Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Jennifer Carlson
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer
Average cost to build a house in California
The average cost to build a house in California is $360,000 to $1,500,000, not including the cost of land or site prep. New home construction costs in California range from $200 to $600 per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $360,000 – $760,000 |
| Custom home | $760,000 – $1,500,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
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Cost per square foot to build a house in California
The cost to build a house in California is $200 to $400 per square foot for a basic, builder-grade home with standard finishes. These homes typically come in only a limited number of styles and floor plans, which vary from one builder to the next.
The cost to build a custom home in California with upgrades like granite countertops, hardwood floors, and high-end fixtures and finishes is $400 to $600 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) | Basic builder-grade home* | Custom home* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $160,000 – $320,000 | $320,000 – $480,000 |
| 1,000 | $200,000 – $400,000 | $400,000 – $600,000 |
| 1,500 | $300,000 – $600,000 | $600,000 – $900,000 |
| 1,800 | $360,000 – $720,000 | $720,000 – $1,080,000 |
| 2,000 | $400,000 – $800,000 | $800,000 – $1,200,000 |
| 2,500 | $500,000 – $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 3,000 | $600,000 – $1,200,000 | $1,200,000 – $1,800,000 |
| 3,500 | $700,000 – $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 – $2,100,000 |
| 4,000 | $800,000 – $1,600,000 | $1,600,000 – $2,400,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost factors to build a home in California
Location is a key factor in the cost to build a house in California. Land and construction costs are significantly higher in coastal areas and major cities than in the state's desert regions.
In addition to the home's location and size, your choice of materials and finishes also impacts the cost. The table below provides a breakdown of average costs for major aspects of new home construction in California.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Foundation | $9,000 – $28,000 |
| Framing | $22,000 – $60,000 |
| Roof | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| Siding | $8,000 – $26,000 |
| Electrical | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Solar panels | $12,500 – $17,300 |
| Plumbing | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| HVAC | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,500 – $5,000 |
*Including labor and materials
Buying land in California
The average cost of land in California is $6,000 to $14,000 per acre, but costs vary significantly by location. An acre of land in the desert may cost only $3,000, while lots in major cities, coastal areas, or wine country often sell for more than $1 million.
A land survey costs $400 to $1,800 for new home construction. The surveyor will identify property boundaries and mark the proposed foundation borders and locations of utility lines.
Preparing the site
Before the builder can begin construction on your new home, they must prepare the site. Excavation costs $1,500 to $10,000 to level and grade the site before pouring the foundation. Costs will be higher for steeply sloped properties or if you're building in a rocky area that requires excavation with a jackhammer or blasting.
Foundation
Building a foundation costs $5 to $14 per square foot or $9,000 to $27,000 total, depending on whether it's a concrete slab, crawl space, or basem*nt. Building on a sloped area—a common scenario in California—may also require concrete pillars, retaining walls, and other supports, increasing costs.
Coastal and lakefront homes may require a raised foundation to protect them from flooding. A pier and beam foundation costs $14,000 to $28,000.
Framing & roof
The cost to frame a house is $11 to $30 per square foot or $20,000 to $60,000 total for a typical house, including the roof trusses. Framing takes 30 to 60+ days, depending on the home's size and layout.
After framing, roof installation costs $6,000 to $18,000 total or around $3 to $6+ per square foot, depending on the material. Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing choice and fall within this price range. Tile and other premium roof materials cost $7 to $25+ per square foot with installation.
Siding
Your choice of exterior finishes also impacts construction costs. Siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot or $8,000 to $26,000 total installed, depending on the material and quality. Vinyl and aluminum siding are popular, affordable options. Premium materials like brick, stucco, and stone cost up to $45 per square foot.
Electrical
The average cost to wire a house is $4 to $9 per square foot or $8,000 to $18,000 total. Expect costs on the high end of that range if your house has a complex layout or requires a high-capacity electrical panel to power more appliances and devices.
Solar panels
The California Solar Mandate requires all new construction homes to have a solar panel system large enough to meet the home's annual electricity needs. The average cost of solar panels in California is $12,500 to $17,300 for a 5 kW system, before subtracting the 30% federal tax credit.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing costs $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the pipe material and the home's layout. Rough-in plumbing for a new house includes installing water supply lines, drain lines, pipes, connections, and vents. Plumbers charge an additional $450 to $1,800 per fixture to install sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and other fixtures.
A new HVAC system with ductwork costs $7,000 to $16,000, depending on the home size and the system type, size, and brand.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes include flooring, cabinets, countertops, painting or wallpaper, lighting, and more. Fixtures and finishes make up a large portion of the total construction cost, and prices can vary widely depending on the quality. Keep these items in mind when planning your build:
Flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average or $8,000 to $30,000 total with installation.
Cabinets cost $150 to $500 per linear foot or $4,500 to $15,000+ total with installation, depending on if they're stock or custom cabinets.
Countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot installed, depending on the material.
Lighting fixtures cost $70 to $400 each with installation.
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot or about $8,000 to $30,000 total for an average house, depending on the interior layout.
Painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface.
Appliances
Appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each on average, depending on the brand, model, and features. Prices for high-end ovens, ranges, and refrigerators can reach $5,000+ each.
A kitchen appliance package with a basic fridge, range, dishwasher, and microwave costs $2,100 to $5,400. A package featuring high-end appliances costs $5,400 to $13,000+.
A washer and dryer costs $1,000 to $2,300 per set.
Labor costs to build a house in California
Your builder will act as a general contractor to coordinate your entire project, order materials, manage the subcontractors, and ensure construction stays on schedule. A general contractor charges 10% to 20% of the construction budget, and most builders include this fee in their total estimate for the project.
Your builder will typically hire and manage all the subcontractors involved in the project. Most reputable builders have already established relationships with pros they prefer to work with in each industry. The table below lists the average hourly rates for many of the professionals involved in building a house.
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| Professional | Labor cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Excavating contractors | $100 – $300 |
| Plumbers | $75 – $150 |
| Electricians | $50 – $130 |
| Roofers | $30 – $100 |
| Carpenters & framing contractors | $30 – $100 |
| Siding contractors | $40 – $80 |
| Drywall contractors | $40 – $100 |
| Painters | $20 – $70 |
| Flooring installers | $20 – $70 |
| HVAC installers | $75 – $150 |
| Landscapers | $25 – $50 |
Cost to build a house in California vs. other states
Building a home in California typically costs more than in other states. The nationwide average cost to build a house is $150 to $250 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home and $250 to $400+ per square foot for a home with upgraded finishes, not including the land.
Compare the average cost to build a new home in these other popular states:
The cost to build a house in Florida is $150 to $280+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Texas is $140 to $300+ per square foot.
The cost to build a house in Michigan is $130 to $250+ per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in California
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in California?
It is usually cheaper to buy a house than build one in California, depending on the location. In some parts of the state where sale prices for existing homes have skyrocketed in recent years, the cost to build a house can be about the same or slightly cheaper than buying one.
How long does it take to build a house in California?
Building a house in California takes 6 to 12+ months, depending on the home size and whether you go with a builder-grade model home or a custom design. The total construction time depends on the condition of the home site, weather conditions, and labor and material availability.
Can I build a tiny house in California?
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Tiny homes are legal in California, but regulations vary by city and county. Some locations allow tiny homes on any lot but require owners to obtain a special use permit. Others only allow tiny homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Some cities also have minimum size limits for tiny homes.
The average cost to build a tiny house in California is $45,000 to $150,000, and all tiny homes must adhere to California State Building Codes (CSBC) in addition to any city or county codes.
Getting quotes from home builders in California
Follow these tips to find the best California home builders near you:
Choose builders who specialize in the type of house you're looking for.
Read reviews of home builders on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your preferred home size, style, and features.
Ask to see a portfolio of their custom homes or tour their model homes.
Verify the builders are licensed and insured in California.
Ask each builder for references from previous clients.
Request a written contract detailing the specific materials and associated costs, labor costs, and timeline for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask the builder these important questions before signing a contract:
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in California?
How long have you been building homes in California?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Do you have any model homes I can tour?
Do you work with specific home designers or architects to create the house plans?
How much input will I have on the material and fixture choices?
Can you recommend ways to cut costs without compromising the quality?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
What warranties do you offer on the materials and workmanship?
What financing methods do you offer?
Can you provide references with contact information for past clients?
How we get this data
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.
