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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Saltbox House in 2025?
Normal Range: $250,000 - $450,000
Building a saltbox house costs an average of $350,000
How we get this data
Photo: spiritofamerica / Adobe Stock
Photo: spiritofamerica / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Building a saltbox house costs an average of $350,000, with average costs ranging from $250,000 to $450,000.
The complex sloping roof design can increase labor and material expenses compared to standard gables.
High-quality lumber, flooring, and siding are common elements, contributing to higher costs.
Hiring a professional contractor ensures code compliance and more efficient project management.
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This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A saltbox house costs between $150,000 and $600,000, with an average price of $350,000. Most homeowners pay between $250,000 to $450,000 on average. The home size, location, and quality of finish all impact the final build costs.
This classic New England design stands out for its steep, asymmetrical roof—two stories in front, one in back. That signature roof does cost more to frame than a standard gable, yet the rest of the structure stays refreshingly straightforward.
Saltbox House Building Cost Factors
There are many elements to budget for when building your own home. Below are the primary considerations.
House Size
The size of your saltbox house is a key factor in determining the overall cost. Smaller saltbox cottages tend to be more budget-friendly, while larger, custom designs with extra rooms or specialized spaces will increase your total investment.
Saltbox homes range from 1,000 to over 3,000 square feet, with construction costs falling between $120 and $250 per square foot depending on location and project specifics. Adding features like extra rooms, a finished basement, or a rear second story will raise both material and labor expenses.
| House Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $120,000–$250,000 |
| 2,000 | $240,000–$500,000 |
| 3,000 | $360,000–$750,000 |
Material Prices
Plan to devote up to 50% of your budget to materials. Beyond its eye-catching roof, a saltbox skips the ornate trim you see in Victorian or Tudor builds, so the remaining material list stays relatively simple. Your final budget will depend on what elements you incorporate into your design and the quality of the materials you select. The materials below are some of the key components to include.
| Building Element | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| Foundation | $15,000–$50,000 |
| Framing | $25,000–$80,000 |
| Roofing | $12,000–$35,000 |
| Windows/doors | $8,000–$25,000 |
| Interior finishes | $30,000–$85,000 |
Land, Demolition, and Prep
There are some additional elements to consider before you start the house build, these include:
Land purchase: Average housing land costs between $50,000 and $100,000. They could be higher if you're going for a substantial piece of land or it’s in a premium location.
Land prep: If an existing structure is on the lot, add the cost to demolish a house— $5,000 to $20,000 for demo, clearing, grading, and excavation.
Building permits: These vary depending on local authority requirements, but expect building permit costs to be between $3,000 and $9,000.
Demolition: If you need to remove existing structures, factor in $5,000 to $20,000 to the overall build expenses.
Framing
The average 2,000-square foot single-story home has framing costs between $25,000 and $80,000. Sheathing and wrapping can be accounted for within this total framing budget.
Because of the heavy timber framing typical of a saltbox, plan on landing toward the higher end of that range. Saltbox house posts and beam framing use dense timber; high-quality and expensive woods, such as American walnut, cherry or red oak are standard materials.
The framing of the second floor of a two-story home runs about $3 per square foot more than the ground floor, so this is also something to factor in, given that this style of home has two floors.
Exterior Finishing
Saltbox houses are relatively minimalist and don’t feature many intricate design details. However, the unique asymmetrical, steeply sloping catslide roof is more complex to build than a traditional gabled roof.
The average cost to install a roof is between $10,000 and $20,000, and the specialist roof construction could be at the higher end of these estimates. The roofing material you use makes a big difference. Asphalt shingles or wood shakes are standard on saltbox-style houses. Asphalt shingles cost $100 to $150 per square meter, and cedarwood shake costs $250 to $600 per square meter.
You could save on the cost of siding, as saltbox houses often feature basic, narrow clapboard types that cost $1.50 to $3 per square meter. If you opt for shingle siding, also seen on these homes, expect this to cost $2.50 to $6 per square meter.
Labor Costs
Constructing a saltbox house requires a team of skilled professionals to manage the project, ensure it meets building codes, and deliver high-quality results. Fees for these experts vary based on location, project size, and complexity.
General Contractor
A general contractor oversees the entire construction process—from hiring subcontractors to scheduling work and maintaining quality control. Most contractors charge between 10% and 20% of the total project cost, which ranges from $15,000 to $50,000 for an average saltbox home. While some may offer flat or hourly rates, percentage-based fees are most common. Their responsibilities include managing permits, coordinating inspections, and keeping the project on schedule.
Architect or Designer
Architects or designers are crucial for creating blueprints and ensuring your home complies with local building codes. Using stock plans is more affordable, while custom designs cost more but offer greater personalization. Architect fees range from $2,500 to $15,000 for stock plans, or 5% to 15% of the total build cost for custom designs. Their services cover design, code compliance, and plan adjustments.
Specialized Trades
Saltbox homes need experienced framers and roofers due to the unique roof slope and structural requirements. Framing labor costs between $7 and $16 per square foot, while roofing labor for the distinctive saltbox roof can run from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on size and materials. The complex roof design often results in higher labor costs compared to simpler home styles.
Additional Labor to Consider
Depending on your project’s scope, you may also need specialized professionals for specific tasks:
Electrician: Charges range from $50 to $120 per hour or $4,000 to $15,000 per project for wiring, outlets, and lighting fixtures.
Plumber: Rates vary from $45 to $200 per hour or $7,000 to $25,000 per project, covering water supply, drainage, and fixture installation.
HVAC specialist: Installing heating and cooling systems costs between $7,000 and $20,000.
Interior designer: Interior designer fees range from $2,000 to $12,000 for selecting finishes, layouts, and decor.
Landscape architect: Expect to pay $2,500 to $10,000 for exterior grading, plantings, and hardscaping.
Bringing in these experts helps ensure your saltbox house is safe, comfortable, and attractive both inside and out.
DIY Saltbox House vs. Hiring a Pro
Some homeowners choose to build their saltbox house themselves to save on labor costs. While a DIY approach can cut expenses, it demands significant skill, time, and access to the right tools and equipment. Although DIY projects reduce labor fees, they carry risks related to code compliance, safety, and structural integrity if not done properly.
Typical DIY tasks might include demolition, painting, minor framing, or landscaping, but major work like electrical, plumbing, or roofing should be left to licensed professionals. A DIY saltbox house can cost between $100,000 and $250,000 for materials and permits, but it requires much more time and comes with greater risks. For most homeowners, hiring a local general contractor is the safest way to ensure quality and code compliance unless you have extensive construction experience.
Budgeting for Building a Saltbox House
If you want to save on your saltbox house build, consider these strategies:
Opt for standard home plans instead of custom designs to lower architectural fees and simplify the building process.
Source materials locally whenever possible to cut down on shipping expenses and support nearby suppliers.
If you have construction experience, acting as your own general contractor can reduce labor costs and give you more control over the project.
Schedule your construction during off-peak seasons when contractors may offer better rates and availability.
Limit the use of custom features and high-end finishes to keep material and labor costs more manageable.
Get multiple bids from contractors to ensure competitive pricing and find the best value for your project.
Reuse or salvage materials where appropriate to save money and reduce waste without sacrificing quality.
Incorporate energy-efficient design elements from the start to lower utility costs and increase long-term savings.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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