If one contemplates constructing a house, the first question that arises is the location or where he/she can build the house? If you are planning to build a house in the United States then Pennsylvania (PA) is a very good option. As the living cost in Pennsylvania is lower it’s perfect for those people who want to build a house and start their family.
Pennsylvania ranked among the top 10 places to live in the country according to a recent report from WalletHub. Pennsylvania has a rich history that stretches back to the foundation of the United Nations, So it’s a perfect place to build a house for your family. It’s a beautiful state with a lot of opportunities where one can enjoy every kind of life.
If building a house in Pennsylvania is in your mind, then this article is perfect to get knowledge about the total cost of building a house, the average cost, and some other costs that are related to the construction of a building in Pennsylvania (PA).
How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Pennsylvania, PA?
According to a 2022 Home blue survey, Pennsylvania (PA) home building cost ranges from $130 to $280 per square foot depending on the grade of construction you choose. The average cost of building a house in Pennsylvania is approximately $350,000 to $470,000 in recent years. You will need almost 10 months to complete the construction of your dream home in Pennsylvania.
In our recent estimates in 2022, the lumber prices and construction material costs climbing rapidly, and we are now experiencing new home construction at $250 per square foot and reaching $350 per square foot. Custom home in Pennsylvania with customizable features can cost up to $480.
Pennsylvania House Building Cost Summary
The following is an estimate for the cost of constructing a home in Pennsylvania, PA in 2022:
| Permit Fee | $500-$3,000 |
| Average Land Price | $34,089-$37,010 |
| 3000 Square Foot House | $750,000-$900,000 |
| Per Square House Building Cost | $250-$480 |
Home Building Per Square Foot (sq ft) Cost in Pennsylvania for 2022
Size is always an important factor. It is essential to know the cost per square foot when building a house. In Pennsylvania (PA), you have to bear 250 per square foot in a minimum and a maximum of $350 per square foot.
You will find here a list of the latest prices in 2022 for different homes based on their square footage.
| Size | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost | Average Cost |
| 500 sq ft | 125,000 | $175,000 | $150,000 |
| 1000 sq ft | $250,000 | $350,000 | $300,000 |
| 1200 sq ft | $300,000 | $420,000 | $360,000 |
| 1500 sq ft | $375,000 | $525,000 | $450,000 |
| 1800 sq ft | $450,000 | $630,000 | $540,000 |
| 2000 sq ft | $500,000 | $700,000 | $600,000 |
| 2500 sq ft | $625,000 | $875,000 | $750,000 |
| 3000 sq ft | $750,000 | $1,050,000 | $900,000 |
| 3500 sq ft | $875,000 | $1,225,000 | $1,050,000 |
| 4000 sq ft | $1,000,000 | $1,400,000 | $1,200,000 |
| 4500 sq ft | $1,125,000 | $1,575,000 | $1,350,000 |
| 5000 sq ft | $1,250,000 | $1,750,000 | $1,500,000 |
| 5500 sq ft | $1,375,000 | $1,925,000 | $1,650,000 |
| 6000 sq ft | $1,500,000 | $2,100,000 | $1,800,000 |
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The Cost of Building a House in Popular Cities in Pennsylvania, PA
The value and weight of the city differ from one another. So the cost of house building in Pennsylvania varies from one another. Philadelphia is the most popular city in Pennsylvania (PA). So the house building cost is very high compared to any other city.
You will get a complete list of prices per square foot of houses in different Pennsylvania cities in the following section.
| City Name | Per Square Foot Price |
| Philadelphia | $280-$350+ |
| Pittsburgh | $201-$319+ |
| Allentown | $221-$311+ |
| Erie | $203-$316 |
| Reading | $245-$332 |
| Bethlehem | $250-$300+ |
| Scranton | $239-$345 |
| Lancaster | $180-$305 |
| Levittown | $252-$326 |
| Harrisburg | $199-$287 |
There are many more cities in Pennsylvania, PA which are very good for living and also quite affordable to build a house.
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The Major Cost Factor of House Building in Pennsylvania
Cost in Pennsylvania (PA) is determined by several factors. We will break down each of those factors so that you can understand the average cost easily. House building in Pennsylvania is most commonly characterized by these factors.
Price of Land in Pennsylvania
People are more inclined to build homes in 2022. As a result, the cost of land has gone up. In 2019, an acre of land costs $33,052, however, it will cost you $34,089 to $37,010 in 2022.
But remember that the average land price is just one factor to consider. It is important to note that the cost of purchasing a land lot in Pennsylvania is heavily influenced by the acreage, location, and construction suitability of the land.
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Permit Fees in Pennsylvania
Before construction begins on a Pennsylvania home, builders must obtain three building permits: an occupancy permit, a utility permit, and a septic permit. Permit costs vary from county to county but generally range from $500 to $3,000 in Pennsylvania, PA.
Site inspections and utility connection fees may also be charged for new land lots. For more details, you can find it here https://www.pa.gov/.
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Materials Cost in PA
Materials are critical to the success of the project. Lumber is used to frame the building, siding, roofing materials, and nails are used to attach the materials. Material costs are expected to range between $103,440 and $110,000 in 2022. Types of materials will affect prices.
According to nahb.org, lumber prices are expected to skyrocket in mid-2021 due to the supply chain issue. According to a new analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), lumber prices that have tripled over the past year have led to an increase of $35,872 in the average price of a new single-family home.
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Labor and Contractor Fee in Pennsylvania
Contractors charge different labor rates. Contractors with lower labor rates should be avoided. Their workers may not be experienced.
In recent years, the average cost of labor has been around $40,001 to $45,001 per year. Among the tasks included are framing, painting, roof installation, siding installation, and more.
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Mechanicals Cost in PA
Plumbing, heating, and wiring are all part of mechanical services. When they work together, they maintain a comfortable indoor environment. The cost is expected to be $50,000 to $60,000 by 2022.
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Excavation, Concrete, and Foundation cost
In order to build a house, you must dig a foundation into the ground. Concrete footings, potholes, and flatwork can all cost $11,086 for excavation and digging.
If you want a strong foundation, you need to use the best materials, not the lowest bidder. When you don’t have a good foundation, your home won’t last.
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Interior Finishes in PA
The cost of building your home can increase by including more luxurious features. Adding a high-quality HVAC system or custom countertops will cost you anywhere between $35 and 78 per square foot.
Every element of your custom home can be chosen by you, from the roof to the foundation. It includes door trims, mirrors, floors, lighting, painting, appliances, fireplaces, and much more. You have to bear near around $40,000 to $100,000 for the interior in 2022.
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Exterior Materials in Pennsylvania
Finishes on the exterior of new homes are crucial. Exterior walls are typically made of expensive materials. The walls support and shield the house from the elements. The materials you will need for the exterior walls, windows, and doorways are also needed.
You can add a substantial amount to your budget by including your roof in this category. It is quite difficult to give an accurate estimate. We can say you have to spend roughly $20,000 to $90,000 for exterior Work in Pennsylvania. But you can control expenses by choosing the material on your own.
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Home Additions in Pennsylvania
You can add more amenities to your new custom home if you have it constructed custom. Adding value to your home while increasing its enjoyment, convenience, and relaxation can be done.
Building these extra amenities can be quite expensive, and they may require a great deal of maintenance. These are the prices of specific amenities according to 2022:
| Addition Cost | Price Range |
| Large Decks | $4,670-$12,430 |
| Outdoor Kitchen | $5,890-$23,880 |
| Balcony | $6,100-$11,380 |
| Porch | $6,440-$28,190 |
| Garage | $27,300-$55,209 |
| Inground Pools | $38,640-$107,120 |
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Other Key Factors in Pennsylvania, PA: Depend on Your Willingness 2022
You will need to consider four factors when making your decision. Your decision will determine the overall project costs. Among them are the size of your house, the number of stories, the design of your house, and the type of home.
Size of Your House
A house with more square footage will cost you more than a house with less square footage for absolute reasons. So be sure about the size of your house when you are starting the construction work.
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The Number of Stories in Your House
If you want to add more stories to your house, it means there will be some additional cost of construction and design materials. Which will increase the cost to double. So be aware of what is your need first and how many stories will satisfy them.
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The Design of Your House
With a simple yet stylish house, you will be able to keep the costs low. However, if you want to add any additional features to your house, it will cost you more. For example: If you want a pool in your house or a movie room in your house, it will be more expensive than general.
If you desire a luxury home or a high-end home you must have added money for that additional feature and custom designs.
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Types of Houses
There can be different types of houses like a treehouse, beach house, cottage house bungalow, liberty home, or ranch style homes, etc. The houses will cost you differently according to their design and requirements. Before choosing the home you must calculate the construction cost.
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Basic Steps You Need to Know Before Building Your Dream House in Pennsylvania, PA
You can understand the actual process by following these steps. They will assist you in building your dream house. Many people get confused about where to start, how to manage, and what to do at the end. These steps will help you to finish the job very smoothly.
There are mainly five steps involved in building a dream home into a real home. Let’s check them one by one.
- First, decide what your budget is and how you can use your budget in building your dream house. Several costs will be incurred when building your house, including labor costs, land costs, material costs, etc. Few extra costs will occur after starting the construction.
- Then find the perfect location for your house. If you want to build your house in Pennsylvania, you need to find the perfect location. A location should provide you with the overall facilities you need.
- Plan out the layout of your house. A house’s design is a big decision, as you can build a simple basic house or a very luxurious one. It’s entirely up to you. But the house design is the reason which varies the cost of building a house.
- Get all the permission and papers ready. There are building permit requirements that need to be approved before building a house. There are a few processes that take some time before approval.
- Build the dream house. Now, you can build your house anywhere in Pennsylvania, PA.
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How You Can Save Your Money on Home Building Project in Pennsylvania 2022
Nowadays, money is incredibly important. It is expensive to build a home. 1% of the total budget could save you 10k-20k dollars. You should not skip this section.
The first step is to hire a contractor. Do not begin with an architect or designer.
In the event you hire an architect or designer before consulting a builder, you may end up with unrealistic building plans that are vastly beyond your budget – and you may have to redraw those plans once you see the reality. It’s costly.
Building professionals will work with you to ensure the price of your dream home doesn’t increase as a result of various design and finishing choices. Your entire project will be analyzed – including its feasibility.
Hiring experience work will be a good decision. They don’t take extra time which may save you money.
Important Suggestion: You can also go to the housing market for buying the raw materials needed for new construction.
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Top 6 Facts You Should Check Before Pennsylvania (PA) Home Construction
If you’re interested in building a house in Pennsylvania, you’ll learn what you need to do. Follow these tips to avoid making mistakes. Facts that should be checked before building a house:
- Pay attention to your budget and be careful not to overspend.
- Choose a safe neighborhood in Pennsylvania.
- Before you start building your home, make sure you get advice from a construction company.
- You should have the proper permits and registrations before you begin building your house.
- Make sure all materials are installed properly in the house.
- The construction of the house should be budget-friendly and it should save some money.
Related: What is the Average Cost Per Square Foot to Build a House in Tennessee?
Now, I’m going to answer the most common questions people have asked about (Pennsylvania House Building): FAQs
How much is it to build a house in Pennsylvania per square foot?
According to our estimates in 2022, the house building material cost increase dramatically. For this the actual cost increase too. The average cost of house building in PA is anywhere near $250 to $350. Customization can increase the cost to $480 per square footage.
How much does it cost to build a 2000 sq ft house in Pennsylvania?
A 2,000-square-foot customized home by a home builder or developer in Pennsylvania state can range between $500,000 and $700,000. Where you have to pay between $250 to $350. But the cost will be lower in the rural area.
How much does it cost to build 2500 square foot home in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania state, a 2,500-square-foot custom-built home can cost between $625,000 and $875,000. Depending on the perspective of the city the price slightly fluctuates.
How much does it cost to build a 4-bedroom house in Philadelphia, PA?
Currently, there are 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, which can vary in size from 1,900 to 2,500 square feet. This is the size of the building. We estimate that you need to spend $570,000 to 750,000 on average.
How much does it cost to build a house in Pittsburgh, PA?
To build a 2000 square house in Pittsburgh, you have to spend 402,000 to 638,000 where the per square foot cost is around $201 to $319. The custom design will increase the building’s actual project costs.
“One Final Thought” with Pennsylvania Home Construction 2022
There is a classic feel to the state of Pennsylvania, and the lifestyle is very diverse. You can live a celestial life here. With this guide, you can lower your Pennsylvania (PA) home construction costs. Tell us how you estimate construction projects.
We also cover all the latest information and a step-by-step guide about modern residential buildings, apartment architecture, and DIY project plans.
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Fred, I just want to thank you for putting this together. It has been quite helpful before meeting with my insurance agent (at his request) regarding increasing my coverage in view of increased construction costs. It gave me something to work with in order to verify that my agent wasn’t inflating the numbers. Information is power!