Delaware is known for being the first state in the whole of the United States, making it one of the oldest urban areas in the entire country. It’s also the second smallest state, and surprisingly the least populated in America making Real Estate prices competitive and affordable.
A haven for tax-free shopping and fortune 500 companies, it’s no surprise that this state has also been dubbed as ‘The Small Wonder’. A rich colonial history, magnificent beaches, and natural beauty, this state truly has a lot to offer to potential migrants. Delaware is underrated and is often reserved as a tourist destination. What most people do not realize is, Delaware has a competitive job market, real estate market, and standard of living. Making the move and building a new life and home in Delaware could actually be a good idea.
The Average Cost to Build a House in Delaware
Cheapest Type of House to Build per Square Foot
Traditional ranch-style bungalows are one of the most affordable home types in Delaware. Because of its lightweight construction, it can be erected 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: $163.53 – $654.12 per square foot
The cost per square foot of building a house in Delaware would take you anywhere from $ 163.53 for a traditional ranch-style bungalow to $654.12 for a high-end luxury home.
Ranch-Style Bungalow: $163.53 – $654.12 per square foot
The cost to construct traditional ranch-style bungalows in Delaware is pegged between $294,354 to $367,942.
Mid-Range Home Cost Range: $204.41 – $449.70 per square foot
Colonial-style homes are a popular choice for middle class communities in Delaware. It’s space efficient to build and is perfect for small lot cuts, which is the norm in Delaware. Home construction for a 1,800 square foot colonial-style home ranges between $367,942 to $809,473.
High-end or Luxury Home Cost Range: $449.70 – $654.12 per square foot
Colonial revival homes are typical in upscale neighborhoods in Delaware. All these are fitted and finished with expensive materials and fixtures. High-end homes in Delaware would cost you roughly $809,473 to $1,177,416.
Construction Cost per Square Foot in Various Cities in Delaware
The cost to build a home in Delaware is above average compared to most states. Prices play between $122 to $153 for a basic home.
A list of several cities and respective costs like this:
State | Cost per square foot | ||
| Ranch Style Bungalow | Mid-Range | High-End | |
| Wilmington | $153.00 | $229.50 | $612.00 |
| Dover | $122.00 | $183.00 | $488.00 |
| Newark | $126.00 | $189.00 | $504.00 |
| Lewes | $126.00 | $189.00 | $504.00 |
| Milford | $153.00 | $229.50 | $612.00 |
| Seaford | $153.00 | $229.50 | $612.00 |
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. It’s not so bad for a single-family home within an urban area. Since Delaware is the first state, it is one of the oldest urban areas in the U.S.
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 $4.90 per square foot and at most $19.62 per square foot. The cost for site works will depend on the type of construction, the number of storeys, and existing site conditions.
Site works approximately: $4.90 – $19.62 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 1,800 square foot home, professional fees cost a minimum of $21,276.
Professional fees approximately: $11.82 – $88.68 per square foot
Building Permit Costs
Building Permits are extremely expensive in Delaware. You will need a budget of at least $5,000 for a newly constructed home pegged at $250,000. As a result, higher-end projects will cost higher.
Building Permit approximately: $5,000 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 1,800 square feet, consider spending anywhere between $29,435 to $66,229.
Foundation works approximately: $29,435 – $66,229 for a 1,800 square foot ranch-home
Framing
Lightweight framing costs start at 10-20% of the total project cost, giving you a price per square foot of $16.35 to $49.05. These estimates are all based on a 1,800 square foot craftsman bungalow. Luxury and high-end projects would cost five times the average pricing.
Framing works approximately: $29,435 – $88,306 for a 1,800 square foot ranch-home
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 craftsman-style bungalow built of wood, a budget of $24 to $49 per square foot is a reasonable budget.
Exterior works approximately: $44,153 – $88,306 for a 1,800 square foot ranch-home
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: $29,435 – $66,229 for a 1,800 square foot ranch-home
Related: Delaware Solar Incentives
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 $40 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 $85 and above per square foot.
Interior finishes approximately: $73,588 – $154,535 for a 1,800 square foot ranch-home
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: $57 – $122 per square foot; all dependent on the type of house and scope of works
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 the need for additional foundation and framing works. 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
Homeowners’ Association Fees
Consider the homeowners’ association fees necessary for your home. If you are building a house in a planned development with strict regulations, you will usually have to submit plans for approval. Prices vary, so it would be best to contact your HOA for actual figures.
Landscaping Costs
10% of your construction cost is a feasible budget for an average landscaping job for your home, including all yards and sides. If you will be working with a home construction budget of $300,000 for a 1,800 square meter home, it would be reasonable to spend around $30,000 on landscaping.
Landscaping costs approximately: $30,000 lump sum
Driveway Costs
The cost for a plain concrete driveway installation in Delaware ranges from $3.59 – $7.17 per square foot. An upgrade to concrete would be concrete pavements, which cost $9.54 – $12.22.
Driveway cost approximately: $3.59 – $12.22 per square foot
Perimeter Fence
Depending on the type of fence you wish to install, it could go as low as $11 and as high as $30 per linear foot. Perimeter fence options ranging from wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and concrete.
Perimeter Fence approximately: $11 – $30 per linear foot.
