Building a house in New Jersey typically costs around $188 per square foot, meaning that constructing a 2,000-square-foot home would cost approximately $376,000. However, it’s important to note that these costs can vary significantly based on factors such as location, property type, labour expenses, and material costs. Additionally, the timeline for completing a home in New Jersey can range from 6 to 16 months, starting from the initial construction phase to the final completion.
Key Takeaways
- Average cost per square foot is $188.
- Total cost ranges from $300,000 to $460,000.
- Most houses fall in the range of $150 to $200 per square foot.
- Size, finishes, efficiency impact costs significantly.
- Land, permits, fees add $50,000 to $100,000.
- New home timeline is 6 to 16 months.
The Average Cost of Building a House in New Jersey
The average cost of building a house in New Jersey typically stands at about $188 per square foot. However, the total cost can vary significantly based on several factors. For a standard home, homeowners might expect to spend between $300,000 to $460,000, with the state average approximately at $376,000. This cost can escalate further when including additional expenses such as land costs, excavations, permits, and customizations. The final cost is influenced by the property type, size, location, materials used, and labour costs.
Average Cost to Build a Home in New Jersey by Square Footage
| House Size | Average Price Range |
| 500 sq. ft. | $94,000 – $100,000 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $188,000 – $200,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $282,000 – $300,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $376,000 – $400,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $470,000 – $500,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $564,000 – $600,000 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | $658,000 – $700,000 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $752,000 – $800,000 |
| 4,500 sq. ft. | $886,000 – $900,000 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | $940,000 – $1000,000 |
Average Price to Build a House in New Jersey by Number of Bedrooms
Here are the key points regarding the average price to build a house in New Jersey by the number of bedrooms:
1 Bedroom
- Modular: $80,000 – $300,000
- Stick-Built: $160,000 – $500,000
2 Bedrooms
- Modular: $120,000 – $540,000
- Stick-Built: $240,000 – $900,000
3 Bedrooms
- Modular: $200,000 – $600,000
- Stick-Built: $400,000 – $1.5 million
4 Bedrooms
- Modular: $300,000 – $1.5 million
- Stick-Built: $600,000 – $2.5 million
Cost to Build a House in New Jersey by Number of Stories
ere are the average costs to build a house in New Jersey by the number of stories:
1 Story
- Modular: $100,000 – $450,000
- Stick-Built: $200,000 – $750,000
2 Stories
- Modular: $180,000 – $900,000
- Stick-Built: $360,000 – $1.5 million
3 Stories
- Modular: $300,000 – $1.5 million
- Stick-Built: $600,000 – $2.5 million
Average Cost to Build a Home in New Jersey by Style
Here’s a summary of the costs for different home styles:
Tiny House
- Modular: $22,500 – $200,000
- Stick-Built: $50,000 – $400,000
Townhouse
- Modular: $80,000 – $400,000
- Stick-Built: $160,000 – $750,000
Cape Cod
- Modular: $100,000 – $600,000
- Stick-Built: $200,000 – $1 million
Cottage
- Modular: $100,000 – $600,000
- Stick-Built: $200,000 – $1 million
Ranch
- Modular: $150,000 – $600,000
- Stick-Built: $300,000 – $1 million
Four Square
- Modular: $200,000 – $750,000
- Stick-Built: $400,000 – $1.25 million
Farmhouse
- Modular: $200,000 – $750,000
- Stick-Built: $400,000 – $1.25 million
Contemporary
- Modular: $200,000 – $750,000
- Stick-Built: $400,000 – $1.25 million
Mediterranean
- Modular: $200,000 – $750,000
- Stick-Built: $400,000 – $1.25 million
Colonial
- Modular: $200,000 – $900,000
- Stick-Built: $400,000 – $1.5 million
Cabin
- Modular: $200,000 – $1.2 million
- Stick-Built: $400,000 – $1.75 million
Victorian
- Modular: $400,000 – $900,000
- Stick-Built: $800,000 – $1.5 million
Queen Anne
- Modular: $400,000 – $900,000
- Stick-Built: $800,000 – $1.5 million
Greek Revival
- Modular: $400,000 – $900,000
- Stick-Built: $800,000 – $1.5 million
McMansion
- Modular: $400,000 – $900,000
- Stick-Built: $800,000 – $1.5 million
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Ohio
Cost Breakdown of Building a House in New Jersey
- Material Cost: Approximately 50% of the overall construction prices, around $50 per square foot.
- Contractor Charges: Generally 10% to 20% of the total construction value.
- Electrical Costs: Between $7,500 and $12,500.
- Roof Installation Costs: Varies based on material and size, ranging from $4,000 to $45,600.
- Plumbing Costs: Around $12,000.
- HVAC Installation Costs: Typically $1,500 to $12,500.
- Land Costs: Average price per acre in New Jersey is $245,900.
- 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 Influencing Cost
- Type of Property and Square Footage: The cost varies depending on the property type and its size. Larger homes with more square footage naturally cost more.
- Customizations: Personalised features or unique architectural elements can significantly increase the budget.
- Location: Costs can vary greatly depending on where in New Jersey the house is being built. Urban areas might have higher costs due to land prices and labour costs.
- Material Costs: The choice of building materials greatly affects the overall cost. High-end materials like granite countertops or hardwood floors will increase the price.
- Labour Costs: Labor is a significant portion of building costs. Rates can vary based on the region and the expertise required for specific tasks.
- Permits and Regulations: Building a house requires various permits, and adherence to local building codes can add to the cost.
- Land Costs: The price of land in New Jersey varies widely. The average price per acre can be as high as $242,900, depending on the location.
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Georgia
Ways to Reduce Costs
If your estimated new home price is exceeding your intended budget, here are some areas where you may be able to scale back expenses:
- Opt for a smaller home size and simpler layout
- Choose standardized or stock plans rather than 100% custom designs
- Limit extravagant finishes and opt for mid-range options
- Build a single story rather than multi-level home
- Look for smaller or narrower lot sizes to reduce land purchase price
- Use a reputable but affordable contractor
- Complete some DIY work like painting or landscaping
- Stage furnishings over time or repurpose existing pieces
- Get multiple quotes from subcontractors and suppliers
Compromising on size or certain luxuries can potentially save tens of thousands. But avoid compromising on structural elements that impact safety and livability.
Is Buying an Existing Home More Affordable?
With the high price tag of new construction in New Jersey, you may be wondering if purchasing an existing home is significantly more affordable.
The median sales price for an existing single-family home in New Jersey is around $350,000 compared to $376,000 for new construction. However, there are additional factors to weigh when choosing between new vs. existing:
Benefits of Buying Existing
- Lower upfront purchase price in most cases
- Faster to move in, no lengthy construction
- Landscaping and yards are established
Benefits of Building New
- Everything is brand new and warrantied
- Customise to your layout, finishes, style
- Latest in energy efficiency and technology
- No immediate repairs or renovations needed
While buying an existing home tends to have lower upfront costs and faster turnaround time, building new allows you to get a home tailored exactly to your needs and preferences without the need for any renovations. And in some markets, existing home prices are on par with new construction.
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Florida
Timeline for Completion
Another major factor to consider is the project timeline. Building a fully custom new home in New Jersey takes an average of 6 to 16 months from breaking ground to getting the certificate of occupancy.
Elements impacting the schedule include permitting timeframes, construction start date, house size, weather delays, contractor availability, and customization level. Make sure to account for construction financing if needed.
Here is an approximate timeline:
- Planning and design: 2 to 6 months
- Permit approval: 1 to 3 months
- Site work: 1 to 2 months
- Foundation: 1 to 2 months
- Framing: 1 to 2 months
- Systems rough-in: 1 to 3 months
- Interior finish: 2 to 4 months
- Landscaping: 1 to 2 months
- Final inspections: 1 to 2 weeks
Payment Options for Building a New House
- Construction Loans: These are short-term loans used to cover the cost of building a new home. They typically have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages and are converted into a permanent mortgage once construction is complete.
- Mortgage Loans: A traditional mortgage can be used if you’re buying a newly constructed home from a builder who is financing the construction. In this case, the mortgage process is similar to buying an existing home.
- Owner-Builder Loans: If you plan to act as your own general contractor, an owner-builder loan can be an option. These loans require detailed construction plans and a proven track record of construction experience.
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): If you already own a property, a HELOC allows you to borrow against the equity in your current home to finance the construction of a new one.
- Personal Savings: Using personal savings to fund construction is another option, though it may require a significant amount of capital upfront.
- Government Loans: Some government programs, like FHA construction loans, offer options for financing home construction with lower down payments and less stringent credit requirements.
- Land Loans: If you need to purchase land for your new home, a land loan can be used for this purpose. It’s often combined with a construction loan for the building process.
- Bridge Loans: These are short-term loans that can help cover the gap between the costs of building your new home and your future income or financial situation.
- Investor Financing: For larger projects or developments, some builders may seek financing from investment groups or private investors.
- Crowdfunding: A less traditional method, crowdfunding can be an option for those with a strong social network willing to contribute to their home-building project.
Building vs. Buying Which is The Best
Building a home offers the advantage of customization, allowing you to design a space that perfectly suits your preferences and lifestyle. It also ensures modern construction with potentially higher energy efficiency. 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 neighbourhood connections. However, it might involve compromises on design and potential renovation costs to update or personalise the space according to your tastes and needs.
Conclusion
Building a new home in New Jersey comes at a significant cost, with the typical price range spanning $300,000 to $460,000 and pricing averaging around $376,000 for a single family house as of 2024. Exact budgets can vary dramatically depending on the size and design of your home, finishes and features included, lot specifications, contractor rates, and geographic region where you want to build. Carefully estimating costs during the planning stages and trimming expenses where reasonable can help keep your custom build within your budget. While constructing a new home is a large investment, the long term benefits of getting a personalised home that matches your lifestyle makes it worthwhile for many New Jersey homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Buying an existing home in NJ is cheaper than building new construction. The median price for an existing single-family home is around $350,000 compared to $376,000 for a newly built home. However, custom building allows you to get the layout and finishes you want.
For a 2,500 square foot 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom house, expect to pay between $375,000 and $550,000 or more depending on the location, finishes, lot conditions, and other custom features. High-end luxury builds can exceed $1 million.
Self building with you acting as the general contractor can save around 5-20% in costs compared to hiring a builder to manage the entire process. However, this route requires more time and coordination.
The structure/shell of the home makes up the biggest portion of costs, including the foundation, framing, roofing, windows, and exterior materials. Finishes like flooring, counters, and bathrooms are another large expense.
The San Francisco Bay Area in California has the highest home construction costs in the country, averaging over $700 per square foot. Other pricey metro areas include New York City, Boston, and Honolulu.
Custom luxury homes with multiple stories, high-end finishes, smart home technology, and additional amenities like pools tend to be the most expensive house styles to construct. Large single-family homes cost more than condos.
