Living in Connecticut is not for the faint of heart; building a life here is typically reserved for those who have existing job opportunities. As we all know, Connecticut is known for its top notch educational system; the home of Yale University and the most competitive public secondary schools in the country. By this, you must know that real estate costs here are pretty steep; but it hasn’t stopped people from moving here to enjoy the high standard of living and superb education.
- The cost per square foot of building a house in Connecticut would take you anywhere from $ 125.90 for Saltbox-style homes to $503.60 for high-end colonial revival homes.
- About a fourth or a third of an acre usually costs between $150,000 to $400,000, depending on the location.
The Average Cost to Build a House in Connecticut
Cheapest Type of House to Build per Square Foot
Saltbox homes are one of the most affordable home styles to construct in Connecticut. Because of its lightweight structure, it can be constructed fast and efficiently, allowing you to move in sooner than a brick or concrete home.
Home Construction Costs per Square Foot
Total Home Construction Cost Range: $172.72 – $690.88 per square foot
The cost per square foot of building a house in Connecticut would take you anywhere from $ 125.90 for Saltbox-style homes to $503.60 for high-end colonial revival homes.
Saltbox Homes: $172.72 – $215.90 per square foot
Low-cost and affordable homes in Connecticut are typically of Saltbox-style architecture. Built through a wooden skeletal framework and enclosed in lightweight materials. It’s usually characterized by a gable-type roof, with two storeys.Most homes in Connecticut boast an average floor area of 1,804 square feet, pegging your construction anywhere between $311,586 to $389,483.
Mid-Range Home Cost Range: $215.90 – $474.98 per square foot
The cost for a 1,804 square foot mid-range home ranges between $389,483 to $856,863.
High-end or Luxury Home Cost Range: $474.98- $690.88 per square foot
Grand colonial-style homes are typical in upscale neighborhoods in Connecticut. All these are fitted and finished with expensive materials and fixtures, high-end homes in Arkansas would cost you roughly $856,863 to $1,246,347.
Construction Cost per Square Foot in Various Cities in Connecticut
The construction cost per square foot in Connecticut is expensive compared to the national average. It could go as low as $149 and as high as $200 per square foot for basic construction. Mid-range to high-end finishes play between $223 to $800 per square foot, depending on the location.
A list of several cities and respective costs like this:
| City | Cost per square foot | ||
| Saltbox | Mid-Range | High-End | |
| Hartford | $149.00 | $223.50 | $596.00 |
| Stamford | $191.00 | $286.50 | $764.00 |
| New Haven | $154.00 | $231.00 | $616.00 |
| Bridgeport | $191.00 | $286.50 | $764.00 |
| Waterbury | $154.00 | $231.00 | $616.00 |
| Greenwich | $200.00 | $300.00 | $800.00 |
| Fairfield | $166.00 | $249.00 | $664.00 |
What Constitutes Full Cost to Build a House in Connecticut?
Land Price In Connecticut
The average listing price for a vacant property in Connecticut is $941,671, which is way above most American states. If you prefer living off-grid away from the urban areas, there are a few undeveloped properties you can get for a steal. Smaller cuts of land, about a fourth or a third of an acre usually costs between $150,000 to $400,000, depending on the location.
Pre-construction Expenses
Site Works
Site preparation involves a number of jobs and tasks, including but not limited to surveying, grading, and excavation. The cost of site preparation is typically independent of construction costs. Site preparation typically adds 3-8% to the total project cost, depending on the scale and nature of the project. For example, building a home atop a boulder will cost more than building on flat land. With that said, prepare to spend at least $5.18 per square foot and at most $20 per square foot.
The cost for site works will depend on the type of construction, the number of stories, and existing site conditions.Â
Site works approximately: $5.18 – $20 per square foot
Professional Fees
Professional fees usually cost between 8 to 15 percent of a home’s total project cost. Asking prices can range from $11.82 to $88.68 per square foot. For a 1,804 square foot home, professional fees cost a minimum of $21,323.
Professional fees approximately: $11.82 – $88.68 per square foot
Building Permit Costs
Building permit fees start at approximately $3,000 for a $300,000 home. The fee could go as high as $10,000 or $15,000 for projects that cost over a million.
Building Permit approximately: $2,500 and above
Scope of Works
Foundation
Foundation costs usually occupy 10-15% of your total construction budget. For a house with a floor area of 1,804 square feet, consider spending anywhere between $22,561 to $50,762.
Foundation works approximately: $31,158 – $70,107 for a 1,804 square foot saltbox
Framing
Lightweight framing costs start at 10-20% of the total project cost, giving you a price per square foot of $17 to $51. These estimates are all based on a 1,804 square foot craftsman bungalow. Luxury and high-end projects would cost five times the average pricing.
Framing works approximately: $31,158 – $93,476 for a 1,804 square foot saltbox
Exterior Work/ Enclosures
Exterior work refers to the building envelope, cladding, and glazing. For glass-clad facades, the cost for these glass enclosures would also fall under this category. For a saltbox-style home built of wood, a budget of $25 to $58 per square foot is a reasonable budget.
Exterior works approximately: $46,738 – $93,476 for a 1,804 square foot saltbox
Utilities
Installing the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems of your home can include essential elements like power, lights, water, heat, and more complex ones like sewer lines and ventilation systems. Utility costs can range from 10-15% of your final project cost.
Utilities approximately: $31,158 – $70,107 for a 1,804 square foot saltbox
Interior Finishes and Fixtures
Consider a budget of 25-35% for interior works. Another way to estimate the cost for your interior finishes is to combine all rough works: foundation, framing, and exterior works. The price will approximately reflect how much you will be spending finishing your project.
Low-cost finishes usually start at $43 per square foot. It usually does not include any design element and is limited to flooring, walls, and ceiling alone.
If you wish to build lovely kitchens, beautiful trim, and exquisite cabinetry, consider a budget of $90 and above per square foot.
Interior finishes approximately: $77,896 – $163,583 for a 1,792 square foot craftsman bungalow
Labor costs
The labor cost usually represents anywhere from 35 to 50 percent of total project costs, with the exact percentage depending on the type of work involved. Rough or pre-finishing works run generally around 35 to 40 percent of the final price. Finishing jobs are closer to 41 to 50 percent of the total.
Labor cost approximately: $60 – $129.00 per square foot; all dependent on the type of house and scope of works
Home Addition Costs In Connecticut
To estimate the cost of a home addition or renovation project, start by determining the scope of work required to build your home. You must also determine whether extra foundation and framing work will be required. Because most house addition projects work within a smaller floor area, the cost per square foot is roughly the same, with a total cost that is usually less than building a new home.
Hidden Costs
Homeowners’ Association Fees
Take into account the homeowner’s association fees that are required for your home. You will almost always have to submit plans for approval if you are building a house in a planned development with rigorous requirements. Prices vary, so it’s best to ask your HOA for specific statistics.
Landscaping Costs
A reasonable budget for an average landscaping job for your home, encompassing all yards and sides, is 10% of the construction cost. If you’re working with a $311,586 building budget for a 1,804 square meter home, it’s feasible to spend roughly $30,000 on landscaping.
Landscaping costs approximately: $30,000 lump sum
Driveway Costs
The cost for a plain concrete driveway installation in Connecticut ranges from $4.53 to $9.05 per square foot. An upgrade to concrete would be concrete pavements, which cost $12.04 to $23.17.
Driveway cost approximately: $4.53 – $23.17 per square foot
Perimeter Fence
Depending on the type of fence you wish to install, it could go as low as $15 and as high as $36 per linear foot. Perimeter fence options ranging from wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and concrete.
Perimeter Fence approximately: $15 – $36 per linear foot.
