If you’ve been exploring the idea of building a home in Washington, you may have experienced some sticker shock. According to the latest 2024 report from the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), the average cost to build a single-family detached home is now $309 per square foot. That translates to a median sales price of $690,701 for a newly built 2,505-square-foot home.
Even more surprising? Townhomes, traditionally seen as a more affordable option, are even more expensive to build, averaging $404 per square foot, with a median sales price of $592,195.
So, what’s driving these historic highs, and what can you do about it as a homebuyer, investor, or developer in 2024? Let’s dig in.
Washington’s Soaring Construction Costs: A Breakdown
Key Data from the BIAW Report
• Single-family detached home:
• Average construction cost: $309/sq ft
• Median size: 2,505 sq ft
• Median price: $690,701
• Townhomes:
• Average construction cost: $404/sq ft
• Median price: $592,195
Compare that to the national average construction cost of $130.68/sq ft reported by KIRO7 News and it becomes clear: Washington is more than double the national average in many cases.
County-by-County Construction Costs in Washington (2024)
While the statewide average cost to build a single-family detached home in Washington sits at $309 per square foot, that number fluctuates significantly by region. For example, King County, home to Seattle, leads with a median sales price of $930,378 and an average construction cost of $368 per square foot. This reflects the high demand and dense urban infrastructure driving up labor and land expenses.
On the more affordable end, Kitsap and Thurston Counties average just $263 and $264 per square foot, respectively. Both areas also offer larger average lot sizes—over 7,000 square feet in Kitsap and 5,100 in Thurston—which may appeal to buyers seeking space and lower build costs without straying too far from metropolitan hubs.
Pierce County, which includes Tacoma, represents the median point with a sales price of $690,701 and a construction cost of $275 per square foot—nearly mirroring the statewide average. Meanwhile, Snohomish County tops the list in terms of construction expense, with an average of $374 per square foot, despite not having available data on lot size. These local insights are essential when planning your build, as construction location alone can shift your budget by tens of thousands of dollars.
What’s Causing Washington’s Home Construction Costs to Skyrocket?
1. Regulatory Burdens and Permitting Fees
The BIAW’s full report revealed that nearly 24% of construction costs stem from regulatory fees, compliance costs, and permitting requirements.
Builders face:
• Strict energy codes
• Stormwater mitigation rules
• Impact fees from local governments
• Prolonged permit processing times
2. Labor Shortages and Wage Inflation
Like much of the country, Washington is experiencing a shortage of skilled construction labor. With fewer available workers, wages have increased, driving up overall project costs.
3. Expensive Materials and Delays
Material costs for items like concrete, windows, HVAC systems, and insulation remain high due to persistent supply chain challenges. Delays in material delivery also slow down projects, which adds to labor and carrying costs.
4. Land and Infrastructure Costs
Many buildable lots still require costly improvements before construction can begin—such as utility connections, roadwork, and grading. These site prep expenses often catch buyers off guard.
Who’s Impacted—and How?
Homebuyers
• Fewer affordable homes are being built, especially for first-time buyers.
• Expect higher monthly payments if you’re financing new construction.
• Be prepared to choose smaller homes or move farther from urban centers to cut costs.
Real Estate Developers
• Narrower profit margins for mid-market homes.
• Delays from regulatory requirements add risk to timelines and ROI.
• Growing interest in build-to-rent models as homeownership becomes less attainable.
Investors
• Increased need for due diligence to ensure lot feasibility.
• Consider the long-term appreciation in high-demand areas to offset upfront construction costs.
How to Offset Construction Costs in Washington
Here are some tips to help reduce your risks and control spending:
1. Buy Improved Land
• Properties with existing access to sewer, water, and electric can save tens of thousands in development costs.
2. Streamline the Design
• Using pre-approved or modular plans may qualify you for expedited permits.
3. Work With Local Builders
• Builders familiar with your city or county can help you avoid red tape.
4. Start With a SiteFacts Report
• This one-page due diligence report includes everything from soil data to septic requirements to zoning restrictions—helping you avoid costly surprises.
Pro Tip: A failed perk test or improperly zoned land can derail your budget before you even start building. Learn more in our post on What Is a Perk Test?
Home construction in Washington isn’t cheap—but understanding why costs are high can help you build smarter. Between rising material and labor costs, and nearly a quarter of expenses going to regulations, planning ahead is your best financial defense.
Whether you’re buying land to build your dream home or launching a development project, make sure to:
✔ Plan for realistic per-square-foot pricing
✔ Use tools like a Due Diligence guide to verify land feasibility
With the right approach, you can avoid costly delays and surprises—and still bring your vision to life in the Evergreen State.
