The living standard of Utah is high compared to the average living standard of the USA. You can understand that the cost of house building is a little bit high.
In the last twenty years, the economy and the population of Utah (UT) have changed dramatically. The population growth of the state continues and now it has one of the most diverse economies in the US with the rising in the manufacturing, tech, and healthcare sectors.
The tremendous job growth, job opportunities, lower unemployment rate, and a quality life standard can influence you to settle here and raise a family. To settle down your first need is a house.
In this article, we’re providing an estimate of the overall cost you may need to spend to build a house in Utah, UT. This guide assists you in making house-building decisions easily in Utah. Let’s start!
How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Utah?
According to the EDGE home’s recent estimates, building a house can cost approximately $100 to $150 per square foot and the average cost of building a house in Utah is $125 per square foot. The total cost to build a house in Utah is between $220,4371 to $512,330 on average.
According to our house construction analysis in 2022, it can cost you around $180 to $350 per square foot and on average it can cost you $265 per square foot in Utah (UT). This cost can vary from city to city depending on the size and location.
Utah House Building Cost Summary
The location of the state, work facility, house size, design, and other facilities you choose will determine the total project cost. If you ask about the overall square footage price it could be tough.
Because the price of materials changes frequently. It makes sense to maximize space with functional, organized layouts and floorplans.
Based on current estimates in 2022, the cost of making a house in Utah (UT) would be approximately the following:
| Total Permit Fee | $800-$3,000 |
| Land Cost | $50,000-$123,228 |
| 2500 Square Foot House | $450,000-$875,000 |
| Per Square House Building Cost | $180-$450 |
Per Square Foot (sq ft) Home Construction Cost in Utah for 2022
The bigger the house the more you have to spend to build a house in Utah. In this section, you can easily find the overall different size homes. From your requirement, you can find the cost also.
Below is the table of the different size houses in Utah (UT); Per Square Foot cost according to our cost estimates:
| Home Size | Average Cost | Highest Cost | Lowest Cost |
| 500 sq ft | $132,500 | $175,000 | $90,000 |
| 1000 sq ft | $265,000 | $350,000 | $180,000 |
| 1500 sq ft | $397,500 | $525,000 | $270,000 |
| 2000 sq ft | $530,000 | $700,000 | $360,000 |
| 2500 sq ft | $662,500 | $875,000 | $450,000 |
| 3000 sq ft | $795,000 | $1,050,000 | $540,000 |
| 3500 sq ft | $927,500 | $1,225,000 | $630,000 |
| 4000 sq ft | $1,060,000 | $1,400,000 | $720,000 |
| 4500 sq ft | $1,192,500 | $1,575,000 | $810,000 |
| 5000 sq ft | $1,325,000 | $1,750,000 | $900,000 |
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a 2000 sq ft House in Georgia?
Note: Utah is also influenced by the recent price hike. The price of the material and labor is on the rise. The cost shown in the cost summary could be a little more. If you are willing to build a house in this current price surge situation, be prepared to pay extra costs.
Different Home Types Construction Cost in Utah, UT
Here is the cost summary for building different types of houses in Utah for 2022
| Types of House | Average Cost |
| Condominiums | $270,000 to $315,000 |
| Townhomes | $360,000 to $450,000 |
| Single-Family Home | $425,000 to $740,000 |
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Indiana?
Recent House Building Cost in Top Cities of Utah (UT) 2022
Utah is a quite large state in the United States. You will find a huge difference in total between rural and urban areas. So city to city the building cost will change because of the overall factors related to living as well as house building.
In this section, we focused on the most desirable cities for house building and their average cost. Here is the list of average house building costs to build 2000 sq ft in the top cities of Utah, UT.
| City Name | Price Range |
| Cedar City | $200,000-$400,000 |
| Salt Lake City | $220,000-$425,700 |
| Logan | $230,000-$455,000 |
| Saint George | $250,000-$480,000 |
| Tooele | $350,400-$530,000 |
| Brigham City | $400,100-$550,000 |
| Layton | $410,600-$620,500 |
| Provo | $420,200-$630,000 |
| Ogden | $430,600-$640,300 |
| Park City | $450,700-$650,000 |
Important Note: The cost of house building in almost every city of Utah is increasing quickly due to the pandemic; price increases of materials and insufficient labor supply.
Related: What is the Average Cost to Build a 1500 sq ft House in Oklahoma?
Top 11 Cost Factors for Building a House in Utah (UT) 2022
Due to the recent housing development, the cost of building a house in almost every state in Utah is increasing. In the cost summary section, we only intimate the basic construction cost to build a house.
Here is the detailed guide about different cost factors included in the total cost that can affect the total house building cost from the beginning.
1. Land Cost in UT
The Cost of land is one of the most common factors in house building. Utah is the most desirable state to many Americans for living. Because of the demand, the price of land is a little bit higher. Due to huge housing demand, the lot in Utah is small but it costs much.
If you choose Salt lake, the most famous city in Utah, then you have to spend a minimum of $50,000 to $123,228 for purchasing land. This cost can go up to 1 million; depending on the importance of the place. But if you choose a rural area for building your house then the cost falls down.
Land buying Tips: Choosing land is a very important decision. When you’re choosing land you must keep in mind which facility you and your family need. If you decide to build a house in a limited housing area, it will cost you more compared to less demanding land.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Pennsylvania, PA?
2. Building Material Cost
After buying land you have to focus on the material cost. Material means everything you need for the construction project. So this factor has a big impact on the total cost.
According to our estimates, you may have to spend 50% to 60% of your total building cost in Utah (UT) in the current year. You may think why? Because there is a shortage of materials in Utah’s housing market.
There is also some economic up-down that happens during the year. So the price of materials changes too fast which may increase the total construction cost.
Carefully make building decisions keeping the current market supply chain situation in your mind. When you are going for buying the material for your home, make sure to check the price and bargain properly.
You should go for the best material which is suitable for your budget. Low-quality material may decrease the overall cost but it becomes a threat to investment. So choose the material wisely.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Maryland Per Square Foot?
3. Labor Cost in Utah
The cost of labor always depends on the supply of labor. According to our own estimates in 2022, the labor cost just increase a bit because of the economic fluctuations.
The labor supply is quite fine here. You’ll get every kind of worker at a reasonable price. Official Utah State Reported, that for every 5 people retiring from the construction labor force, only 1 new replacement starts a job in their place.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a 2500 Square Foot Home in Florida?
4. Building Permit Cost Guide
State to-state permit fee doesn’t vary too much. It doesn’t cost that but it is the most necessary thing. Without this, you have to face some problems from the authority of the state when you start the project.
All in all, you’ve to spend roughly around $800 to $3,000 for getting all the permits, Like the house plan, electronic system, and plumbing. Get the proper building permit guidelines from https://www.utah.gov/.
Related: How Much Does it Cost Per Square Foot to Build a House in Hawaii?
5. Land Preparing Cost in Utah (UT)
The house’s actual building job starts with land preparation. For preparing the land you need to know which place in the land will be best for the foundation. You need to appoint a surveyor to know exactly where to dig for the foundation and floor plan accurately.
You may need to cut trees or move massive rocks, stones, or something like this to prepare the land. The entire job and hiring a surveyor can cost you around $5,000 to $10,000 or more for preparing the land in Utah, UT.
Related: What is the Average Cost Per Square Foot to Build a Homes in East Tennessee?
6. Paint, Design & Planning Cost
When you’re going to make your dream home, you may have something on your mind. You have designed your home the way you dreamt of.
You have to paint the house in your favorite color and plan the overall project so that you finish the construction smoothly. All can combine cost you around $20,000 to $30,000 in Utah for 2022.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Oregon Per Square Foot?
7. Foundation Cost in Utah (UT)
Foundation work starts with digging holes and the entire cost counts on how deep the piles go. The full foundation process can cost you around $27,000 to $50,621 including labor costs and material costs, (HomeAdvisor estimated).
In Utah, The basement average per square foot costs you between $100 to $2,500+ for 2022. The bigger your basement is, the more you need to pay. Crawlspaces are another good option. They are less expensive. It can cost you around $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the size of the foundation wall.
Related: How Much Would it Cost to Build a Small Castle Today?
8. Framing Cost
After finishing the foundation now it’s time to make the framing. It is a very important part of your house building project. Any mistake in this area will increase your cost and time.
An average one-storied house in Utah is framed out of wood. It can cost you on average $400,000 to $700,000 for framing to prepare your dream home in UT.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in San Diego
9. Interior Finishing Cost in Utah
A well-decorated interior can change the overall look of your house. So, you have to finish it smartly. Interior finishing includes drywall insulation, wall finishes, poly painting, cabinets, and storage.
For building a 2000 sq ft house, interior finishing can cost you around $60,000 to $100,000 including $21,200 to $28,700 for drywall insulation and poly, $8,830 to $14,910 for paint and wall finishes, and $21,900 to $32,100 for flooring.
Also include $24,789 to $45,913 for millwork in the house like cabinets and storage in the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
Related: How Much Does it Cost Per Square Foot to Build a House in Idaho?
10. Roof, Window, And Door Cost
In most cases, the cost of roofing a house depends on the type of roof. Window and door costs depend on the types of materials and the number of windows and doors. Based on an analysis of Howmuchly, it can cost you on average $30,000 to $50,000 for all the work in 2022.
Remember: The actual cost depends only on your choice. You must overlook the exterior finishes.
Related: How Much Does it Typically Cost to Build a House in Austin, TX?
11. Utility & HVAC Cost in UT
For HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) finishing, it can cost you around $15,000 to $20,000 in recent years. It will increase your comfort level and additional cost will include.
In addition, you must have an electrical and plumbing system in your house for lighting and leading a relaxed life. Generally, plumbing can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $25,000, and an electronic system can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Missouri Per Square Foot?
How to Save Money on Your House Building Project in Utah: Top 11 Ways
The current inflation rate, supply chain issue, and insufficient supply of materials make it difficult to build a new house in any state.
Here are some tips that may help you to lower the house building cost in this difficult situation.
- The cost of building a house varies depending on the location. For instance, the average house building cost in Park City and Salt Lake City is more compared to the other city of Utah. Try to avoid a hot housing market and choose a location with a lower material and labor cost.
- Try to keep the house size small according to your needs. It can save the overall building cost around 20% to 50%.
- Always keep the house design simple. A difficult design increases the labor cost and the material cost.
- If you want to hire a professional, try to hire a house builder who is building many houses in your locality. It will help you minimize the professional cost.
- You can build a one-storied house and keep the roof simple gable or hip.
- Always choose the best materials for your house-building job. We suggest you not to do any compromise with the quality. High-quality materials may cost you much now. But it will save you money in the long run and give you protection in difficult situations.
- DIY is a great option for this. You can also work and save some money.
- Hire a builder who is in this business for a long time. Before he hands on the project make sure you clarify them in writing.
- Buy the martial from the wholesalers.
- Try to buy the materials from the online shop. Some online shops give you a free shipping offer on your first purchase. Take the chance and save the money.
- You can build your house in the offseason. The labor rate will be lower then.
Note: Don’t focus too much on saving. You have to understand when to spend and when to save.
Related: What is the Average Construction Cost Per Square Foot in Los Angeles?
What to Choose? Build a House vs Buy a House in Utah (UT) 2022
The demand for housing in Utah has increased dramatically in the last two decades. The median house price in this state has more than doubled in the last twenty years and is still on the rise.
According to Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, only 35% of households in Salt City, Utah can afford or buy a median-priced new single-family house. It is going out of the average family’s ability.
Building your own house is always something to achieve in life and way better than buying a house. The building and buying decision depends on the budget of the owner. If you want our recommendation we will prefer to build your own house.
House building decisions may seem costly because of the current sky-high construction cost in Utah. But this cost will be worth it in the long run and will satisfy your family’s needs.
Making a house can fulfill the needs of your family members. You can choose the design, foundation, HVAC system, flooring, and roofing according to your needs. But if you buy a house you will not have these options. If you want to redesign this new home, you will have to pay again.
Another benefit of building your own house is having a new HVAC system installation. The brand new HVAC system has a warranty and it can easily run for 10 to 15 years. But if you buy a 5 to 10 years old house, the HVAC system can run out of warranty. It can break down at any time and cause you a huge cost.
Last but not least, the benefit of building a house instead of buying a house is the resale value of the house. If you build a house, you can bring it on the market in a good condition for sale. You can sell it for a good price if needed. But if you buy an old house and try to sell it will not benefit you much.
According to the report of The State of the Nation’s Housing 2021, for every 4 new households added in the states, there are only 3 housing units. From this, you can understand the supply and demand shortage.
Besides, reports suggest that construction material costs in Utah increased 7.4% in the last year and it is predicted to climb this year too. So, before making your decision make sure you are ready to accept the extra costs.
Related: How Much Per Square Foot to Build a House in Michigan?
Some Commonly Asked Questions About (Utah House Building): FAQs
How long does it take to build a house in Utah (UT)?
Normally an average housebuilder takes 9 to 10 months to complete the building job. In the current market situation and shortage of labor forces in the construction sector, housebuilders can take more than ten-month right now.
How much does it cost to build a 2,000-square-foot home in Utah, UT?
You may need to spend $360,000 to $700,000 or more to build a 2000-square-foot house in Utah. The cost can vary from location to location. It can cost you more as the result of recent supply chain issues and a shortage of labor force in the construction sector.
How much does it cost to build a 2500-square-foot house in Utah (UT)?
The average cost to build a 2500-square-foot house is anywhere from $450,000 to $875,000. You may have to spend $180-$350 per square footage. For the custom designs, The actual cost of the project will increase which can go up to $450.
How much does it cost to build a 2000-square-foot house in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is the state capital of Utah. The average cost to build a 2000-square-foot house is anywhere from $430,000 to $620,700.
How much does it cost to build a cabin in Utah, UT?
To build a cabin in Utah you may need to cost around $125 to $175 and on average $150. For example, If you want to build a 1000 sq ft cabin, it will cost you between $125,000 to $175,000.
If you want to build a 500 sq ft rustic cabin on flat land, it can cost you around $50,000. The same size cabin can cost you around $150,000 or more if you want a complex design and build it in a trickier location.
Does house building cost in Utah worth it?
Building a new house for yourself and your family is always a dream for all. Building a house may seem costly but the extra cost will be worth it.
The cost of house building in Utah is increasing every year because of the housing shortage in Utah. The cost of building your dream house will be worth it in the long run.
How much does it cost to build a house in Saint George, Utah?
According to the estimates for 2022, the per square foot cost to build a house in St. George Utah is $188 to $325. But if you get everything custom, high-end finishes, and high quality then the per square footage can go up to $500.
The average cost to build a 2000-square-foot house in St. George, Utah is anywhere from $375,000 to $650,000.
“Final Cost Analysis” with House Construction in Utah 2022
Owning a home in Utah is like owning heaven. The aim of our house project is to reduce construction costs and build houses in Utah (UT) in a moderate way.
We hope you will find our website helpful. You can reach us at any time. We are happy to help you with any questions you might have regarding home building.
The in-depth resource guide on our website covers topics such as modern home construction methods, architecture ideas, Living room interior design, exterior design collections, and other relevant topics.
Listed below are some useful home construction articles:
How Much Per Square Foot to Build a House in Wisconsin?
How Much Does it Cost to Build a 2000 sq ft House in Ohio?
What is the Price Per Square Foot to Build a House in Maine?
How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in North Carolina, NC?
What is the Average Cost Per Square Foot to Build a House in Colorado?
