Laying down roots and building a house is a dream for many Americans. Maryland households are some of the wealthiest in the nation, making it a popular destination for new homeowners and builders.
So what can you expect to pay if you’re thinking about building a house in Maryland? Here’s what you need to know about the cost of building a home in Maryland.
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How Expensive Is It to Build a House in Maryland?
The average cost to build a 2,000-square-foot house in Maryland is just under $300,000. The building costs range from $150 to $300 per square foot on average. Budget-conscious projects may cost between $150 and $225 per square foot, while high-end homes can easily cost more than $300 per square foot.
Cost Summary
There’s a lot more that goes into building a house beside the construction, labor, and materials. 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 Maryland to give you a better idea of what you’re getting into.
| Building Permit Fee | $800 – $2,000 |
| Average Land Cost | $598,956 |
| 2,000 Square Foot House | $294,000 |
| Average Square Foot Cost | $150 – $300 |
Cost By Size
The size of a house plays a critical role in the total expenses. The larger the house, the more it will cost. The average home in Maryland is around 1,900 square feet. For the chart below, we’ll be using $150 for the lowest price, $225 for the average, and $400 for higher-end projects. Here’s an idea of what you might pay depending on the size of your home.
| Home Size | Lowest | Average | High-End |
| 1,000 Square Feet | $150,000 | $225,000 | $400,000 |
| 1,200 Square Feet | $180,000 | $270,000 | $480,000 |
| 1,500 Square Feet | $225,000 | $337,500 | $600,000 |
| 1,800 Square Feet | $270,000 | $405,000 | $720,000 |
| 2,000 Square Feet | $300,000 | $450,000 | $800,000 |
| 2,500 Square Feet | $375,000 | $562,500 | $1,000,000 |
| 2,800 Square Feet | $420,000 | $630,000 | $1,120,000 |
| 3,000 Square Feet | $450,000 | $675,000 | $1,200,000 |
| 4,000 Square Feet | $600,000 | $900,000 | $1,600,000 |
| 5,000 Square Feet | $750,000 | $1,125,000 | $2,000,000 |
As you can see, the price varies quite a bit depending on the size of the home and the price per square foot. The average low-end cost based on the chart is $372,000. The mid-range average is $558,000, while the average high-end price is $992,000.
Cost By City
The city you set roots in will also play a factor in the total costs of building a house. Each city will have a different low-end, average, and high-end cost per square foot. Here are some rough estimates to give you a better idea of what to expect.
| City | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Baltimore | $200 – $400+ |
| Columbia | $300 – $400+ |
| Germantown | $200 – $350+ |
| Waldorf | $175 – $325+ |
| Silver Spring | $175 – $300+ |
| Frederick | $200 – $345+ |
| Ellicott City | $200 – $325+ |
| Glen Burnie | $180 – $350+ |
| Gaithersburg | $200 – $400+ |
| Bethesda | $185 – $375+ |
| Annapolis | $175 – $400+ |
Factors to Consider When Building a Home in Maryland
As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of factors that play into the total cost of building a new home in Maryland. 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 Maryland.
Land Cost
You’ll need to acquire some land before you can start building a house. The cost of land in Maryland can range from as little as $50,000 to well over $1,500,00, depending on size. The average cost per acre hovers around $7,000 throughout Maryland. The average listing price of land is around $600,000.
Keep in mind that these price points are rough estimates, and your mileage will vary depending on your circumstance.
Building Permits
Once you acquire some land, you’ll need to get the required building permits from the state or local jurisdiction. You’ll need to meet specific criteria and guidelines before you can be approved. You may also need permission for any electronic system or plumbing system installations. The total cost of building permits can range anywhere from $800 to over $2,000, depending on the circumstance.
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.
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 Maryland?
You might expect to pay around $300,000 for building a new 2,000-square-foot house in Maryland. Based on the charts above, you might expect to pay around $550,000 for a mid-range house. Luxury homes and larger properties might fall just below $1,000,000. The building costs can range from $150 to $300 square foot on average. High-end and larger homes can expect to pay well over $300 per square foot.
