Many Americans have dreams of setting down roots and constructing their dream homes. Georgia is a popular destination filled with culture, history, and scenic views.
So are you looking to build a home in Georgia? Here’s what you need to know about the costs of constructing and developing a house.
Table of Contents
How Expensive Is It to Build a House in Georgia?
The average cost to build a new 2,000-square-foot home in Georgia is around $274,000. The cost per square foot when constructing a new home in Georgia can range from $135 to over $250. The median seems to hover around $165 per square foot.
Cost Summary
A lot of different factors play into the total cost of a home construction project besides materials and labor. You’ll need land, permits, and other odds and ends. Here’s a quick cost summary of what it takes to build a house in Georgia to give you a better idea of what you’re getting into.
| Building Permit Fee | $500 – $2,000 |
| Average Land Cost | $464,217 |
| 2,000 Square Foot House | $270,000 – $500,000+ |
| Average Square Foot Cost | $150 – $300+ |
Cost By Size
The size of a construction project will greatly impact the total price. As you would expect, smaller homes will cost less on average and larger homes will cost more. The average home size in Georgia is around 1,950 square feet. For the chart below, we’ll be using $135 for the lowest price, $165 for the average, and $300 for higher-end projects. Here’s a rough estimate of what you might pay, depending on the size of your home.
| Home Size | Lowest | Average | High-End |
| 1,000 Square Feet | $135,000 | $165,000 | $300,000 |
| 1,200 Square Feet | $162,000 | $198,000 | $360,000 |
| 1,500 Square Feet | $202,500 | $247,500 | $450,000 |
| 1,800 Square Feet | $243,000 | $297,000 | $540,000 |
| 2,000 Square Feet | $270,000 | $330,000 | $600,000 |
| 2,500 Square Feet | $337,500 | $412,500 | $750,000 |
| 2,800 Square Feet | $378,000 | $420,000 | $840,000 |
| 3,000 Square Feet | $405,000 | $490,000 | $900,000 |
| 4,000 Square Feet | $540,000 | $655,000 | $1,200,000 |
| 5,000 Square Feet | $675,000 | $810,000 | $1,500,000 |
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates based on the price per square foot listed above. Your mileage will vary depending on several factors. The average low-end cost based on the chart is $273,757. The mid-range average is $402,450, while the average high-end price is $744,000.
Cost By City
The city you choose plays another role in the total expenses it takes to build a new home. Each location will have different low-end, average, and high-end costs per square foot. Here are some rough estimates to give you a better idea of what to expect.
| City | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Atlanta | $150 – $300+ |
| Columbus | $120 – $270+ |
| Augusta | $120 – $255+ |
| Macon | $130 – $280+ |
| Albany | $120 – $260+ |
| Savannah | $135 – $260+ |
| Athens-Clarke County | $120 – $270+ |
| Sandy Springs | $135 – $270+ |
As you can see, based on these rough estimates, Georgia has some reasonably priced areas to build a home. However, these are only rough estimates, and your mileage will vary depending on several different factors.
Land Costs in Georgia
You’ll need to purchase a plot of land before you can start building your dream home. The type of land, size, and location play crucial roles in the total expenses and outcome of your project.
The average price per 1 acre in Georgia is roughly $4,550 across the state. However, the location plays a vital role. In some cases, you’ll find plots of land that are selling for much higher. The average listing price for land is around $464,217 across Georgia.
Land Preparation
You’ll also need to prepare the land before you can develop and construct a home. Your plot of land may require excavation, leveling, and preparing utilities. These costs can vary depending on the size, land, and circumstances. You can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000, depending on the type of project.
More Factors to Consider
As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of factors that play into the total cost of building a new home in Georgia. You’ll need to purchase land, prepare the land, and design the home, to name a few. Let’s take a deeper look into the different factors that affect the total cost of building a new home in the southern state of Georgia.
Building Permits
After you purchase a plot of land, you’ll need to get the required building permits from the state or local jurisdiction to start building. You’ll need to meet specific criteria and guidelines before you can be approved. The permits for utilities, occupancy, and septic systems will be included.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the county. In some cases, you may end up paying additional fees if you’re using a plot of land that has never been developed.
Designs, Blueprints, and Planning
Now you’ll need some designs, blueprints, or home planning services. You may want to hire an engineer or architect. However, these professionals can be pricey and charge anywhere from $100 to $250 an hour. You might expect to pay upwards of $15,000 if you opt for an architect.
Alternatively, you can utilize your builder or a draftsman to draw up some house plans. These services will be much cheaper, costing around $4,000. If you do opt for an architect, make sure they work in tandem with the builder for the best results.
Framing the House
The framing of your new house is one of the most expensive aspects to consider. Constructing the skeleton of a new home and roof uses an incredible amount of lumber and can cost around $40,000 or more.
When you include special designs, materials, and sheathing, you might need to add another $6,000 to $11,000 to the total budget.
Interior and Exterior Costs
The interior of a new home project is usually the most expensive aspect. Granite countertops, hardwood floors, new appliances, and other amenities can quickly increase the total price. You might expect to pay around $75,000 for interior finishes for a new home in Maryland.
The exterior of a home is equally important to the interior. The exterior prevents pests, harsh weather conditions, and other negative aspects from entering the inside of a home. You might expect to pay around $20,000 for the exterior walls. Once you include windows, doorways, and a garage, you can expect to add another $12,000 to $22,000 to your total budget.
Major Systems Cost
The major systems in your house will cost roughly the same as the exterior. Installing major systems can include plumbing, HVAC, and electricity.
Plumbing will cost around $15,000, HVAC will cost around $14,000, and electricity is around the same. You might expect to spend around $45,000 on installing major utility systems.
What’s the Cost to Build a House in Georgia
You can expect to pay around $274,000 to construct a new 2,000-square-foot home in Georgia. The cost per square foot when building a new home in Georgia can range anywhere from $135 to over $250. If you’re purchasing a new plot of land, you might expect to pay around $5,000 per acre.
Based on some more rough estimates, mid-range home projects may cost around $400,000, while higher-end homes may cost upwards of $750,000. Your mileage will vary depending on several different factors.
