Building a House in Tucson

When it comes to creating your dream home, Tucson offers a range of options. From customizing your own space to buying an existing property, there are factors to consider in terms of cost, time, and personal preferences.

Average Cost of Building a House in Tucson

The average cost to build a house in Tucson ranges between $200,000 and $450,000. However, it’s important to note that this figure excludes expenses like land costs, permit fees, excavations, and other miscellaneous expenses. On average, homeowners spend 9 to 12 months constructing their homes.

Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy?

Generally, buying an existing home tends to be more cost-effective than building a new one in Tucson. This is because building a house requires factoring in additional expenses like land acquisition, permit fees, and excavation costs. As of June 2023, the median sale price for homes in Tucson stands at $330,000.

Breaking Down the Costs

Average Cost per Square Foot

The average cost per square foot to build a house in Tucson is $140, excluding land costs, permit fees, excavations, and other related expenses.

• Minimum (800 sq. ft.): $112,000
• Maximum (5,000 sq. ft.): $700,000
• Average Range: $200,000 – $450,000

Cost by Square Footage

• 1,000 sq. ft.: $140,000
• 1,500 sq. ft.: $210,000
• 2,000 sq. ft.: $280,000
• 2,500 sq. ft.: $350,000
• 3,000 sq. ft.: $420,000

Building Costs Breakdown for a 2,500 sq. ft. House

Hard Costs

1. Material Cost: Approximately $147,500
   • Building materials account for around 50% of the total building cost, averaging at $50 per square foot.
2. Contractor(s) Charges: 10% – 20% of the total construction value.
3. Electrical Costs: $7,500 – $12,500
   • This includes rough-in and finishing work.
4. Roof Installation Costs: $3,000 – $34,700
   • Costs depend on the choice of roofing material.
5. Plumbing Costs: $12,000
   • Includes the installation of plumbing fixtures.
6. HVAC Installation Costs: $12,500
   • Depending on factors like size and type of system.

Soft Costs

1. Land Cost: Average $7,000 Per Acre
   • Includes land purchase and preparation costs.
2. Tucson Home Building Permit Costs: $5,000
   • Permit costs vary based on factors like construction type and project scope.
3. Home Interiors: $20,000
   • Budget for furnishings, electronics, utensils, and other essentials.
4. Home Interior Designer Costs: $5,400
   • Optional, but can help maximize space utilization.

House Building Financing Options

If you’re considering building your own home, there are financing options available:

1. Home Construction Loan: Options include construction-to-permanent loans or construction-only loans, covering land purchase and construction costs.
2. Personal Loan: Useful for financing specific aspects of construction.
3. Home Equity Loan: For homeowners with existing properties, this can help finance a new home’s construction.

Should You Build Your Own House in Tucson?

If you already own land in a desirable location, building a house can be a fulfilling endeavor. However, it’s important to budget 9 to 12 months for planning and construction. If land acquisition is a factor, exploring turnkey homes might be a more straightforward option.

In conclusion

whether to build or buy in Tucson depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and budget considerations. Each option offers unique advantages, so weigh them carefully before making a decision.