How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Texas?

Typical Range:

$45,000 - $800,000

Find out how much your project will cost.

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated April 17, 2024

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

  • Building a house involves complex tasks, permits, and safety considerations, making hiring a professional builder advisable.

  • The average cost to build a house in Texas is between $100 and $200 per square foot.

  • Significant cost factors include land and prep work, materials, labor, and home customizations.

  • Common materials for Texas home construction include lumber, concrete, various flooring options, siding, and roofing materials.

  • Building a home in Texas provides control over materials, customizations, location, and size.


Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.


The cost to build a house in Texas is between $45,000 and $800,000, with an average cost of $260,000. This price range doesn't include the land, which will run you another $100,000 on average. The cost of a new home in Texas varies depending on various factors, including the location, size, and details of the house. In addition to the above price, you'll want to consider additional costs of finishing the outdoor area, like landscaping, pools, and other outdoor living space amenities.

Average Cost to Build a House in Texas

Average CostHigh CostLow Cost
$260,000$800,000$45,000

Land and Prep Work Costs

Building a home starts with buying land. In many cases, much of the prep work is done for you. Avoiding surprise costs to building a home in Texas starts with understanding the pre-building process and associated costs, which we list below:

  • Purchase land: Decide on developed or undeveloped land. Undeveloped land also needs sewer, water, and utilities installed, but you'll pay less.

  • Acquire permits: You'll need a few permits for every step. The costs vary by location.

  • Clear the land: Remove trees, shrubs, boulders, and anything else that might prevent building.

  • Excavate a hole: Depending on your location, you may need a flat area for a slab foundation. In rural areas, you'll need a hole to install a septic system.

Or hire a professional architect or construction manager near you to handle these preparation steps.

Buying Land in Texas

House building in Texas starts with purchasing land. Lots vary by location, with lots in major cities costing the most. In metropolitan cities like Dallas and Austin, you'll pay anywhere from $10,000 to $6 million per acre for a lot. In rural and remote areas, you may pay as little as $3,000 per acre.

Texas CityAverage Cost Range of Lot per Acre
Austin$75,000 – $2 million
Dallas$25,000 – $4 million
Houston$12,000 – $6 million
San Antonio$10,000 – $3.5 million

Clearing and Excavating Land

Clearing land costs about $1,000 to $7,000 or $3,500 on average. Excavation costs an additional $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the site accessibility and the size of your planned home. This preps the land to pour a foundation. 

Permits

Home building permits cost $500 to $2,500 on average. You’ll pay different rates based on your location within Texas. Check with your local building department for permit rates in the area.

Find Local Home Building Companies
Find a Pro

Texas House Materials Prices

Materials make up about 50% of the total cost to build a house in Texas, for an average of $140,000. Common materials include lumber, concrete, flooring, siding, and more.

Lumber

Lumber costs an average of $35,000 to $85,000 nationwide for a single-family home. Lumber is used to construct your home’s frame and represents a significant portion of the total materials cost.

Concrete

Concrete materials cost about $2,000 to $15,000 and is the most common home foundation. However, many Texas homes don't have basements, which significantly lowers building material costs.

Flooring

Flooring costs between $2 and $7 per square foot. Flooring is an important factor to consider when building your home for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Homeowners can choose between wood, tile, concrete, and more flooring options.

Siding

Siding materials cost about $3 to $15 per square foot andprotects your home against the elements and increases your curb appeal. Common siding materials include wood, vinyl, and cedar shingles.

Roofing

Roofing materials cost between $3,000 and $6,000, with the price varying depending on the type of roof you get. Metal roofing tends to run twice as much as asphalt shingles. In Texas, you’ll likely want high wind-resistant shingles.

Texas House Construction Labor Costs

Labor costs to build a home account for about 40% of the total cost of a new house in Texas, for an average price of $105,000. Labor costs tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living, so expect the cost to build a house to be higher in major cities like Houston or Dallas.

Costs for various labor include:

  • General contractor rate: 10%–20% of total construction cost

  • Construction manager cost: $3,000–$66,000

  • Electrician rate: $50–$100 per hour

  • Plumber cost: $45–$200 per hour

  • Framer rate: $40–$80 per hour

  • Roofer cost: $150–$300 per square 

Texas House Finishing Costs

Finishing a house in Texas costs about the same as national finishing costs, but the overall price varies quite a bit depending on the material and build quality you go with. A basic builder-grade finish costs a fraction of the price of high-end materials like stone counters, tile floors, and custom cabinets.

Cost per Square Foot to Build a House in Texas

How much is it to build a house in Texas? It can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot. Prices can vary depending on the location of your home, the materials you choose, any other special features or fixtures you decide to add and, of course, labor.

Hire a General Home Building Contractor Near You
Find Pros

Texas House Cost Factors

Some significant factors that influence the cost of building a new home in Texas include the size of your home, where you live, and the materials and home customizations you choose when building.

Location

The average cost to build a house in Texas is $447,500, with Dallas averaging $325,200

Location is another significant influence on home prices in Texas. If you live in or near a major city where the cost of living is higher, like Houston or Dallas, the labor cost will usually be higher, which can raise the total cost of building a new home.

Texas CityAverage Cost to Build a Home
Austin$300,000
Dallas$250,000
Houston$270,000

Home Customizations

While the location and size are the two largest factors influencing the cost of your home, other customizations, including particular materials or features, can also affect the price. For example, certain types of siding or flooring may cost more.

You’ll also want to consider landscaping costs, architectural upgrades, and outdoor living space costs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Texas Homebuilder

Unless you have significant construction experience, don't try to build a home yourself. Not only is this an immensely challenging project requiring years of experience, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

In most cases, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a home building company near you to discuss your options. When trying to find a home builder for this project, it’s a good idea to speak to several contractors to determine which one is the best fit for you.

Start Your Home Construction Project Today
Get Estimates Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you buy or build a new house in Texas?

Deciding to buy or build a house is a very personal decision. Buying a new house can mean you can move into a ready-made home as soon as possible, while building a house from scratch means you can put your stamp of approval on your home. Building a home can sometimes be less expensive than buying one, especially during a competitive housing market.

What questions should I ask before building a house?

Before you start building a house, there are a few questions you should keep in mind. These include your location, material options, and any special features or designs you plan to request. Hammering out these considerations before you begin building can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Is building a house in Texas more expensive than in other states?

The cost to build a house in Texas can vary widely depending on the size and location of the house. On average, it’s less costly to build a house in Texas than it is to build a house in states like New York and Connecticut, while it’s more expensive than in states like Mississippi and Michigan.

Why do Texas houses not have basements?

The water table is too close to the surface of the ground to make basements a feasible option in many parts of Texas. Many other homes not only sit on land with a high water table, but they're also in flood-prone areas. Some homes in the state do have basements, but more often, they sit on a concrete slab. While this doesn't help maximize lot space, you can always build extra stories on smaller lots.