Building a house in Nebraska is a major investment, with costs varying based on location, materials, and home size. On average, new home construction in Nebraska costs between $89 and $132 per square foot, with a typical total cost ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 for a standard-sized home. If you’re planning a custom-built house with high-end finishes, expect to pay $300 to $500 per square foot — or $350,000 to over $1.5 million in total.
Before breaking ground, you should understand the key factors influencing costs, including land prices, labor rates, and material expenses. This guide will walk you through the full cost breakdown, whether building a budget-friendly home or a custom dream house.
Key Takeaways
- If you plan on building a custom home, then prepare to spend roughly between $300 to $500 per square foot.
- The median cost of building a house in Nebraska ranges between $89 to $132 per square foot. Or $110 per square foot for basic construction.
- Before you plan on building one, it is crucial to assess everything first you will need in order to realize.
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Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a Home in Nebraska?
Building a home from scratch in Nebraska is often more expensive than purchasing an existing home. The average cost to build a new home is around $450,000, while the median price for an existing home is approximately $285,000.
However, if you opt for a custom home, costs can exceed $1.5 million depending on design and materials. On the other hand, buying a prebuilt home in a housing development typically ranges from $100,000 to $1.5 million, making it a potentially more budget-friendly option.
The Average Cost of Building a House in Nebraska
House construction cost varies depending on a number of aspects that are heavily influenced by a certain state or city’s cost of living. A few of these factors include the value of the land, labor fees, and the size, style, and design of the house.
That being said, if you take a look at Nebraska’s economic status, the cost of living is not that high. And per ProMatcher, the median cost of building a house in Nebraska ranges between $89 to $132 per square foot. Or $110 per square foot for basic construction.
Is that cheap?
Definitely, as the average cost for house construction across the country is between $100 and $200 per square foot. Or roughly between $120,000 and $450,000. On the other hand, if you plan on building a custom house, then expect the amount to go as high as $400 per square foot.
Average Cost Per City
The cost of building a home varies by city, primarily due to land prices, labor rates, and material costs. Below is the estimated price per square foot in Nebraska’s major cities:
| City | Average Cost (per sq. ft.) |
| Omaha | $87 to $130 |
| Lincoln | $88 to $131 |
| Hastings | $92 to $137 |
| Lexington | $92 to $136 |
Average Cost Per Square Foot
The value of a standard or an entry-level house of 1,000 square feet is typically around $149,000. It is quite small in terms of size, but with the right house plan and builder, it can already provide three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
It comes with a modest set of furnishings as well, including kitchen cabinets and carpeted or linoleum flooring. A few basic appliances, such as a fridge, a stove, a microwave, and a dishwasher, are included too.
For a 1,400-square-foot mid-level or comfort house, on the other hand, the usual cost starts at $220,000. It comes with a three-bedroom, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage that is slightly larger than the standard type.
Aside from that, a mid-level house includes a good number of furnishings already as well as interior and exterior wall paint. It comes with high-end fixtures too, and a small front and back porch.
Lastly, a 1,700-square-foot high-end house costs around $240,000. Overall, it comes with four bedrooms, three huge bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a walkout deck placed above the master bedroom.
It includes a great number of appliances and furnishings already as well, including stove, oven, microwave, flooring, and painted walls. But on top of that, such an amount could build an eco-friendly home already by simply adding special sheetrock and window installations.
Average Cost Per Region
Nebraska’s home construction costs are generally lower than in other regions. Here’s a comparison:
| Region | Average Price (per sq. ft.) |
| South | $110 |
| Midwest | $129 |
| Northeast | $156 |
| West | $159 |
House Construction Cost Breakdown
Several factors influence the total price of building a home. Below is a breakdown of key expenses:
Materials will occupy the largest chunk of the overall new home construction. Generally, it takes at least 50% — or roughly $50 per square foot — of the entire total spending. And it will mostly depend on the size of the house as well as the quality of the material.
Take wall sidings, for example. Sidings are available in varying types of materials. Some are basic in terms of design, and some are high-end-looking. As a result, some are cheaper compared to others too.
Standard vinyl siding, for example, is relatively lower in price compared to other kinds of sidings, such as stone, hardwood, and aluminum. Its price ranges between $2 to $5 per square foot only, which is 10x cheaper compared to luxurious types. A stone, for instance, costs between $35 to $50 per square foot.
Having said that, below are the basic house construction materials along with their average market price.
| Material | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Lumber | $25,000 to $65,000 |
| Flooring | $1 to $5 per square foot |
| Drywall | $10 per sheet |
| Roofing | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Siding | $2 to $15 per square foot |
| Insulation | $0.10 to $1 per square foot |
Apart from materials, the structure’s foundation and framing will take a large part of the overall house construction too. Usually, the cost ranges between $4,000 and $25,000, which covers works like excavation, pouring and backfilling, form settings, as well as retaining walls or additional landscaping to prevent foundation-damaging problems such as flooding.
But such an amount applies to structures with no basements only. And if you wish to add a standard basement, prepare to spend an additional $10 to 100 per square foot; roughly between $10,000 and $30,000.
On the other hand, if you want to turn your basement into a living space rather than the usual storage area, then prepare to spend an average of $110 to $300 per square foot.
Other than the substructure, you will have to spend on your house frame too. The estimated cost of assembling a house is typically influenced by the size of the house. But on average, expect to spend between $20,000 to $50,000. Such an amount covers the whole house’s frame already, and sometimes, contractors provide additional construction services like door and window installations and even subfloor installation.
House finishing will occupy a good chunk of your overall house construction cost too. The cost, however, is dependent on the degree of the finishing you wish to employ in your future home.
A minimalist type of finishing for both exterior and interior, for instance, would cost you around $90 per square foot on average. On the other hand, a high-end type of finishing would cost you between $100 to $1,000 per square foot.
That said, below is a brief summary of how much you will spend for both exterior and interior finishing.
Exterior Finishing
Exterior finishing, as its name suggests, covers all aspects that make the outer part of a structure. This includes the walls, doors, windows, roof, and sidings. Overall, the average amount you will spend on these will be around $35,000.
Here’s a brief cost breakdown for exterior finishing:
| Finish | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Roof | $3,200 to $9,000 |
| Doors | $1,200 to $3,200 |
| Windows | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Sidings | $4,800 to $11,100 |
Interior Finishing
For interior finishing, on the other hand, the total spending could run up to $71,000 or more, depending on the degree. It is usually twice — or even thrice for high-end interiors — the total amount you will spend on the exterior finishing, so it is important that you have yourself financially prepared.
Essentially, it covers everything you will find inside the house, including flooring, appliances, fixtures, and insulation.
Here’s a brief breakdown of interior finishing:
| Finish | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Tile | $800 to $5,000 |
| Flooring | $1,400 to $13,800 |
| Appliances | $3,500 to $15,000 |
| Plumbing fixtures | $150 to $350 each |
| Insulation | $900 to $2,200 |
| Fireplace | $1,400 to $2,500 |
| Kitchen Cabinets | $3,200 to $8,500 |
There are several factors that could influence the overall labor cost. The size of the house, your contractor’s credibility, and purchasing power, as well as the complexity of your house’s design, are just a few examples.
But on average, labor fee takes at least 30% to 60% of the overall construction cost. And that is equivalent to $70,000 and more.
But do take note that a state or city’s cost of living could also affect the overall pay for labor. In New York, for example, the charge for construction services is significantly higher compared to states like Kentucky and Texas. You will have to consider what type of house you are building too. If it is custom-built, then expect to spend more than what you will spend on modular houses.
Having said that, below is an estimated cost for each labor in Nebraska:
- Framer rate: $7 to $16 per square foot
- Construction manager: $3,000 to $50,000
- Roofing rate: $5,000 to $10,000
- Electrician: $50 to $100 per hour
- Plumber: $45 to $200 per hour
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
The Verdict
Building a home in Nebraska can be cost-effective compared to other regions, but it remains a major financial commitment. Whether you choose a basic or custom-built home, planning for material costs, labor, and permits is essential. If affordability is a priority, consider a prebuilt home instead. However, if customization is key, be prepared for higher expenses and a longer construction timeline.
