Cost to Build a House in Missouri: A Complete Guide for 2024

In Missouri, building a new house averages about $113 per square foot. For a 2,000 square foot home, expect to spend around $226,000. Total costs range from $200,000 on the low end for a basic house to $500,000+ for larger luxury homes. Pricing varies depending on location, property type, finishes, labor and materials. But the per square foot estimate provides a good budget baseline. The entire construction process typically takes 9-12 months across Missouri.

Key Takeaways

• Cost to build a house in Missouri averages $113 per square foot
• Cost per square foot approximately ranges from $100 to $250
• For a 2,000 square foot home, pay around $226,000 and that figure can add up to $376,760.
• Total costs range from $200,000 to $500,000+ depending on factors like location, property type, finishes, labor, etc.
• Processing time typically takes 9-12 months

The Average Home Building Cost in Missouri

In the USA, building a new house costs an average of $150 per square foot. In Missouri specifically, it runs about $113.38 per square foot. So for a 2,000 square foot home, expect to spend around $226,760 for construction in Missouri. Total price tag ranges from a low of $200,000 for a basic house up to $500,000+ for bigger luxury builds. Final costs depend on aspects like location, property details, finishes, labor rates, and material expenses. But this per square foot estimate assists with initial budgeting.

Also read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Maryland

Average Cost Based On Square Footage in Missouri

Square Footage	Average Cost Ranges
500 sq ft	$56,500 – $125,000
1000 sq ft	$113,000 – $250,000
1500 sq ft	$169,500 – $375,000
2000 sq ft	$226,000 – $500,000
2500 sq ft	$282,500 – $625,000
3000 sq ft	$339,000 – $750,000
3500 sq ft	$395,500 – $875,000
4000 sq ft	$452,000 – $1,000,000
4500 sq ft	$508,500 – $1,125,000
5000 sq ft	$565,000 – $1,250,000

Average Cost to Build a House in Missouri by Cities (Estimate)

City	Average Cost per Square Foot	Example Cost for 2,000 sq ft home	Notes
Kansas City	$130	$260,000	Urban center, higher demand, diverse neighborhoods
St. Louis	$125	$250,000	Urban center, diverse neighborhoods, slightly lower than KC
Springfield	$108	$216,000	Large city, but more affordable than major urban centers
Columbia	$115	$230,000	College town, growing population, increasing costs
Cape Girardeau	$110	$220,000	Riverfront city, mix of urban and rural areas
Fayetteville	$105	$210,000	University town, moderate cost of living
Jefferson City	$100	$200,000	State capital, mix of historic and modern areas
St. Joseph	$95	$190,000	Historic city, more affordable option
Branson	$90	$180,000	Tourist destination, potential for higher costs in resort areas
Joplin	$85	$170,000	Affordable option, mix of urban and rural areas

Estimated Cost to Build a Home in Missouri by Number of Bedrooms 

Number of Bedrooms	Average Cost Range	Example Cost (2,000 sq ft)	Notes
1 Bedroom	$100,000 – $140,000	$200,000 – $280,000	Smaller footprint, often starter homes or guest houses
2 Bedrooms	$120,000 – $180,000	$240,000 – $360,000	Popular choice for couples, young families
3 Bedrooms	$140,000 – $220,000	$280,000 – $440,000	Most common size, accommodates growing families
4 Bedrooms	$180,000 – $260,000	$360,000 – $520,000	Larger families, additional features like home offices
5 Bedrooms	$220,000 – $320,000	$440,000 – $640,000	Larger families, luxury homes, guest rooms

Exploring Diverse House Building Costs Across USA

State	Average Amount
Missouri	$226,760
Mississippi	$255,320
Maryland	$294,160
Maine	$282,140
Kentucky	$280,580
Kansas	$207,120
Indiana	$219,300
California	$405,440
Arkansas	$251,800
Arizona	$295,580
Alaska	$421,080
Alabama	$267,620
Illinois	$265,440
Utah	$288,560
Massachusetts	$350,820
Minnesota	$236,980
Pennsylvania	$270,000
Wisconsin	$424,000
Oklahoma	$260,000
Washington	$343,100
Connecticut	$345,440
Florida	$263,640
Georgia	$273,860
New York	$360,180
North Carolina	$301,500
Ohio	$222,480

A Detailed Look at Building Costs for Homes in Missouri

Land Acquisition Costs

In Missouri, land itself will account for 10-25% of your total budget for building a house. There is considerable variation though across different regions and property types:

• In rural areas, you may be able to find plots of land for as little as $10,000 – $15,000 for a quarter acre. In suburban subdivisions, plan on spending $25,000 – $50,000+ for a standard home lot.
• Working with a smaller footprint is one way to save – instead of purchasing a half acre lot, see if you can get by with a third acre.
• Properties with sewer/water access and those in desirable school districts command much higher prices, sometimes upwards of $100,000 for the land alone before you break ground.

Make sure to factor in not just the purchase price, but also closing costs, surveys fees, permitting fees, contractor staging space, equipment storage, and so forth. Having your own land also means you’ll likely need to clear trees/brush, remove old structures, improve grading, extend utilities, and address drainage issues.

Construction Material Expenses

Actual building materials like lumber, concrete, windows, tools, roofing, siding, drywall, paint, etc. will account for 45-50% of the total cost to build a house in Missouri. Material prices fluctuate often based on shortages/surpluses, fuel prices, transportation costs, labor disputes, demand shifts, etc.

In today’s market with high inflation, materials may run 20-30% higher than the pre-COVID norm. Building an energy efficient home with higher insulation translates to higher upfront building expenses too. That said, this investment pays dividends through lower lifetime energy bills.

Some typical material costs for building a house in Missouri include:

• Lumber – $15,000 to $30,000
• Windows – $10,000 to $15,000
• External doors – $2,500 to $4,000
• Roofing – $15,000 to $30,000 for asphalt shingles
• Siding – $15,000 to $25,000 often in a cement fiber board or vinyl
• Concrete foundation and slab – $15,000 to $30,000
• Electrical and lighting fixtures – $15,000 to $25,000
• HVAC system – $10,000 to $15,000
• Insulation – $10,000 to $15,000
• Drywall – $10,000 to 15,000

Keep in mind too there can be a lot of customization and personalization with finishes like flooring, cabinets, countertops, bath hardware, lighting fixtures, and appliances. Going high-end here adds substantially to total costs.

Labor Expenses

Labor will typically account for 25-35% of your total budget for building a house. Having skilled tradesmen handle the roofing, framing, electrical, plumbing, concrete, drywall, flooring installation, painting, and finish carpentry is essential for an enduring, quality home build.

Yet good construction labor is in high demand and short supply currently, which puts upward pressure on wages and overall affordability. Some ways to reduce labor expenses include:

• Acting as your own general contractor to save on overhead expenses
• Completing demolition/prep work without needing to pay for additional labor
• Subcontracting specialty trades rather than using one general contractor
• Standardizing aspects like flooring, cabinets, lighting rather than custom work
• Building a smaller, one-story home which requires less labor overall

For specialized tradesmen like electricians and plumbers, expect to pay $50 per hour or more, potentially reaching $100 per hour depending on experience level and certificates held. Framing carpenters, drywall hangers, concrete finishers, etc may charge $30 to $45 per hour. Helpers and apprentices generally start around $15 to $25 per hour.

In Missouri, there are no prevailing wage laws for private residential construction work, meaning laborers are generally paid market rates rather than inflated union scale wages. This helps offset some of the broader inflationary pressures.

Factors That Influence Costs

Several elements contribute to how affordable or expensive your house construction project in Missouri ends up:

• Property Location – Prices climb significantly in desirable areas near shopping, dining, parks, top school districts, major highways, and cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. Expect elevated permitting fees and contractor rates too in such areas.
• Land Type – Is existing infrastructure in place for sewer, electric, gas, water lines? Does the property require clearing trees or past structures first before building? Addressing such issues adds substantially to your costs.
• House Design – A basic one-story rectangle design is most economical versus sprawling multi-level houses. Any bumpouts, dormers, or complex roof lines increase materials and labor time.
• Foundation Type – Concrete slab foundations cost less than crawl spaces or basements, especially finished lower levels.
• Number of Stories – Two-story and multi-level houses require extra framing lumber and more involved roofing structure compared to single-story homes.
• Overall Square Footage – Though fixed costs like land, permitting, equipment fees, etc spread out more with larger houses, you still pay incrementally more for added living space in terms of materials and labor.
• Number of Bedrooms & Bathrooms – Adding secondary bedrooms, master suites, and bathrooms boosts plumbing and electrical complexity.
• Garage Size – Multi-stall garages call for greater concrete, lumber, and roofing materials along with excavation, framing, and finishing efforts.
• Custom Features – Elements like vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, built-ins, wet bars, fireplaces, media rooms, and exterior stonework or decking all enhance costs.
• Luxury Finishes – Granite countertops, premium flooring, high-end lighting and hardware, pro-style appliances bring prices up rapidly.
• Energy Efficiency – Spray foam insulation, triple-pane windows, HVAC upgrades, tankless water heaters, and solar power add more upfront but deliver long term utility savings.
• Contingency Funds – Having at least 10-15% extra is wise for inevitable changes, delays, corrections that emerge during the building process.

Also read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Mississippi

Ways to Reduce Costs

If your budget is more limited, the good news is there are areas you can save on your house construction costs:

• Choose a smaller floorplan to need less materials
• Use a simple rectangular shape on flattened terrain
• Scale back customization and stick to stock finishes
• Get quotes from multiple builders and supply vendors
• Act as project manager yourself to avoid markups
• Purchase materials directly for tradespeople to install
• Consider manufactured/modular construction
• Put sweat equity into non-specialty tasks like clean up/demolition

Another clever option is to build in phases. Get the essential living areas done initially while saving for fancier additions like a shop or theatre room later on. Every bit you can DIY or defer adds up substantially.

How Long Does Construction Take?

Completing all required planning, permitting, site work, and actually erecting your Missouri house typically takes 9-12 months across most regions.

Step-by-Step Process to Build a House in Missouri

• Secure financing & budget realistically.
• Find & purchase suitable land (consider utilities).
• Choose a builder or draft detailed plans.
• Obtain permits & comply with local regulations.
• Prepare the site (clear, grade, excavate).
• Pour foundation (consider basement options).
• Frame the structure & roof.
• Install major systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC).
• Finish interior & exterior (drywall, paint, siding).
• Final inspections & obtain certificate of occupancy.

Also read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Kentucky

House Building Financing Options for Missouri

Construction Loans

A temporary loan that finances building costs as they happen. Funds are dispensed in stages as work is completed. Typically convert to a traditional mortgage after the home is finished.

203K & HomeStyle Renovation Loans

FHA products allow buyers to wrap purchase price with construction costs into a single longer-term loan with just 3.5% down.  Popular for major renovation projects.

VA Loans

Veterans Affairs backed mortgages that can cover 100% of purchase price plus improvements up to $36,000. Lenient credit guidelines and no monthly mortgage insurance.

USDA & Rural Housing Loans

If building in a designated rural zone, 100% financing is available for purchase price and construction costs in a single loan. Low rates and income limits apply.

Home Equity Loans/Lines

Existing homeowners can tap built-up equity via second mortgages for construction projects. Variable rates but useful flexible financing options.

401K/Retirement Account Loans

Some opt to borrow against their own retirement savings and repay over 5-years. Downsides exist so consult a financial advisor on this route.

Overall, construction loans, renovation loan products, and rural housing loans offer the best financing vehicles for major home building endeavours in Missouri.

Benefits of Building Your Own Home in Missouri

• Customization – Design a house matching your family’s precise space and layout preferences. Personalise finishes and features.
• Cost Savings – Constructing from scratch can cost less long-term than buying an equivalent existing home after factoring in major renovation expenses.
• Equity & Value – As owner-builder, more of your investment goes directly into the property versus developer profit. Build equity through sweat equity.
• Quality Materials – Carefully choose superior fixtures, finishes, and components during construction when cost comparing. Cheaper to install initially.
• Ideal Location – Find and utilise the perfect homesite rather than settling for an existing property in a convenient location.
• Energy Efficiency – Incorporate the latest insulation, HVAC technology, windows, and appliances to minimise lifetime energy costs.
• Smart Home – Build connectivity and automation features into the property from the ground up for convenience.
• Pride of Ownership – Enjoy tremendous satisfaction from overseeing and building your home from the ground up.

Working With the Right Missouri Home Builder

• Get Referrals – Talk to trusted friends, realtors, and material suppliers for builder recommendations. Evaluate referrals closely.
• Check Credentials – Verify state licensing, insurance coverage, BBB ratings, online reviews, and qualifications. Prefab builders should carry RESNET or ECC certifications.
• Interview Prospects – Meet in-person and probe their experience, specialties, communities, process, communications style, and cost insights.
• Review Past Projects – Inspect several completed homes first-hand built in your target budget range. Ask clients about their overall experience.
• Compare Detailed Bids – Carefully weigh line item material and labor costs against project scope. Watch for shortcuts or inflated margins.
• Request References – Speak with 3-5 past clients about their satisfaction working with the builder along with any issues encountered.
• Trust Your Instincts – Pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the builder’s professionalism and affinity for your vision. Important for long builds.

Is It Cheaper to Build a House in Missouri

Building your own custom home in Missouri rather than buying an equivalent existing house can prove less expensive long-term. As owner-builder, you avoid paying developer profit margins. Any renovation costs get rolled directly into upfront construction pricing as well. Carefully weighing build vs. buy economics specific to the Missouri markets appealing to you is recommended before breaking ground however. Significant upfront capital and extended construction timelines require thorough financial planning. But new construction flexibility can optimize space, finishes and quality for your budget.

Building vs. Buying a House: Key Differences

Constructing a new home allows much greater personalization freedom compared to purchasing existing housing inventory. As owner-builder, you control the exact floorplan, features, finishes, materials, and location based on your family’s needs and budget. However, building requires extensive upfront planning for permitting, construction scheduling, contractor selection, and managing unexpected overruns. It also typically comes with higher upfront costs and longer completion timelines before moving in.

Buying an already finished resale home provides faster occupancy so you can relocate your family quicker. And existing houses often sell at lower per square foot values than new construction. Yet compromises on property condition, layout or neighborhood may be required. Additionally, soon after move-in you may need to budget for renovations or repairs the original owners did not make. Evaluate all short and long term trade-offs before deciding between constructing your own custom build or purchasing established housing.

Conclusion

Building a new construction home in Missouri costs roughly $100 to $250+ per square foot based on the size, design details, finishes and more. For a typical 2,000 square foot house, $200,000 to $500,000 is realistic. Getting quotes from several builders helps you forecast accurately and find potential savings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)