Building a new home in Illinois typically costs between $285,000 and $865,000, depending on your location, design choices, and finish level. That range covers everything from a modest Saltbox-style home in a small town to a luxury Colonial in the Chicago suburbs.
The biggest cost factor? Size and style of the home. Simpler wood-framed homes like Saltboxes start around $132 per square foot, while upscale custom homes with high-end finishes can exceed $500 per square foot. Add in land costs, which vary dramatically across the state, and you’ve got a wide range to plan for.
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Labor and material prices also shift depending on where you build — for instance, construction in Chicago or Naperville runs far higher than in Springfield or Rockford. And don’t forget hidden expenses like permits, utility hookups, landscaping, and HOA fees, which can tack on tens of thousands.
If you’re thinking about building in Illinois, this guide breaks down what you can expect to spend — and where to trim costs without cutting corners. Whether you’re looking to build your forever home or an affordable starter, you’ll find practical advice here backed by real construction estimates and expert insight.
Key Takeaways
- Low-cost and affordable homes in Illinois are typically Saltbox-style architecture.
- It could go as low as $102 and as high as $162 per square foot for basic construction.
- The labor cost usually represents anywhere from 35% to 50% of total project costs.
The Average Cost To Build a House in Illinois
On average, building a house in Illinois costs between $285,000 and $865,000, depending on home size, materials, location, and finish level. That’s based on a range of $132 to $531 per square foot, from basic wood-frame construction to high-end luxury homes with premium finishes.
Here’s a breakdown by home type and size:
- Saltbox-Style Homes (1,632 sq. ft.): These are among the cheapest to build, using simple framing and lightweight materials. Expect to spend $216,000 to $271,000.
- Mid-Range Homes (1,632 sq. ft.): With upgraded finishes and more design complexity, costs jump to $270,000 to $595,000.
- High-End Luxury Homes (1,632 sq. ft.): Custom layouts, top-shelf materials, and upscale features push totals between $595,000 and $865,000.
If you’re building larger than 1,632 square feet, adjust accordingly. A 2,500-square-foot custom home in Naperville or Evanston with high-end finishes could easily cross the $1 million mark.
Cheapest Type of House to Build per Square Foot
Saltbox homes are one of the most affordable home styles to construct in Illinois. Because of its lightweight structure, it can be constructed 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: $132.72–$530.88 per square foot. The cost per square foot of building a house in Illinois would take you anywhere from $132.72 for Saltbox-style homes to $530.88 for high-end colonial revival homes.
- Saltbox Homes: $132.72–$165.90 per square foot. Low-cost and affordable homes in Illinois are typically of Saltbox-style architecture. Built through a wooden skeletal framework and enclosed in lightweight materials. It’s usually characterized by a gable-type roof, with two stories. Most homes in Connecticut boast an average floor area of 1,550 square feet, pegging your construction anywhere between $216,599 to $270,748.
- Mid-Range Home Cost Range: $165.90–$364.98 per square foot. The cost for a 1,632 square-foot mid-range home ranges between $270,748 to $595,647.
- High-End or Luxury Home Cost Range: $364.98–$530.88 per square foot. Grand colonial-style homes are typical in upscale neighborhoods in Illinois. All these are fitted and finished with expensive materials and fixtures, high-end homes in Illinois would cost you roughly $595,647 to $866,396.
Construction Cost per Square Foot in Various Cities in Illinois
Construction costs vary widely depending on where you build. In general, expect to pay more in metro areas like Chicago and Naperville, and less in smaller cities like Springfield or Edwardsville.
Here’s what you can expect per square foot based on build quality:
| City | Basic Build | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $162 | $243 | $648 |
| Naperville | $162 | $243 | $648 |
| Evanston | $120 | $180 | $480 |
| Rockford | $113 | $170 | $452 |
| Champaign | $119 | $179 | $476 |
| Moline | $119 | $179 | $476 |
| Springfield | $105 | $158 | $420 |
| Edwardsville | $102 | $153 | $408 |
- Basic Build: Saltbox-style or simple wood-frame homes with minimal customization.
- Mid-Range: Includes moderate upgrades like better siding, windows, and fixtures.
- High-End: Fully customized homes with top-tier finishes and materials.
Labor is more expensive in big cities, which adds a significant chunk to your total cost — often up to 50% of the build budget.
What’s Included in the Total Cost To Build a House in Illinois?
When budgeting for a new home, construction is just one part of the picture. Here’s a breakdown of the major cost categories you’ll need to factor in:
Land Costs In Illinois
Land prices in Illinois vary wildly. A small lot in a rural area might cost $20,000, while a 1,000-square-foot lot in downtown Chicago could set you back $200,000 to over $1 million.
Statewide average land costs per acre (for residential use):
- Excellent: $10,870/acre
- Good: $8,446
- Average: $6,409
- Fair: $5,353
- Recreational/low-quality: $3,689
Be sure to budget for utilities, zoning changes, and soil tests — especially in undeveloped areas.
Pre-Construction Expenses
This includes clearing, grading, excavation, and utility prep. It typically adds 3%–8% to your total budget, or about $4 to $16 per square foot, depending on site conditions.
Budget Range (1,632 sq. ft. home): $6,500–$26,000+
Architects, engineers, and project managers charge between 8%–15% of total project cost. Expect to spend $19,000 to $88,000 depending on the home’s complexity and square footage.
Fees vary by municipality. A basic permit might start at $500, but larger or custom projects may cost several thousand dollars, especially in urban zones.
Construction Costs by Phase
Here’s how the core parts of the home typically break down. These estimates are based on a 1,632-square-foot home, but the percentages can be applied to larger builds as well.
Expect to spend 10%–15% of your total build on the foundation.
- Typical Range: $21,500–$48,700
This includes excavation, concrete work, and structural footings. Building on sloped land or poor soil will increase the cost.
Framing usually accounts for 10%–20% of your project cost. Lightweight wood framing is the cheapest, while steel or complex rooflines raise prices.
Typical Range: $21,500–$65,000
This includes siding, roofing, windows, and doors. For a basic wood-clad Saltbox, you’re looking at:
- Typical Range: $32,500–$65,000
If you opt for high-end materials (stone, brick veneer, impact-rated windows), costs rise quickly.
Installing essential systems like power, water, sewer, and HVAC typically runs 10%–15% of your total cost.
- Typical Range: $21,500–$48,700
Custom systems or complex layouts will push this higher.
This is where things add up fast — flooring, cabinets, countertops, paint, lighting, and more. Interior work can take 25%–35% of your total budget, depending on your style choices.
High-End: $69+/sq. ft. = $113,000+
Low-End: ~$33/sq. ft. = ~$54,000
Labor costs
Labor is a major driver — often 35%–50% of your entire project. Skilled trades like framing, plumbing, and finishing will demand higher rates, especially in cities.
Labor costs are approximately $46–$99 per square foot; this is all dependent on the type of house and scope of works
Home Addition Costs In Illinois
To estimate the cost of a home addition or renovation project, start by determining the scope of work required to build your home. You must also determine whether extra foundation and framing work will be required. Because most house addition projects work within a smaller floor area, the cost per square foot is roughly the same, with a total cost that is usually less than building a new home.
Hidden Costs
If you’re building in a planned community or subdivision, expect to pay Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. These can range from $200 to $2,000+ per year, depending on location and amenities. You’ll likely need to submit building plans for HOA approval before construction starts.
Tip: Always check with the HOA early — some have strict design rules that can affect your costs.
A good rule of thumb: budget 10% of your total construction cost for landscaping. That covers grass, plants, basic grading, and some hardscaping.
- Typical Range: $15,000–$25,000 for a standard yard
Going fancy with retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, or irrigation? Add more.
Driveway costs depend on size and material. A basic concrete driveway runs $3.50 to $7 per square foot, while upgraded finishes like pavers or stamped concrete can hit $9 to $18 per square foot.
Example (600 sq. ft. driveway): $2,100–$10,800
Fences range from $11 to $27 per linear foot, depending on the material (wood, chain link, vinyl, or iron). A 150-foot perimeter fence will run between $1,650 and $4,000.
Wood is the cheapest but needs regular maintenance. Vinyl costs more upfront but lasts longer.
