Construction Cost Per Square Foot Explained
Part of Cost & Estimating
Quick answer
Construction cost per square foot is the total project cost divided by the gross floor area. For US new construction it runs about $150–$250/ft² for homes, $200–$300+/ft² for additions and high-end remodels, and far less for garages, decks and sheds. Divide any bid by the square footage to compare it apples-to-apples.
Cost per square foot ($/ft²) is the construction industry's quick yardstick. It normalizes projects of different sizes so you can compare a 1,800 ft² bid to a 2,600 ft² bid, or this year's costs to last year's.
The formula
Cost per ft² = Total project cost ÷ Floor area (ft²)
Typical all-in ranges by project
| Project | Cost per ft² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New home | $150–$250 | Standard build, materials + labor |
| Home addition | $200–$320 | Higher — tie-ins, single trade mobilizations |
| Detached garage | $50–$90 | Simple shell, minimal finishes |
| Deck | $30–$60 | Pressure-treated to composite |
| Interior remodel | $80–$200+ | Kitchens and baths run highest |
What moves the number
- Finish level — economy vs. luxury can nearly double the rate.
- Region and local labor rates — coastal metros cost far more than the rural Midwest.
- Project complexity — additions and remodels cost more per foot than new builds.
- Size — fixed costs spread over more area lower the per-foot rate.
The construction cost estimator works in $/ft²: it applies a typical rate by project type, quality and region, then converts it to a total budget for your area.
FAQs
Does cost per square foot include labor?
An all-in cost per square foot includes both materials and labor for the structure. Some quotes list a materials-only or labor-only rate, so always confirm what a $/ft² figure covers before comparing it.
Why do additions cost more per square foot than new homes?
An addition is a small project that still needs full crews and trade mobilizations, plus the work of tying new framing, roofing and mechanicals into the existing house. Those fixed costs spread over a small area, so the per-foot rate climbs.