Cost to Build a House in Michigan: Complete Calculation for 2024
In 2024, you can expect to spend around $108 per square foot if you want to build a new house in Michigan. This means that constructing a typical 2,000 square foot home will cost roughly $216,000. Actual expenses vary based on the specific location in Michigan, property type, current labor and material rates, and other factors. Still, with normal custom home construction taking 9-12 months, you need to budget at minimum $200,000+ to have a livable house built in Michigan this year. Keep in mind costs rise each year, so building sooner than later can save you money.
Key Takeaways
- Average cost to build is $108 per square foot
- Total build cost for a 2,000 sq ft home is $216,000
- Most houses fall in the range of $100 to $130 per square foot.
- Final price varies based on size, design, materials, special features
- Key factors influencing cost include lot location, materials, custom designs
- Budget at least 15% extra for contingency costs and changes
Average Cost of Building a House in Michigan
On average, it costs about $108 per square foot to build a house in Michigan. However, this figure is just a starting point. The total cost of building a home in Michigan can range from $200,000 to $350,000, with the state average standing at approximately $216,000. This cost is influenced by various factors, including the size of the house, the quality of materials, and the complexity of the design.
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in New Jersey
Cost Breakdown by Square Footage
The cost to build a house in Michigan varies with the size of the property. Here’s a breakdown of average costs by square footage:
| House Size | Total Cost Range |
| 500 sq. ft. | $54,000 – $65,000 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $108,000 – $130,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $162,000 – $195,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $216,000 – $260,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $270,000 – $325,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $324,000 – $390,000 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | $378,000 – $455,000 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $432,000 – $420,000 |
| 4,500 sq. ft. | $486,000 – $585,000 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | $540,000 – $650,000 |
Average Price to Build a House in Michigan by Number of Bedrooms
Here’s a breakdown of the average price to build a house in Michigan by the number of bedrooms:
Modular Homes
- 1 Bedroom: Costs between $45,500 and $156,000.
- 2 Bedrooms: Ranges from $56,000 to $240,000.
- 3 Bedrooms: The price can be between $84,000 and $360,000.
- 4 Bedrooms: Costs range from $105,000 to $480,000.
Stick-Built Homes
- 1 Bedroom: The cost ranges from $54,000 to $150,000.
- 2 Bedrooms: Prices vary between $99,000 and $300,000.
- 3 Bedrooms: The cost can be between $108,000 and $450,000.
- 4 Bedrooms: Ranges from $135,000 to $600,000.
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Ohio
Cost to Build a Home in Michigan by Number of Stories
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average costs for building homes of different stories in Michigan:
Modular Homes
- One-Story Home: Costs between $140,000 and $190,000.
- Two-Story Home: Ranges from $160,000 to $200,000.
- Three-Story Home: The price can be between $220,000 and $260,000.
Stick-Built Homes
- One-Story Home: The cost ranges from $180,000 to $220,000.
- Two-Story Home: Prices vary between $200,000 and $260,000.
- Three-Story Home: The cost can be between $300,000 and $360,000.
Price to Build a House in Michigan by Style
In Michigan, the cost to build a house varies depending on the architectural style. Different styles require varying materials, design complexities, and construction techniques, which influence the overall cost. Here’s a breakdown of the average price to build a house in Michigan by style:
Modular Homes
- Tiny House: $28,000 – $40,000
- Ranch: $140,000 – $200,000
- Colonial: $140,000 – $230,000
- Bungalow: $150,000 – $200,000
- Farmhouse: $160,000 – $220,000
- Cottage: $190,000 – $240,000
- Cabin: $190,000 – $240,000
- Victorian: $230,000 – $260,000
- Craftsman: $250,000 – $290,000
Stick-Built Homes
- Tiny House: $30,000 – $60,000
- Ranch: $180,000 – $250,000
- Colonial: $190,000 – $270,000
- Bungalow: $200,000 – $280,000
- Farmhouse: $210,000 – $300,000
- Cottage: $220,000 – $280,000
- Cabin: $220,000 – $280,000
- Victorian: $290,000 – $360,000
- Craftsman: $320,000 – $400,000
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Georgia
Regional Variations in Cost
The cost of building a house also varies across different cities and counties in Michigan. For instance, the average building costs per square foot are higher in Grand Rapids ($136) and Grand Traverse County ($150).
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Hard Costs
Hard costs are directly related to the construction process. These include:
- Material Costs: Approximately 50% of the overall construction prices, averaging around $50 per square foot.
- Contractor Charges: Typically 10% to 20% of the total construction value.
- Electrical Costs: Ranging from $7,500 to $12,500.
- Roof Installation Costs: Varying based on material and size, from $2,900 to $33,600.
- Plumbing Costs: Around $12,000.
- HVAC Installation Costs: Between $1,500 and $12,500.
Soft Costs
Soft costs are indirect expenses related to building a house. These include:
- Land Costs: The average price per acre in Michigan is around $21,300.
- Michigan Home Building Permit Costs: Approximately $5,000.
- Home Interiors: At least $20,000 for a 2,500 sq. ft. home.
- Home Interior Designer Costs: Around $5,400.
Factors That Influence Building Costs
Several factors influence the cost of building a house:
- Location: Costs vary significantly based on urban or rural settings.
- Size and Layout: Larger and more complex designs increase costs.
- Construction Materials: Choice of materials impacts overall expenses.
- Labor Costs: Varies by region and skill level of workers.
- Permits and Regulations: Necessary permits and adherence to local codes add to costs.
- Site Preparation: Land condition can influence preparatory work expenses.
- Utility Connections: Costs for installing essential services like electricity and water.
- Finishing Details: Interior and exterior finishes can greatly vary in price.
- Market Conditions: Economic factors can cause fluctuation in labor and material costs.
- Project Duration: Longer construction times can increase overall expenses.
- Contractor Selection: Experienced contractors may charge more but offer quality and efficiency.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Upfront costs for sustainable features may lead to long-term savings.
Financing Options
When it comes to financing the construction of a house in Michigan, there are several options:
- Home Construction Loans: Including Construction-to-Permanent Loan and Construction-only Loan.
- Personal Loan: For financing specific parts of the construction.
- Home Equity Loan: For those who already own a property and want to finance new construction.
Building a Home vs. Buying – Which is the Better Option?
Building a home offers customization and modern features but typically costs more and takes longer than buying. It allows for personal design choices and energy-efficient construction. Buying an existing home is generally less expensive and quicker, providing immediate occupancy and established neighborhoods. However, it may involve compromises on design and potential renovation costs. The better option depends on individual preferences, budget, time constraints, and the desire for customization versus convenience.
How much does it cost to build a pole barn house in Michigan?
The cost of building a pole barn house in Michigan varies depending on several factors, including size and specific features. On average, the cost for just the shell of a pole barn ranges from $19 to $45 per square foot. This cost can fluctuate based on factors such as location, soil type, snow load, design, size, building features, permits, labour, materials, and finishing touches. Each of these elements plays a significant role in the overall cost, making it essential to consider them when planning a pole barn house project in Michigan.
How to Find a House in Michigan
- Determine Your Budget: Before you start looking for a house, it’s crucial to know how much you can afford. This includes considering your income, savings, debts, and credit score. You may also want to get pre-approved for a mortgage to have a clear idea of your budget.
- Identify Your Needs and Preferences: Make a list of what you need and want in a house. This might include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, location, size, type of property (e.g., single-family home, condo, townhouse), and any specific amenities or features.
- Choose a Location: Michigan offers a variety of locations from urban areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids to more rural or lakeside communities. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, public transportation, and amenities like shopping, parks, and hospitals.
- Research the Market: Look into the housing market in the areas you’re interested in. This can include average house prices, market trends, and the general availability of properties.
- Find a Real Estate Agent: A local real estate agent can be a valuable resource. They can provide insights into the market, help you find listings that match your criteria, and guide you through the buying process.
- Search for Listings: You can start looking for houses online through real estate websites, apps, and local listings. Your real estate agent will also provide you with listings that match your criteria.
- Visit Properties: Once you’ve found some potential houses, arrange to visit them. Pay attention to the condition of the property, the neighborhood, and how well it meets your needs and preferences.
- Make an Offer: When you find a house you want to buy, your real estate agent will help you make an offer. This includes determining a fair price and any conditions you want to include (like a home inspection).
- Home Inspection and Appraisal: Once your offer is accepted, you’ll typically have a home inspection and an appraisal done to ensure the house is in good condition and worth the price you’re paying.
Conclusion
Building a house in Michigan in 2024 is a significant financial and time investment. The cost varies widely based on the size of the house, location, materials used, and other factors. While building a house offers the advantage of customization, it is often more expensive and time-consuming than buying an existing home. Prospective homeowners must carefully consider their budget, needs, and preferences when deciding whether to build or buy a house in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The average cost is about $108 per square foot. So a 2,000 square foot house would be around $216,000.
Yes, building costs can vary across different areas of Michigan based on local labor rates, material prices, land costs, etc. Popular urban areas usually have higher build costs.
A basic 1,200 square foot starter home in Michigan would likely cost around $130,000 to construct in 2024, not including land purchase. This is assuming relatively basic finishes and features.
A custom built single family home usually takes between 9-12 months to fully construct and finish in Michigan. Weather delays can sometimes prolong the timeline.
Yes, designing and building methods to meet Energy Star systems standards will add roughly 4-8% to the initial build costs. But this premium pays off quickly in energy savings.
Yes, you can build your own house in Michigan as an owner-builder. However, you still need to get proper permits and have work inspected. Doing all work yourself requires advanced DIY skills and tools. Alternatively, you can act as a general contractor to oversee different builders for each stage.
Currently it is cheaper to build a new home rather than buy an equivalent existing house in Michigan’s market. Home prices have risen fast while construction costs go up slower. But land costs also factor in. Custom building allows designing to your budget too.
Overall Michigan has one of the lowest costs of living among all 50 states. Especially compared to coastal regions, housing, food, transportation, utilities, taxes and other living expenses are very affordable in most Michigan locations relative to local wages. Housing supply is lower recently, but still reasonably priced for buyers and renters compared to nearby states.
