Better
Building a house offers the advantage of customization, allowing for a home tailored to personal preferences and lifestyle needs. It ensures modern construction with potentially higher energy efficiency and the use of the latest materials and technologies. However, building is typically more expensive and time-consuming than buying, with costs and project duration often unpredictable due to factors like material prices and construction delays.
Buying an existing home, on the other hand, is generally quicker and more cost-effective. It allows for immediate occupancy and often comes with established amenities like landscaping and neighborhood connections. However, it might involve compromises on design and potential renovation costs to update or personalize the space according to your tastes and needs. Buying also means dealing with the existing housing market, which can fluctuate in terms of pricing and availability.
The Bottom Line
While pricey, building a new house in Illinois brings the chance to fully customize your ideal residence. Understanding typical construction costs in the state and smart budgeting reduces chances for unpleasant surprises.
Focus on the essential elements you need in a home rather than expensive excesses. And having a trusted construction loan helps manage payments in line with the building timeline. If crafting your perfect Illinois home is a priority, proper planning makes the financing process manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At today’s average rate of $132.72 per square foot, it costs approximately $265,440 to build a 2,000 square foot house in Illinois. Total costs range from $265,000 to $420,000 when factoring in permitting, utility connections, site work, and other required costs.
Construction costs are expected to moderately decrease in 2024 due to lower materials prices and less demand compared to 2022-2023. However, labor shortages will still pressure wages upward. Overall, a 5-10% price decrease is possible.
Yes, you can build your own home in Illinois as an owner-builder. However, you still need to obtain proper permits and inspections. Lacking professional skills can result in costly mistakes.
With rising home prices, building a house in Illinois is often cheaper than buying an equivalent existing home. However, land acquisition costs must be factored in for new construction.
Currently average per square foot costs remain around $132.72 in Illinois. So a 2,000 square foot house runs about $265,440 to construct. Total budget with land, fees, etc approaches $420,000.
The foundation is generally the most expensive part of building a new home. A poured concrete foundation costs $15,000-$45,000+ in Illinois, far higher than framing or roofing. Finished basements dramatically increase costs too.
