Arizona is a desert state in the southwestern United States that is known for its sunny days, picturesque views and Indigenous population. There are a lot of great reasons to take a leap and build a house in Arizona. Building a home in the western part of the country can cost approximately $125 per square foot for a grand total of $300,000 for a 2,400 square foot home. You may find it economical to build in a development. You’ll still get to customize, but you’ll likely have to choose from predetermined floor plans and locations. 

Foundation, Framing and Exterior 

When it comes to building a house, one of the first visuals that come to mind is the skeletal framing of the home. Or maybe it’s seeing the insulating wrap, fresh window installation and a roof waiting to be shingled. Whatever you picture, the foundation, framing and exterior finishes of your new build will be about a third of the total cost to build your home. All of this can easily tally up to $65,000 or more. 

Utilities 

Unless you plan on living off-grid, you’ll need to have all of your utilities hooked up. And this can come with a $30,000 price tag. Just having a well and septic tank dug and installed can cost up to $10K. Depending on how you want to connect your home, this price will vary. 

The Lot 

In addition to the cost of your lot, you’ll also be paying to have your lot cleared and graded. This makes it ready to be built on and allows you to have a level plane. At $2,700, it may be one of the smallest investments in your new home, but it is a step that definitely cannot be ignored. Doing things right from the ground up can save a lot of headache in the long run. 

HVAC and Plumbing 

One of the best things about modern living is indoor plumbing. Couple that with HVAC and electricity, and you’re looking to fork over $40,000. And it’s well worth it. Because Arizona is such a hot and arid state, you may want to look into solar energy as it is becoming more and more affordable and accessible for the everyday homeowner. 

Interior Finishes 

Your interior finishes will cost as much as you want them to. Certain brand names come with heftier price tags. Hardwood flooring is more expensive than laminate or carpeting. The pricing of bathroom finishings, moulding, door fixtures, appliances and more are all going to depend on what you choose. It’s not hard for your interior finishes to amount to $80K. 

Be aware that these prices are only estimates, as the price of lumber, labor and materials can fluctuate according to the market. Building your own house can be a wonderful experience when you work with the right professionals. Get recommendations and read reviews, because you don’t want to entrust the building of your dream home to someone who’s not serious about their workmanship.