Building a home in Delaware costs between $163 and $654 per square foot, depending on factors like home style, materials, and location. On average, expect to spend $294,000 to $1.2 million for an 1,800-square-foot home. Ranch-style homes are the most affordable, while colonial revival homes with luxury finishes cost significantly more.
Delaware’s low land prices and lack of sales tax make it an attractive place to build. However, high building permit costs and site prep expenses can add to your budget.
In this guide, we’ll break down construction costs by home type, city, and key expenses so you can plan your build wisely.
How Much Does It Coast to Build a House in Delaware?
The total cost to build a house in Delaware ranges from $163 to $654 per square foot, depending on location, home style, and materials. Here’s a breakdown based on different home types:
Ranch-style bungalow: $163 – $294 per sq. ft. ($294,000 – $367,000 for 1,800 sq. ft.)
Mid-range Colonial home: $204 – $450 per sq. ft. ($367,000 – $809,000 for 1,800 sq. ft.)
Luxury Colonial revival: $450 – $654 per sq. ft. ($809,000 – $1,177,200 for 1,800 sq. ft.)
Cost Per Square Foot in Delaware Cities
Here’s what you can expect to pay in different cities:
| City | Low-End Cost | Mid-Range Cost | High-End Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $153 per sq. ft. | $230 per sq. ft. | $612 per sq. ft. |
| Dover | $122 per sq. ft. | $183 per sq. ft. | $488 per sq. ft. |
| Newark | $126 per sq. ft. | $189 per sq. ft. | $504 per sq. ft. |
| Lewes | $126 per sq. ft. | $189 per sq. ft. | $504 per sq. ft. |
| Milford | $153 per sq. ft. | $230 per sq. ft. | $612 per sq. ft. |
| Seaford | $153 per sq. ft. | $230 per sq. ft. | $612 per sq. ft. |
What Constitutes Full Cost to Build a House in Delaware?
Land Price In Delaware
Despite being a small state, land prices in Delaware are generally affordable. For $100,000, you can purchase about a third of an acre to one and a half acres.
Pre-Construction Expenses
Site Work
- Site Work: Includes surveying, grading, and excavation. Adds 3% to 8% to overall costs.
- Approximate cost: $4.90 to $19.62 per square foot
- Professional Fees: Typically 8% to 15% of total project costs.
- Approximate cost: $21,276+ for a 1,800-square-foot home
- Building Permits: Vary by location but expect at least $5,000 for a $250,000 home.
Scope of Work
Foundation
Foundation costs usually occupy 10% to 15% of your total construction budget.
- Approximate cost: $29,435 to $66,229 for an 1,800-square-foot ranch home
Framing
Framing costs typically make up 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
- Approximate cost: $29,435 to $88,306 for an 1,800-square-foot ranch-home
Exterior Work/ Enclosures
This includes siding, cladding, and glazing. Costs depend on material type.
- Approximate cost: $44,153 to $88,306 for an 1,800-square-foot ranch home
Utilities
Covers electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installations and usually ranges from 10% to 15% of your final project cost.
- Approximate cost: $29,435 to $66,229 for an 1,800-square-foot ranch home
Related: Delaware Solar Incentives
Interior Finishes and Fixtures
Budget 25% to 35% of your total cost.
- Approximate cost: $73,588 to $154,535 for an 1,800-square-foot ranch home
Labor Costs
Labor makes up 35% to 50% of total costs, depending on the type of house and the scope of the work involved.
- Approximate costs: $57 to $122 per square foot
Home Addition Costs in Delaware
To get an idea of how much home addition and renovation projects will cost, you should first look at the scope of work needed to construct your home. You’ll also need to identify if there will be a need for added foundation and framing work.
The cost for home addition projects is pretty much the same based on a per-square-foot price, with a total amount usually smaller than building a new home since most home addition projects work within a smaller floor area.
Hidden Costs
- HOA fees: If building in a planned development, check for approval and monthly dues.
- Landscaping: Budget 10% of construction costs.
- Approximate cost: $30,000 for a $300,000 home
- Driveway: Concrete driveways range from $3.59 to $7.17 per sq. ft.
- Perimeter fence: Costs between $11 to $30 per linear foot, depending on the fence material.
