The farmhouse is a classic staple in the American imagination, hearkening back to our founding as a nation of independent farmers and landowners.
Farmhouses have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to their wide range of customizable designs and traditional appearance. Of course, the first thing many people ask when it comes to houses is: How much will it cost?
On average, you can expect to spend a minimum of $700,000 to build a farmhouse from scratch.
This price includes the cost for land, foundation development, construction, and necessary fixtures and amenities. These costs vary significantly depending on the cost of labor, materials, and land in your location.
A lot goes into planning a budget for a farmhouse. So we put together this comprehensive guide on all costs related to building a farmhouse and factors that affect those costs.
What is a Farmhouse?
The term farmhouse is used to refer specifically to the residential portion of an agricultural farm. However, now the term refers to a specific type of architectural style that is common around the southern and southeastern United States.
Some key elements of farmhouses include functional porches, rural locations, spacious yards, and a kind of minimalist simplicity.
Additionally, farmhouses tend to feature exposed woods and open kitchens/social areas. The kitchen in farmhouses is the centerpiece of the home, and many farmhouses incorporate rustic-style fireplaces and chimneys.
The straightforward layout is designed with practicality in mind.
Farmhouse Construction Costs
Farmhouses are essentially houses, so they have the same list of requirements that other houses.
The major cost factors for farmhouses are
Land
Foundation
Construction
Fixtures/Modifications
Land
Farmhouses typically are situated on larger plots of land in rural locations, with large yards and space.
The typical farmhouse sits on anywhere between 5-10 acres, though many farmhouses are built on 30 acres or more. Land costs vary significantly depending on the location, but there are some general trends.
The average land cost per acre in the US is about $4,000, though the cost can be $30,000+ the closer you get to major metropolitan areas.
Assuming a $10,000 per acre cost, you can expect to spend around $50,000-$100,000 just for the land. If you want a larger 30+ acre home, expect to spend $300,000+ on land costs.
You can also estimate land costs as 20%-30% of the total cost of your estimated building costs. So if you plan to spend $300,000 building your home, you should budget $70,000-$100,000 for land costs.
Keep in mind that you may also have to perform other development on the land before the foundation can be laid, such as clearing trees and digging for pipes and other utilities. Land development costs are usually around 5%-10% of the land cost itself.
Foundation Pouring
Every house requires a foundation, which serves as the base upon which the rest of your house is built. There are five main types of foundations that farmhouses use, each one with a different cost.
Below is a table showing the average costs to pour a foundation for various sized homes.
| Square Footage | Concrete Slab | Full Basement | Crawl Space | Pier and Beam | Raft Foundation |
| 1,000 | $12,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $7,000 |
| 1,200 | $15,000 | $32,000 | $13,000 | $12,000 | $9,000 |
| 1,800 | $22,000 | $41,000 | $21,000 | $17,000 | $12,000 |
| 2,200 | $29,000 | $49,000 | $30,000 | $25,000 | $16,000 |
| 2,800 | $34,000 | $58,000 | $41,000 | $32,000 | $22,000 |
| 3,000 | $40,000+ | $65,000+ | $45,000+ | $38,000+ | $25,000+ |
Farmhouses traditionally have a larger floor plan and have an average square footage between 1,800 and 2,400. However, there are smaller farmhouse plans measuring under $1,000 square feet and larger plans over 3,000 square feet.
Construction
The next major cost for building a home is actual construction costs. Construction costs can vary anywhere between $100,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on the materials used and the size of the house.
According to HomeGuide, the average home construction cost in the US was between $100-$150 per square foot.
So if your ideal home project is 2,200 square feet, you can expect to pay anywhere between $220,000-$350,000 for construction.
It is usually a good idea to add an extra 10%-15% above projected construction costs into your budget in case you have to make any modifications or extra expenses when the project starts.
Below is a table showing average construction costs for homes of various sizes. These prices are averages and will likely change depending on your location and specific contractor.
| Size | Average Construction Costs |
| 1,200 | $130,000 |
| 1,500 | $170,000 |
| 1,800 | $200,000 |
| 2,000 | $250,000 |
| 2,400 | $300,000 |
| 3,000 | $400,000+ |
The cost of your home depends heavily on the kind of materials that you choose. Modern farmhouses are usually made from traditional, naturalistic materials such as wood, reclaimed iron, and other metals. The relatively low cost of these materials can lower the over construction costs.
Fixtures/Modifications
Aside from the land, foundation, and construction, you also need to consider costs for various fixtures and modifications to your house. These can include things like wiring, bathroom fixtures, lighting, kitchen appliances, and other home decors.
These miscellaneous costs can cost anywhere between $50,000 to over $200,000, depending on the kind of materials and brand of appliances you use.
Gas Costs
Many farmhouses are typically equipped with natural gas for their appliances. The typical cost to convert a home to natural gas is approximately $4,000.
Installing natural gas involves installing house hookups and running a gas line to the local gas main. This cost can vary depending on your distance to a public gas line.
Roofing Costs
A decent roof not only ties together the look of your home but provides protection from the elements and can reduce your energy bills.
Farmhouses incorporate several types of materials in roof systems, including standing seam metal roofs, slate, wood impressed metal, and traditional designer asphalt shingles.
The average cost for a roof ranges between $5,000 and $15,000. Most homeowners will end up paying around $8,000 to install a roof on a new house.
Water Well
Since most farmhouses are located on rural plots of land, they require wells to have a potable source of water. The typical water well for a rural home is about 150 feet deep and costs between $5,000-$10,000 to dig and install.
The cost depends on the kind of water pump and filtration system you get and the geological conditions where the well is installed.
There are four major types of water wells used for homes: Dug wells, bored wells, drive point wells, and drilled wells. Of the four, dug wells tend to be the cheapest while drilled wells tend to be the most expensive.
Factors that Affect Construction Costs
Location
Above all, location will be the primary thing determining costs. Property costs vary significantly across the US. A 20-acre plot of land may cost only $50,000 in rural Arkansas but can easily cost $1 million or more in a state like California or New York.
Your location will also determine the cost of materials and labor. Some states have higher average construction costs than others.
Size/Layout
Farmhouses are popular because the overall designs are easy to customize and add to. The typical farmhouse is between 1,800 to 2,400 square feet and takes up anywhere between 5-10 acres.
Many farmhouses are larger than 2,400 square feet. Your home’s projected size not only affects construction costs but also foundation and land costs.
Materials
Farmhouses use a wide range of materials including wood, metal, and reclaimed materials. Common types of wood used include maple, pine, oak, cherry, and walnut. Farmhouses also incorporate stones like slate into their designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a farmhouse?
Assuming average costs for land, development, and construction, you can expect to pay around $700,000 to build a new farmhouse. These costs can vary significantly based on land and construction prices in your location.
How large is the typical farmhouse?
The typical farmhouse is about 1,800 to 2,400 square feet. Many farm houses are built on 5 to 10 acres of land.
What materials do farmhouses use?
Farmhouses use natural materials such as wood, stone, and reclaimed metals like iron and aluminum. These kinds of materials lower the cost of construction compared to other kinds of houses.
Final Words
A farmhouse is a perfect example of an American homestead. If you are planning to build your own farmhouse, make sure to plan your budget appropriately. The classic farmhouse design is a cost-effective way to build a custom home for your and your family.