In Vermont, on average the cost of building a new house is approximately $154 per square foot. Constructing a 2,000 square foot custom home would therefore cost around $308,000. However, total expenses range from $300,000 to $500,000, varying based on location, property type, labor, materials, and other factors. The full process typically spans 9-12 months from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Average cost to build is $154 per square foot
- The cost typically ranges from $130 to $200 per square foot.
- For a 2,000 sq ft home, expect to pay $308,000
- Total cost range is $300,000 – $500,000
- Costs depend on location, property type, materials, labor, etc.
- Building a custom home takes 9-12 months
The Average Cost Building a Home in Vermont
The average cost of building a new house in Vermont is $153.92 per square foot. This means a 2,000 square foot home would cost around $307,840 to construct. Overall, expect total price ranges from $280,000 to $480,000 depending on specific location, property details, custom finishes selected, contractor rates, and additional fees. Significant cost factors include land purchase, materials, labor, permitting, site development expenses and a contingency budget for unforeseen overages.
Also read: Cost to Build a House in Virginia: Complete Idea
Average Cost Based On Square Footage in Vermont
| Square Footage | Average Cost Ranges |
|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $77,000 – $100,000 |
| 1000 sq ft | $154,000 – $200,000 |
| 1500 sq ft | $231,000 – $300,000 |
| 2000 sq ft | $304,000 – $400,000 |
| 2500 sq ft | $385,000 – $500,000 |
| 3000 sq ft | $462,000 – $600,000 |
| 3500 sq ft | $539,000 – $700,000 |
| 4000 sq ft | $616,000 – $800,000 |
| 4500 sq ft | $693,000 – $900,000 |
| 5000 sq ft | $770,000 – $1,000,000 |
Average Cost to Build a House in Vermont by City
| City/County | Average Building Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Fair Haven | $110 |
| Cavendish | $130 |
| Brookfield | $135 |
| Stowe | $150 |
| Burlington | $170 |
| Manchester | $180 |
| Woodstock | $190 |
| Shelburne | $200 |
| Rutland | $160 |
| Bennington | $150 |
Estimated Cost to Build a Home in Vermont by Number of Bedrooms
| Number of Bedrooms | Average Building Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 | $120,000 – $150,000 |
| 2 | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| 3 | $180,000 – $250,000 |
| 4 | $220,000 – $300,000 |
| 5 | $300,000+ |
Estimated Cost to Build a Home in Vermont by Number of Stories
| Stories | 2000 Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| 1 | $240,000 – $300,000 |
| 2 | $300,000 – $375,000 |
| 3 | $375,000 – $450,000 |
| 4 | $450,000 – $525,000 |
| 5 | $525,000 – $600,000 |
Estimated Cost to Build a 2,000 sq ft Home in Vermont by Style
| Style | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Modern Farmhouse | $308,000 |
| Craftsman | $308,000 |
| Spanish Colonial | $346,240 |
| Mediterranean | $358,400 |
| Ranch | $292,600 |
| Minimalist | $376,800 |
| Traditional | $308,000 |
The Average Cost to Build a House Across The US State
| STATE | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Vermont | $307,840 |
| Texas | $264,100 |
| South Dakota | $204,420 |
| South Carolina | $301,840 |
| Rhode Island | $338,180 |
| North Dakota | $212,500 |
| New York | $360,180 |
| New Mexico | $290,940 |
| New Hampshire | $299,900 |
| Nevada | $334,140 |
| Nebraska | $210,900 |
| Montana | $298,960 |
| Missouri | $226,760 |
| Mississippi | $255,320 |
| 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 |
| Washington | $343,100 |
| Connecticut | $345,440 |
| Florida | $263,640 |
| Georgia | $273,860 |
| North Carolina | $301,500 |
| Ohio | $222,480 |
Breakdown of Costs to Build a House in Vermont
Let’s break down typical costs for key components:
Land Acquisition
This can vary from $50,000 for a basic lot in a rural town up to $200,000 or more for larger, preferred parcels near ski resorts and amenities. As land equals location, be prepared to spend more for areas in high demand.
Site Preparation
Getting raw land ready for building requires clearing vegetation, grading for drainage, excavating for foundations, erosion control, driveway construction, retaining walls if sloped, etc. Most homesites incur $15,000 to $50,000 for this stage.
Architecture & Engineering
Hiring design pros for $20,000 to $50,000 gives you schematics balancing aesthetics, functionality and Vermont’s climate/codes. This investment pays dividends in livability.
Building Materials
The structure and everything inside it, from the foundation to the roofline, represents one of the biggest construction line items at $80 to $500+ per square foot. Prioritize energy efficient envelopes and windows plus durable finishes over luxury fittings to control costs.
Labor
Skilled Vermont construction workers command $100 to $200 per square foot. Confirm your builder has qualified subs like excavators, framers, electricians to avoid having to redo incorrectly installed components.
Permitting/Fees
Sites in conservation districts or needing septic systems face extra permitting costs of $10,000 to $20,000+. Reputable builders know requirements and can expedite approval.
Utility Connections
Hooking up water, electric, gas and telecom/cable ranges from $10,000 in areas with existing nearby access up to $50,000 for long conduit runs or solar/generator systems.
Total: Realistically budget $300,000 to $500,000+ to build a high quality 2,000 square foot Vermont home customized to your needs and efficiently constructed by area specialists familiar with the state’s terrain and environmental regulations.
Also read: How Much Does It Cost to Build Your Dream Home in Oregon
Factors That Influence Building Costs
- Location – Rural vs urban areas, property values
- Land – Purchase price, clearing, utilities
- Size – Square footage, number of beds/baths
- Materials – Quality of finishes, appliances, fixtures
- Labor – Construction wages, contractor fees
- Permits – All legal approvals and fees
- Site Work – Surveying, engineering prep
- Unforeseen Costs – Contingency budget, overages
How to Lower the Cost to Build a House in Vermont
Here are some tips to lower the cost to build a house in Vermont:
- Choose a rural location where property values and construction labor rates are typically lower
- Opt for a simple, one-story rectangular layout without complex roof lines or custom features
- Build on an empty lot to avoid demolition and remediation costs
- Work with a local builder familiar with permitting costs and code regulations in your area
- Use standard, affordable building materials rather than premium products
- Get pricing for utility connections early and size accordingly to avoid surprises
- Consider an unfinished basement and adding rooms later as needs change
- Install energy-efficient appliances, lighting, windows and insulation to save costs long-term
- Landscape yourself or use native plantings to reduce upfront planting expenses
- Be your own general contractor to avoid markups, if you have the time and skill
- Stick to an efficient floor plan size to get the most value per square foot
Carefully controlling square footage as well as “luxury” elements in the design, finishes, and features helps reduce the total expenditure while still resulting in a comfortable, durable home. Partnering with local professionals and researching costs specific to your target location also facilitates significant savings off the final price tag. Building smart from the start makes owning a high-quality Vermont home achievable.
Timeline to Build a House in Vermont
While constructing a residence can take over a year total, the actual building phase is shorter in duration. Here is an overview of a typical new home construction schedule in Vermont:
- Planning & Design: 2 – 6 months
- Permits & Site Prep: 1 – 3 months
- Foundation & Framing: 1 – 2 months
- Roofing, Exterior: 1 – 2 months
- Interior, Utilities: 2 – 4 months
- Landscaping, Finishings: 1 – 2 months
You can expect the complete turnaround from initial plans to finishing touches to span approximately 9-12 months. Weather delays may push some projects closer to a year to fully wrap up.
Having everything mapped out with reliable partners helps keep the work on track and prevent avoidable delays.
Financing Options for Building a House in Vermont
Here are some tips for financing your Vermont home build:
Financing Options:
- Conventional construction loans – Only need 5% down, locked in rate. Require good credit.
- USDA loans – 100% financing available in some rural areas. Low rates and fees.
- VA loans – 100% financing if you are a qualified veteran. No PMI.
- FHA loans – Only 3.5% down payment required. Low credit score OK.
- 401K/IRA loans – Use your retirement savings. Pay yourself back over time.
- Home equity line of credit – Leverage current home equity to finance new build.
- Personal loans/HELOC – Finance smaller projects or as bridge loans.
Tips:
- Shop multiple lenders to compare loan fees/rates
- Get pre-qualified to show builders you are serious buyer
- Understand loan closing requirements and costs
- Start financing process 4-6 months prior to construction
- Get locking rate commitments in writing
- Overestimate final project budget
Leveraging competitive construction loan products paired with smart planning helps pave the smooth pathway towards realizing your Vermont dream home.
Also read: Cost to Build a House in Rhode Island: Building Smart, Saving Big
Benefits of Building Your Own Home in Vermont
- Customization – Design home tailored to your needs and preferences
- Cost savings – Build equity and potential cash flow with rental unit
- Quality materials – Choose durable finishes that stand the test of time
- Energy efficiency – Utilise latest insulation, appliances, lighting
- Ideal location – Select the perfect neighbourhood and landscape
- Pride of ownership – Make a space truly your own with personal touches
- Financial returns – Increase property value for future sale or inheritance
- Self-reliance – Learn new skills and take control throughout the process
- Flexibility – Modify plans as needs change for multi-generational living
- Connection to community – Establish roots working alongside area builders
- Peace of mind – Carefully crafted refuge reflects your values and lifestyle
Building vs. Buying a House: Key Differences
Building a House:
- Customize design, finishes, layout, features
- Higher upfront costs but equity gains
- 9-12 month construction period
- More flexibility on location, neighborhood
- Lock in current rates for 30-yr mortgage
- Site challenges increase expenses
- Need architectural plans and permits
Buying a House:
- Limited inventory and readiness for move-in
- Competitive bids above asking prices
- Unknown history of issues
- Built-in equity from previous owners
- Can only update existing structures
- Immediate expenses for renovations
- Multiple offer scenarios very common
In summary, building allows personal customization but requires more effort, whereas buying offers quicker move-in but less control over the property itself. Weighing your highest priorities, budget, and timeline can help determine the optimal path forward in the Vermont real estate market.
Is It Cheaper to Build a House in Vermont
Yes, it is often cheaper to build a house in Vermont than to buy one. Though construction costs are rising, building from scratch allows you to optimize the design for affordability, install less expensive finishes, take advantage of current low rates, and gain equity from the ground up. With savvy planning and reasonable expectations, you can construct a high-quality custom home for less overall outlay compared to purchasing an equivalent existing house.
Working with Builders & Architects
Unless you plan on an owner-build, partnering with experienced VT construction pros is wise considering zoning laws, weather, terrain and other locality challenges.
Key tips for success:
- Get referrals from friends/neighbors and check references thoroughly
- Verify proper state licensing and insurance coverage
- Get detailed bids from at least 3 firms before selecting
- Clearly outline project scope, timeline, contingency fund
- Prudently balance quality and costs when evaluating building components
- Keep open communication to avoid misunderstandings
Reputable builders have constructed hundreds of Vermont homes that meet code and satisfy owners within agreed upon budgets.
An architect well-versed in VT climate and zoning Adds value by ensuring structural integrity and optimizing livability through smart space planning. Their fee of 10-15% of total construction cost is generally money well spent.
Making Building Affordable
While the pristine setting comes at a premium cost, there are ways to reduce VT home construction expenses through smart design like:
- Optimize floor plan to reduce unnecessary spaces
- Build multi-level to minimize foundation footprint
- Use PAth+ certification standards for high-efficiency envelope
- Incorporate sustainable materials like timber framing
- Install solar panels and mini-split heating/cooling systems
- Shop for some fixtures and finishes at discount outlets
- Get premium double-pane windows and doors to cut energy loss
Compromising on quality to cut corners is a false economy. But making square footage and features fit your budget ensures affordability and enjoyment of your new Vermont home for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The average cost to build a single family home in Vermont runs about $153 per square foot. For a 2,000 square foot house, you would expect to pay around $306,000. Total expenses range from $280,000 to $450,000.
The average per square foot construction cost for a single family home in Vermont is about $154. Therefore, to build a new 1500 square foot house in Vermont you can reasonably expect to invest $231,000 (1500 x $154 per sf).
Using the average cost per square foot of $154 for home construction in Vermont, building a new 2000 square foot house would cost approximately $308,000 (2000 sf x $154 per sf).
The typical per square foot price to build in Vermont is $154. For a 3000 square foot home, that equates to $462,000 for just the base construction cost (3000 sf x $154 per sf).
An average newly constructed home in Vermont is about 2,000 square feet and costs in the range of $300,000 to $500,000 to build. Existing resale homes have a current median sales price of $275,000 in the state.
The combination of high construction expenses (materials, local labor costs), property taxes, land values in desirable areas and limited housing inventory make Vermont home prices higher than national averages relative to incomes. Seasonal vacation demand also drives up pricing.
You can build a 500 square foot tiny home in Vermont for around $125-$150 per square foot, putting the total price in the range of $75,000 to $100,000 with finishing and fixtures. Lower costs allow going tiny to be an affordable option.
Yes, tiny houses on foundations are approved as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Vermont. Tiny houses on wheels have zoning restrictions on duration and placement not being viewed as permanent residences in all areas.
It is possible to self build your own home in Vermont as an owner-builder, but you still need proper permits and inspections to legally occupy the residence. Working with qualified architects and contractors is highly recommended given VT construction complexity. Self building often saves little versus hiring local pros.
Conclusion
Building a brand new home in Vermont costs around $300,000 to $500,000+ depending primarily on size, location, level of customization and property type. Plan on a 12 month timeframe from start to finish when estimating your project. While an expensive undertaking, constructing your dream home tailored to your needs in one of America’s most beautiful states is an incredibly rewarding investment that can be affordable with diligent planning and budgeting.
