Building a house in Nevada can range in price depending on several factors like location, size, materials, labor, permitting fees and preparation of the property. On average, it costs approximately $167 per square foot to construct a home in Nevada. This means that a 2,000 square foot house would cost around $334,000 to build. However, prices ultimately range anywhere from $200,000 on the low end to $400,000 on the high end. The full build process usually takes 9-12 months.

Key Takeaways

  • Average per square foot building cost is $167
  • Cost per square foot ranges from approximately $130 to $250
  • Total budget for a 2,000 sq ft home is $334,000
  • Overall range is $200,000 to $400,000
  • Build time is usually 9-12 months

The Average Home Building Cost in Nevada

Building a new house costs an average of $150 per square foot nationally. In Nevada specifically, it runs about $167.07 per square foot. So constructing a 2,000 square foot home in Nevada would cost approximately $334,140. Total expenses range from $200,000 on the low end for a smaller budget build up to $400,000 plus for a larger custom home. Pricing varies depending on the location within Nevada, property type, labor, materials, permitting, and other unique factors. 

Also read: Cost to Build a House in Missouri: A Complete Guide

Average Cost Based On Square Footage in Nevada

Square FootageAverage Cost Ranges
500 sq ft$83,500 – $125,000
1000 sq ft$167,000 – $250,000
1500 sq ft$250,500 – $375,000
2000 sq ft$334,000 – $500,000
2500 sq ft$417,500 – $625,000
3000 sq ft$501,000 – $750,000
3500 sq ft$584,500 – $875,000
4000 sq ft$668,000 – $1,000,000
4500 sq ft$751,500 – $1,125,000
5000 sq ft$835,000 – $1,250,000

Average Cost to Build a House in Nevada by City

CityAverage Cost per Square Foot
Las Vegas$150
Reno$160
Henderson$145
North Las Vegas$140
Paradise$155
Sparks$158
Spring Valley$142
Sunrise Manor$138
Elko$125
Pahrump$130
Carson City$152
Mesquite$128
Boulder City$165

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

BedroomsTypical Square FootageEstimated Cost
1800$133,600
21000$167,000
31500$250,500
42000$334,000
52500$417,500
63000$501,000

Estimated Cost to Build a Home in Nevada by Number of Stories

StoriesTypical Square FootageTotal Estimated Cost
Single Story2,000 sq ft$280,000 – $340,000
Two Story2,500 sq ft (1,250 sq ft per floor)$375,000 – $450,000
Multi-Story3,000 sq ft (1,000 sq ft per floor)$480,000 – $570,000

Estimated Cost to Build a Home in Nevada by Style 

StyleTypical Square FootageEstimated Cost per Square Foot (Range)Estimated Total Cost (Range)
Ranch1000 – 2000$130 – $160$130,000 – $320,000
Craftsman1500 – 2500$140 – $170$210,000 – $425,000
Modern1500 – 3000$160 – $190$240,000 – $570,000
Mediterranean2000 – 3000$150 – $180$300,000 – $540,000
Victorian2500 – 3500$170 – $200$425,000 – $700,000

Exploring Diverse House Building Costs Across US

StateAverage Amount
Nevada$334,140
Nebraska$210,900
Montana$298,960
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

Breakdown of New House Construction Costs

Land Acquisition

The first expense is purchasing and preparing the lot to build on. This includes the costs to clear vegetation, grade, install access roads, connect utilities, etc. For a standard 5,000 square foot lot expect to spend $75,000 to $200,000.

Hard Construction Costs

These encompass direct expenses related to vertical building such as concrete, lumber, finishes, labor and equipment. Hard costs account for 50-60% of the total budget at roughly $100 to $250 per square foot. This equates to $200,000 to $500,000 for a 2,000 square foot house.

Soft Costs

Soft costs include all the ancillary requirements surrounding the central construction components. Biggies are permitting fees, architectural plans, surveys, inspections and waste disposal. Plan around 15-20% of total budget for soft costs, so $30,000 to $100,000.

Financing Costs

Almost all builders take out construction loans to fund projects before selling. These short term loans have interest costs scaling to duration and loan amount. Expect financing expenses to range from 1-5% of hard + soft costs.

Contingency Fund

Smart builders pad estimates with a 5-10% contingency allowance for unforeseen expenses. This provides a buffer if costs overrun due to weather delays, labor issues or changes in material prices. Having a $20,000 to $50,000 contingency is ideal.

Add these major elements together and you have the total cost to undertake building a new home. The range starts around $350,000 on the low end and exceeds $1 Million on higher end custom homes.

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

Factors That Influence Cost

Several key factors contribute to the overall expense of constructing a house. The main elements that impact the final price tag include:

  • Location – Prices are higher in developed areas and metro regions like Las Vegas and Reno due to demand and higher property costs. Rural spots are more affordable.
  • Size – The square footage and number of floors directly correlate with total expenses. Larger custom homes cost more.
  • Materials – Using premium materials like stone, hardwoods and high-end fixtures increases budgets.
  • Labor – Custom homes require more specialized labor. The rate electricians, plumbers and finish carpenters charge adds up.
  • Permitting Fees – Developers have to pay fees to local municipalities to build houses. These expenses get factored into the final price.
  • Property Preparation – If land needs clearing, grading, excavating, access roads, drainage systems and utility connections this raises budgets.

How Long Does It Take to Build a House in Nevada?

Constructing a full home build takes 9-12 months on average. Smaller properties or pre-fabricated homes may only take 6 months, while large custom homes can sometimes take over a year and a half to complete.

The fastest home constructions take around 5-6 months. But this is rare and usually involves smaller square footages paired with simple single-story floor plans. It also requires paying premium rates for rushed timetables and perfect sequencing of all subcontractors.

Below is a typical new home construction schedule in Nevada spanning 9-12 months:

  • Planning & Design: 2-4 Months
  • Permitting & Site Prep: 1-3 Months
  • Foundation & Framing: 1-2 Months
  • Exterior Finishing: 1-3 Months
  • Mechanical Systems: 1-3 Months
  • Interior Finishing: 3-6 Months
  • Landscaping & Final Touches: 1-2 Months

Total Timeline: 9-12 Months

Securing permits, designing plans, prepping the lot, and staging materials adds 2-4 months upfront. The actual construction phase then spans about 6-9 months depending on factors like house size, build complexity, weather delays, labor shortages, etc.

Tips for Reducing Costs When Building a House in Nevada

Here are some top tips to lower the total expenses involved with constructing a new home in Nevada:

  • Opt for a simple rectangular layout and single-story design
  • Build in a rural area outside Reno or Vegas to save on land/labor
  • Order stock home plans rather than customized blueprints
  • Use standardized construction materials and finishes
  • Get quotes from several builders to compare pricing
  • Complete landscaping and some finishes yourself
  • Install smart home technology during the build rather than later
  • Use energy-efficient materials to save on lifetime energy costs

Carefully evaluating all options for design, location, builder, materials, and construction techniques goes a long way to keeping Nevada home build costs as low as possible.

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

House Building Financing Options for Nevada

Here are some brief overviews of common financing options for building a house in Nevada:

Construction Loans

  • Specialized loans covering build costs, secured by the lot/home
  • Typically cover 80-90% of total budget
  • Interest-only payments during build, then convert to traditional mortgage

203(k) Rehab Loans

  • FHA-insured mortgage includes build costs
  • Purchase + renovation costs capped at $35K or 75% of after-rehab value
  • Low down payments, flexible credit guidelines

HomeStyle Renovation Loans

  • Conventional mortgages covering purchase + renovation
  • Up to 75% of home’s projected value post-renovation
  • Competitive interest rates and flexible terms

USDA Rural Development Loans

  • 100% financing with no down payment
  • Must be located in designated rural area
  • Low rates and income eligibility requirements

VA Loans

  • 100% financing options with no down payment
  • Must be eligible veteran/service member
  • Competitive rates and flexible credit guidelines

Personal Loans

  • Unsecured loans with fixed amounts/terms
  • Can use for construction, but higher rates
  • Quick approval, but large monthly payments

The best option depends on your budget, credit, eligibility for specialized programs, and the particular house you want to build. Consulting multiple lenders is wise to find the optimal financing mix.

Benefits of Building Your Own Home in Nevada

Here are some of the key benefits of building your own home in Nevada:

  • Customise the design and layout to suit your needs
  • Select higher-quality materials and finishes
  • Potentially lower cost than existing homes
  • Add unique features like smart home tech, wine cellars, etc.
  • Flexibility in floor plans for future expansion
  • Energy efficiency “built in” for lower utility bills
  • Create multi-generational living spaces
  • Realise appreciation potential in desirable areas
  • Establish roots and connections within a new community
  • Opportunity to learn new skills and be hands-on
  • Pride and satisfaction of creating your perfect home

Building vs. Buying a House: Key Differences

Here is a short overview of some of the key differences between building vs buying an existing home:

Constructing new home construction lets you fully customise the layout, design features, finishes and more to create your dream home suited perfectly to your needs. However, building takes significant time and coordination to complete. Expect a process spanning 6-12 months. There is also more financial risk if costs escalate above estimates.

Purchasing an existing dwelling likely means compromising on some preferences or accepting previous owners’ choice in layouts, materials, styles and upgrades. However, buying a resale home is faster and prices are fixed. You can move in immediately after closing and simply upgrade items over time. There is also less financial uncertainty involved with buying compared to building.

In summary, new construction takes more effort but offers ultimate personalization, while buying a completed home is simpler but includes some level of settling for what’s available on the market. Weighing lifestyle needs vs convenience and timing helps determine the better route. Consulting real estate and construction experts assists the decision making process.

Is It Cheaper to Build a House in Nevada

Yes, building a new home in Nevada is often cheaper than buying an equivalent existing house. Construction costs average around $167 per square foot, so a 2,000 square foot home costs about $334,000 to build. Comparable resale dwellings frequently sell for $350,000-450,000. Building permits you to add special features and quality materials while achieving significant cost savings overall. Just be sure to budget appropriately.

Bottom Line

The bottom line cost to construct a fully-finished single-family home in Nevada ranges from as low as $200,000 on the very low end to $400,000 or more on the high end. The average cost comes out to around $168 per square foot.

So if building a 2,000 square foot house, expect to pay about $336,000. Costs per square foot typically run $100-250, depending on all the variables covered above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average price of a house in Nevada?

The average home price in Nevada is around $385,000. However, newly constructed houses typically sell for 10-20% lower than comparable resale homes. Building a 2,000 square foot house costs approximately $334,000 on average.

How much does it cost to build a 1500 sq ft house in Nevada?

A 1,500 square foot home will cost an average of about $251,000 to build in Nevada (at $167 per sq ft). Total expenses will range $150,000-$300,000.

How much does it cost to build a 2000 sq ft house in Nevada?

For a 2,000 square foot house, expect average building costs of approximately $334,000 (at $167 per sq ft). The total budget will range $200,000-$400,000 based on materials, labor, land values, etc.

How much does it cost to build a 3000 sq ft house in Nevada?

Constructing a larger 3,000 square foot single-family home in Nevada runs around $501,000 on average (at $167 per sq ft). Due to the larger size and increased complexity, overall costs typically span $300,000-$600,000.

Can I build my own house in Nevada?

Yes, you can act as an owner-builder to construct your own home in Nevada. However, you must secure the proper permits and inspections. Hiring licensed subcontractors for areas like electrical, plumbing and HVAC is wise despite doing other work yourself.

How long does it take to build a house in Las Vegas?

It takes 9-12 months on average to fully build a new home in the Las Vegas area. Exact timelines vary between 6-18 months depending on square footage, design complexity, weather, supply chain issues, labor availability and other variables.

What is the most affordable home to build?

Standard single-story designs with rectangular layouts are most affordable. Opting to build in rural locations outside of major cities saves on land and labor costs. Getting quotes from several builders helps find the best pricing on materials and construction fees as well.

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Last Update: February 6, 2024