In the U.S, it costs around $315,000 to build a ranch-style home. However, costs can range anywhere from $150,000 to $600,000. Usually, a 1,800-square-foot home is anywhere from $180,000 to $360,000.
On average, they cost roughly $100 to $200 per square foot on top of the cost of the land. There are custom and luxury options that can often push that number up to roughly $500 or more per square foot. When you speak about ranch-style homes, open floor plans, single-story designs, and stunning attached garages come to mind.
However, some ranches can be split-levels or two-story homes. Each decision you make when building a ranch-style home will determine how much you pay at the end, from a large covered porch to an extra bathroom.
The cost of your ranch-style home will essentially depend on the size and footprint of your home, the location of your land, and the quality of the appliances and finishes you choose within the house. While around 40% of the cost of building a house is in labor, design fees, materials, and permits account for the rest of it.
The Cost of Building a Ranch-Style Home
- National average cost: $340,000
- Average range: $200,000-$600,000
- Minimum cost: $182,000
- Maximum cost: $675,000
What Is a Ranch-Style Home?
First created in California back in the 1920s, a ranch-style home is a stunning piece of architecture. Sometimes also known as the California Ranch, American Ranch, rancher, and rambler, this type of home is only becoming more popular as time goes by. A ranch home is essentially a single-story home that has long lines close to the ground.
They usually have an open floor plan and are asymmetrical in shape. Over the years, different types have begun to emerge that include varying rooflines, different levels, attached garages, and many other luxurious features. While they are rare, it is possible to have a ranch with 1 ½ or 2 stories.
One of the very popular ranch-style homes is called the storybook ranch. It has stunning custom dormers and details, a split level with a 1 ½ story section for plenty of added space. Now, let’s take a look at the costs you can expect.
Pre-Construction Costs
Off-Site Living Expenses
Finally, building your dream home is an exciting time. While you are planning out your expected budget, you need to consider concurrent costs. These costs include living expenses during the period of construction.
To ensure you finance your new build correctly, you need to have secure and affordable housing that you can move into in the meantime. It can take anywhere from seven to 24 months for new home construction to complete. Obviously, the total time will depend on the availability of builders and materials within the area.
Plot Price
The first expense you will encounter when building a house is purchasing your land. Though in the $300,000 average we have given you, the land value is not included. This is because prices vary widely based on many factors such as soil quality as well as the view from your front porch.
To ensure you know what you’re paying, do some research on the plot prices in your ideal location.
Water and Sewage Inspection
After you have purchased your land, it is important to inspect the property for both water and sewage in order to ensure that your house can have the needed water supply and waste drainage systems. This is even more important for waterfront sites and new builds.
This typically costs around $4,500 but may be cheaper if there are existing lines within the area.
Demolition and Deconstruction
On the chance that you have purchased land with an undesirable or unsalvageable house, you will need to add a demolition cost within your budget. This usually ranges from $6,000 to $20,000. If you’re looking to save or sell features of the pre-existing building, it may cost over $24,000.
House Plans and Architectural Fees
You will either need to create or buy house plans. You can look at purchasing pre-designed blueprints online for a minimum fee. However, if you’d like a custom home, budget to pay a draftsperson or architect to design it for you.
Architect fees can range from 8 to 12% of the construction cost.
Construction Management Fees
Your architect may often recommend a construction management firm to oversee your project. It is usually a great idea to hire a project manager with experience to help with:
- Completing necessary paperwork
- Coordinating laborers
- Organizing material deliveries
- Managing workmanship quality
The fees for these can range anywhere from 5% to 15% of the total construction price. When you work with an experienced manager, you can trust that everyone involved will avoid a lot of headaches and stress.
Building Permits and Local Fees
When you finally have your plans in hand, you should know that impact fees, building permits, and all state or municipal fees before construction are going to follow.
House Exterior Material Costs
Excavation
The first expense that comes when you break ground is excavation. The cost of this ranges from $1,400 to $3,200 and prepares the site of a professional foundation.
Foundation
The next part is the most important when it comes to building your ranch-style home; the foundation. It is also a huge portion of the construction budget. When it comes to a typical slab foundation, you should expect to spend between $4,500 and $13,500. If you include a basement, it will range from $18,000 to $80,000.
The higher end would result in a livable space and a finished basement.
Framing
Your new home will really start to take shape when the framing stage of construction begins. Framing is always the highest material cost for many of the new home builds. In fact, high-quantity lumber framing averages roughly $33,000 for a home in the U.S. Metal stud framing systems start at roughly $20,000.
Roofing
Shingle roofing is the most popular type and costs between $5,500 and $11,500. However, the final cost will depend on which type of roof you end up choosing. There are plenty of roofers out there that can help you out.
Make sure you hire a well-known roofing contractor for the best result.
Siding
Weatherproof and high-quality weatherproof wrapping and exterior siding are an investment when it comes to the durability of your home. It costs roughly $12 per square foot. There are several types of siding to choose from.
A professional siding contractor can help you with pricing and materials.
Driveway
A gravel driveway will cost around $1,500 while a paved driveway is slightly more at $4,500.
Landscaping
When you finish the construction of your home, to achieve a beautiful and finished product, you need to require a landscaping budget. You should expect to spend around $2,000 to install plants and sod grass. However, you are free to spend as much or as little as you want.
Home Interior Material Costs
HVAC
You need to take a look at an HVAC service next. The cost to install HVAC ranges from roughly $7,000 to $12,500. This fully includes installation of ductwork, central AC, and a furnace.
However, the cost will depend on the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the system you choose.
Plumbing
Next, you should find a residential plumber to help you out. The cost of plumbing a house will depend a lot on the type of material used. For the best price, a professional should be called in. You will also need to consider septic installation.
Electrical
Electrical wiring installation in your new home will cost around $8,000 or $4 per square foot. The total price you can expect to pay will depend on the complexity of your floorplan, wiring material, the number of outlets, and the type of electrical panel.
Insulation
An interior contractor can help you keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient with the correct insulation. It costs roughly $4,000 for materials and labor. There are plenty of different types to choose from.
Drywall
It costs roughly $2.25 per square foot or roughly $25,000 for a whole home. The main cost is to cover the construction materials as opposed to labor. Your home will really take shape once the walls have been covered with drywall or plaster.
Doors and Windows
When it comes to installing new doors and windows, most homeowners will pay between $6,000 and $8,500. However, how much you will pay depends on the style of windows and doors you choose.
Cabinets and Countertops
It costs, on average, around $6,550 to put cabinets in your home. However, it may cost more when custom home projects include better quality cabinetry. Countertops tend to average around $2-450 with laminate being the most affordable option.
Trim
It costs around $1,500 to trim a house. Make sure you compare different quotes from a few companies. This way, you can ensure you get the best workmanship and the best price.
Flooring
Most of the time, flooring costs between $1,500 and $4,500. This equates to roughly $6 to $10 per square foot. There are many different types to choose from depending on your individual style and budget.
No matter what you buy, your home will feel more finished when it is done.
Paint
Now comes the most exciting part; painting! The cost to get your home professionally painted costs roughly $5 per square foot, depending on the local labor. You can DIY this task.
However, to avoid the stress and headache, you’re better off getting it professionally done.
Fixtures
While you are shopping for your ideal fixtures, you should keep $5,000 out of the budget for sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers. If you plan on a more luxurious feeling, you should bump that price up.
Appliances
One of the last things you need to do is consider appliance installation. It is expected to cost roughly $3,750. This doesn’t include high-end appliances such as espresso machines.
Smart home appliances will cost far more.
Furniture
Now comes the finishing touch for your home. Furnishing your home is the pivotal final step in building your home and that really can’t be overlooked. You should spend as much time as possible on this crucial task.
Depending on the furniture you want, furnishing a 2,000-square-foot ranch-style home will cost anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000. Ensure that you invest in durable and high-quality furniture, so you don’t have to replace it all again in years to come.
The Types of Ranch-Style Homes
There are several amazing variations of ranch-style homes. All of these options have different characteristics and styles to match what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look.
California Ranch
The California ranch is a class. It is a single-level home with long lines that are delicately presented in either an L-shaped or U-shaped design. Often, they range between 1,400 and 1-700 square feet in size.
Usually, they are built on a slab with an attached garage and patio on one end.
Suburban Ranch
The next option is a suburban ranch which is much like the California ranch, just smaller. It is more compact in design and sits under 1,500 square feet in size. The average suburban ranch sits closer to 1-200.
They have the exact same open floor plan inside. Often, they are known as basic ranches because they have the lowest prices with no special features.
Split-Level Ranch
Within a split-level ranch, the majority of the living space is situated on a single floor. However, there is a small section on the second floor and one on the lower level, like a basement. It often has bedrooms upstairs.
Raised Ranch
Raised ranches are becoming more popular. Technically, there are two different types. One is a new build-a-home that is constructed as a two-story ranch from the get-go. The next type is what happens when you already have an existing suburban or California ranch.
Storybook
The storybook ranch is far more customized, with a more elegant experience than the traditional ranches. It is a single-story home growing in popularity. It is usually far smaller and comes with front porch columns, bump-outs, angles, dormer windows, and other features to make it unique.
It often costs more per square foot even though it is smaller.
The Bottom Line
Depending on the land you choose, the house plan, construction hauling, and many other things, the cost of your ranch-style home may vary. Though, the figures given above are a great general basis, to begin with. Remember, adding customization may change the price drastically.
If you’re wondering whether to add the extras in your home or not, remember that if you ever list the house for sale, it will sell for far more with extra additions that are beneficial. The prices given above are generalized. If you’re ready to build your dream ranch-style home, get in touch with a professional first.
