The numbers on this page are only for reference and may not reflect the costs for your specific project. You should contact us for an accurate project estimate.
There is a common misconception that building a custom home is outrageously expensive. In reality, the cost can vary considerably based on size and features. Building a custom is not always more expensive than other options, like building a production home or buying an older home.
On average, you will spend about $400,000 to $500,000 to build a home in Delaware. While this number could increase if the land is particularly expensive, you want a larger house, or if you add upgrades, it is often less expensive than buying an existing home. By comparison, the median listing price for a house in Delaware is $435,817.
Carl Deputy and Son Builders works with homeowners throughout Kent County, Sussex County, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland to build custom homes and new homes. We also offer high-quality home renovations if you’d prefer to stay in your current home. Contact us to talk to a Delaware custom home builder about your dream home – and budget.
Average Cost to Build a Custom Home in Delaware
As previously mentioned, the average cost to build a home in Delaware can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. We’ve compiled some averages based on home size and features in the table below.
| Home Size | Basic Home | Luxury Home |
| 1,200 sq ft | $240,000 | $400,000 |
| 1,800 sq ft | $360,000 | $500,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $500,000 | $650,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $600,000 | $850,000 |
Keep in mind that the numbers above are rough averages for existing homes. The benefit of building a custom home is that you get to tailor it to your needs. If you want to build a house that isn’t like the average home in Delaware, your specific build costs are going to look different. It’s always better to contact a home builder to receive a more accurate estimate as opposed to trying to crunch numbers on your own.
Why Square Foot Pricing Is Inaccurate
Many of the estimates and costs on this page are presented in terms of square footage because that’s the universal industry standard for pricing. However, we do not use square footage pricing when providing build estimates. Instead, we calculate a total cost based on the individual project.
The reason we don’t use square footage pricing is that it can be highly inaccurate. Features and materials vary greatly from build to build, which impacts the total cost. With large variances from home to home, it’s difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all price-per-square-foot. Builders that use square footage for pricing estimates will often provide the square footage cost as a rough estimate and then bill you for any costs that aren’t accounted for in change orders. This method of pricing can be deceiving for future homeowners who believe the estimate they receive will be the final cost.
Our project-based estimates account for every line item for your custom home build so that you don’t have any surprise expenses. By avoiding square-footage pricing, we’re able to give you the most accurate estimate possible.
Important Consideration
Keep in mind that what you pay is what you get when it comes to building a home. The average isn’t necessarily going to be the best home. It will cost more to build with higher-quality materials that will both improve the appearance and longevity of the house.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Building a Custom Home in Delaware
There are several factors that can increase – or decrease – the price of a custom home in Delaware. Remember that $400,000 to $500,000 is the average cost. There are outliers on either end – including houses that cost substantially more and those that cost a lot less.
Purchase Price of the Land
A significant portion of the total cost to build a home will be the land that it’s built on. Generally speaking, the more desirable the land is, the more it’s going to cost. Land in beachfront towns like Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, and Dewey Beach are going to be listed at premium prices in comparison to rural inland towns like Felton or Harrington.
Materials
Building materials account for about half of the overall costs of new construction. You will need to pay for things like lumber, siding, roofing materials, drywall, and flooring. On average, this will cost around $150,000.
Labor Costs
You will need to pay a contractor to manage the construction process. They will also hire or already employ other professionals – such as HVAC installers, electricians, and plumbers – to complete the work. Like many industries, the construction industry in Delaware has been facing a labor shortage, which has raised the cost of labor significantly in the last decade.
Permitting
To build a house in Delaware, you will be required to obtain certain permits. While the permitting process and fees vary by location and type of construction, you will typically need a building permit, a structural permit, a plumbing permit, and an electrical permit. This typically costs several thousand dollars.
Interior Finishes
A house is more than just a shell with wiring and plumbing. You will also need to pick – and pay for – interior finishes. If you want special paint, pricey tile, or higher-end appliances, it will be included in these costs.
House Size
Naturally, larger homes require more materials and labor to build. Your overall cost will go up with larger homes, but if you’re looking at the cost per square foot (which we don’t recommend using), then the cost per square foot could go down. Fixed expenses get spread out over the total square footage with square footage pricing. This means that the fixed cost will be distributed across more square footage for larger homes, which makes the cost per square foot lower even though the total price is higher.
Design Complexity
If you add custom architectural features to your house, want a unique floor plan, or ask for a specialized room, it can significantly increase costs. However, if you have a fairly basic home design, it will bring the price down.
Land Features
The lot that you buy will affect the overall cost of construction. Raw land that doesn’t have utilities and that may need to be cleared will be more expensive to build on than improved land that is ready for building. These factors should be considered when buying land in Delaware.
Material Choices
Certain materials simply cost more than others, which will affect the total price of your custom build. For example, brick is a classic exterior but it is far more expensive to build a brick house than to build a house with another finish like vinyl siding. Similarly, things like custom cabinetry or quartzite counters are more expensive than stock cabinets or laminate countertops.
Amenities
Outdoor living spaces, pools, extensive landscaping, and other features can add a lot of value to a home. They can also add significantly to the total cost of building a custom home. You should weigh the pros and cons of luxury amenities against the cost to determine if the amenities make sense to add in.
Finishing Touches
certain elements like crown molding, built-in storage, custom-designed closets, smart home technology, and designer fixtures are expensive. If you choose to add these finishes to your home, it will be reflected in the total cost.
The largest costs in custom home construction are typically the building materials and labor. While you can’t necessarily control market fluctuations, there are choices that you can make – such as a less complex design or a less pricey material – that will help you stay within your budget.
When building a custom home, it can be tempting to add in every little upgrade that you can think of – but that can add up quickly! Our team of custom home builders will work with you to develop a realistic budget and help you understand how certain choices affect your bottom line. We will also communicate with you throughout the process to make sure that you are aware of any unexpected costs, such as an increase in the cost of certain materials.
Get A More Accurate Estimate For Your Home Build with Carl Deputy & Son Builders
Building a custom home does not have to be outrageously expensive. It is more than possible to build a beautiful home for a price that fits within your budget. Our specialists will walk you through the process and help you figure out how to make your custom home dreams a reality.
At Carl Deputy & Son Builders, we have more than 40 years of experience building custom homes in Kent County, Sussex County, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We can build a custom home for you on one of our lots or on your own lot – and help you stay within your budget. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a member of our team for a free estimate, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
The numbers on this page are only for reference and may not reflect the costs for your specific project. You should contact us for an accurate project estimate.
