How Much Does It Cost To Build Bungalow | Winning Choice

By Harry Thomas | 09 Dec, 2023

Building a bungalow is an exciting and ambitious home-building project, but it’s important to understand the cost involved. Knowing exactly how much money you need to build your dream bungalow is essential to properly budget, set goals, and plan accordingly.

Here, we’ll delve into the costs associated with building a bungalow, covering all the areas of expense you need to consider, from labor and materials to permits and taxes. Read on for an in-depth look at how much it costs to build a bungalow.

Generally speaking, the cost of building a bungalow can vary greatly depending on various factors. However, you can usually expect to spend anywhere from around $200 per square foot for a basic build, to upwards of $500 more for an upscale custom-built bungalow.

Land Acquisition:

The first and fundamental expense in building a bungalow is acquiring the land. The cost of the land varies greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities offered in the area.

For instance, land in urban areas will be significantly more expensive than in rural or suburban locations. Additionally, factors such as proximity to schools, hospitals, markets, and transportation facilities can also influence the price. The cost of land can vary between $30,000 to $150,000 or higher, based on the factors that were previously mentioned.

Design And Planning:

If you want your bungalow to look exactly how you imagine it, it’s important to hire an architect. Keep in mind that the cost of their services will depend on the complexity of your design and the architect’s experience.

The architectural design and planning phase typically costs between 5% to 15% of the entire construction budget, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Permitting And Regulatory Fees:

To start construction, you need to get permits and follow the local building rules. The amount of money you need to spend on permits may vary depending on the location. To ensure appropriate budgeting, it is important to conduct research and be aware that permitting and regulatory fees can vary between municipalities, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

Foundation:

To build a bungalow, a strong foundation is essential. The cost of the foundation depends on factors such as the type of foundation selected, soil conditions, and the size of the bungalow. The two main types of foundations used in bungalow construction are:

• Slab Foundation:

The cost of slab foundations is relatively low, ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 on average. However, they may not be appropriate for regions with unreliable soil conditions or a high water level.

• Crawl Space/Foundation:

The cost of crawl spaces is higher compared to slab foundations, typically falling between $8,000 and $20,000. However, they do have the advantage of utility accessibility and better moisture protection.

Framing:

The first stage of building a bungalow is called framing. During this stage, the walls, roof, and supporting beams are constructed. The cost of framing will vary depending on the materials used, such as wood or steel, and the complexity of the design. Typically, framing can cost between $25,000 to $50,000.

Roofing:

The cost of roofing can be significantly affected by the materials used and the labor required. While affordable materials like asphalt shingles are commonly used, premium options like metal or tile roofs can be more expensive. Generally, roofing expenses can range from $7,000 to $20,000.

Exterior Finishes:

To enhance the look and safeguard your bungalow, it’s essential to choose the right exterior finishes. These can be siding, stucco, brick, or stone. The cost of such finishes is based on the material type and the bungalow’s square footage. Typically, it can range from $10,000 to $30,000.

Interior Finishes:

The interior finishes are the various features inside your bungalow that make it comfortable and usable such as flooring, painting, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and HVAC systems. The cost of interior finishes varies depending on the quality and brand of materials selected. Typically, interior finishes cost between $30,000 to $70,000 or more.

Windows And Doors:

Choosing the right windows and doors for your bungalow is crucial for its appearance and energy efficiency. The price of these items varies depending on factors such as the material, design, and energy efficiency ratings. Typically, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $25,000 for windows and doors.

Utilities:

Bungalows require essential utilities such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems. The cost of these utilities can differ based on the size, complexity, and quality of the systems selected. Generally, the cost of utilities for a bungalow can range from $25,000 to $50,000 or higher.

Landscaping:

Adding landscaping to your bungalow can improve its appearance, with features like lawns, gardens, pathways, and outdoor amenities. The cost of landscaping depends on the design and size of the outdoor area and can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

Labor Costs:

Here is the list of professionals with their service charges for building a bungalow:

Service Provider	Approximately Cost
Interior Designer / Architect	$50 – $250 per hour
Structural Engineers	$100 – $200 per hour
Licensed Plumbers	$45 – $200 per hour
Licensed Electricians	$50 – $100 per hour
Flooring Installers	$0.50 – $15 per square foot
Insulation professionals	$0.25 – $0.50 per square foot
HVAC Professionals	$35 – $200 per hour
Carpenters	$15 – $150 per hour
Painters	$20 – $50 per hour
Professional Roofers	$1 – $5 per square foot $40 – $80 per hour
Siding Contractors	$1 – $4 per square foot
Landscapers	$50 – $100 per hour for a crew of two

Which Factors Affect The Cost Of Building A Bungalow?

The cost of building a bungalow is largely determined by the following factors:

• Size:

The larger the house, the more expensive it will be to build. Larger houses require more materials and labor to construct them. 

Square Foot	Modular Built Cost	Stick-Built Cost
800	$64,000 – $80,000	$95,000 – $140,000
900	$72,000 – $90,000	$110,000 – $157,500
1,000	$80,000 – $100,000	$120,000 – $175,000
2,000	$160,000 – $200,000	$240,000 – $440,000
3,000	$300,000 – $450,000	$525,000 – $660,000

• Location:

The cost of building a bungalow can also be influenced by the location you choose. Areas with higher labor costs and prices for materials will mean more money spent on your project. It’s important to research what type of costs are associated with the area where you plan to build before committing to a project.

• Construction Materials:

The cost of building a bungalow is also dependent on the materials chosen for construction. Steel, concrete, and brick are more expensive than wood but are considered to be better investments. They can last longer and provide a higher return on your investment in the long run. The type of roof you choose will have an impact on your costs as well.

• Style:

When building a bungalow, the style can affect the cost. A simple, traditional design is usually less expensive than a more modern or elaborate one with special features and details. 

Style	Average Cost To Build For Modular	Average Cost To Build For Stick-Built
Craftsman	$96,000 – $120,000	$144,000 – $210,000
Ranch	$120,000 – $150,000	$180,000 – $262,500
California	$144,000 – $180,000	$216,000 – $315,000
Prairie Style	$144,000 – $180,000	$216,000 – $315,000
Cape Cod	$148,000 – $185,000	$22,000 – $323,750
Ultimate	$300,000 – $450,000	$525,000 – $660,000

• Utilities and Infrastructure:

Please take into account the expenses for utility connections, such as electricity, water, and sewage systems when considering the cost of the bungalow site. If the site does not have existing infrastructure, additional costs might be required to provide these services.

• External Factors:

When estimating the cost of building a bungalow, it is crucial to take into account the impact of external factors such as economic conditions, inflation rates, and fluctuations in material prices on the overall construction cost.

• Contingencies:

Including a contingency budget is a smart decision to prepare for unforeseen circumstances during construction, such as unexpected issues, changes, or delays. This extra budget can assist in covering any unexpected expenses that may arise during the building process.

It’s important to note that the cost of building a bungalow can vary greatly based on factors such as personal preferences, location, and project requirements. To get a precise estimate tailored to your project, it’s recommended that you consult with architects, contractors, and professionals in your area.

Conclusion:

Building a bungalow is not only a great way to create a beautiful and cozy home, but it can also be incredibly cost-effective. Along with finding the right location and sizing your home appropriately for your needs, researching different approaches to construction will help ensure that you get the most out of your investment in terms of quality and affordability. If you need any assistance with estimating the cost of building a bungalow, Royal Estimation is here to help.

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