How Much Does It Cost to Build a Home in Brunswick County NC?

We get this question a lot. And we get why.

If you’re thinking about building a home in Brunswick County, maybe for retirement, a second home, or just to get out of a busy city. The first thing you need to know is the cost. Not just vague guesses, but real numbers. Real expectations.

Most of our custom homes in Brunswick County fall between $230 and $285 per heated square foot. For a 2,200-square-foot home, that puts your investment between $506,000 and $627,000. 

Unlike many builders, our pricing includes lot clearing, permits, utility hookups, driveway, and basic landscaping. We also base our pricing on heated square footage only, not total under roof, so you're not paying for porches, garages, or unfinished space!

Let’s walk through the real numbers, what affects them, and how to plan without getting blindsided halfway through the build.

What’s the Average Cost Per Square Foot?

According to HomeGuide, the average cost to build a home in North Carolina ranges from $120 to $280 per square foot. Coastal areas like Brunswick County tend to fall in the middle to upper range of that scale due to code requirements and land costs.

Here’s what that might look like for a 2,200 sq ft home:

• $160/sq ft: $352,000

• $200/sq ft: $440,000

• $230/sq ft: $506,000

That’s just the construction cost. It doesn’t include land, site work, or optional upgrades like landscaping, appliances, or outdoor living spaces.

What Affects the Final Price?

The Lot

Some parcels are flat and ready to build. Others need trees cleared, dirt brought in, or drainage systems added. That prep work can run from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the condition of the land.

If you’re building near the water, you may also need an elevated foundation, engineering plans, or storm-resistant materials to meet flood zone requirements.

Size and Layout

Larger homes naturally cost more. But it’s not just square footage. A compact two-story home often costs less to build than a wide one-story home with the same square footage because of reduced roofing and foundation area.

Finishes

The National Association of Home Builders estimates that interior finishes make up 25 to 30 percent of the total construction cost. This includes things like flooring, cabinets, lighting, and countertops.

Source: NAHB Construction Cost Breakdown

Our clients usually want a home that’s built to last, with quality finishes throughout, not builder-grade shortcuts. They care about how things are built, not just how they look on move-in day.

That’s why our homes tend to be above average in cost per square foot, we’re building a better home from the start.

Permits and Code Compliance

Most homes in Brunswick County require building permits that cost between $2,000 and $5,000. In some coastal areas, extra fees or requirements apply based on wind resistance, flood zone elevation, or architectural design reviews.

You can find more permit info through Brunswick County Building Inspections

Labor and Materials

While lumber costs have steadied, skilled labor remains in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction labor costs in the Southeast rose nearly 4% in 2024. A local builder with reliable subcontractors can keep timelines moving and reduce surprises.

What’s Usually Not Included (But Is With Us)

Many builders quote a low square foot price, but it doesn’t cover essentials like site work, permits, or utilities. We include these things from the start, so you’re comparing real numbers, not just base pricing.

• Land purchase

• Septic or well (if needed)

• Driveway and sidewalks

• Landscaping and irrigation

• Furniture, window treatments, and appliances

• Fences, decks, and outdoor living areas

To get a more realistic view of your total project cost, we recommend building a full-scope budget.

Sample Full Budget for a 2,400 Sq Ft Custom Home

• Land: $75,000

• Site prep, permits, utilities, and landscaping: included in our per-square-foot price

• Construction (based on $255/sq ft): $612,000

• Landscaping, driveway, and extras: $20,000

• Contingency (5%): $25,000
   

Estimated total: $717,000

Already own your land or planning for simpler finishes? You can build well for less. Want a full breakdown specific to your goals? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

Quick Answers for Smart Planning

What’s the average cost per square foot in Brunswick County?
Most homes range between $160 and $230 per square foot depending on size and selections.

Is it cheaper to build or buy in this area?
Buying resale may cost less upfront. But with a custom build, you get what you want from day one and avoid expensive remodels later.

What’s the biggest budget risk?
Making design changes after construction starts. Planning upfront saves money and stress.

How long does it take to build?
Most custom homes in Brunswick County take 9 to 12 months once permits are issued. That can stretch if you’re in a flood zone or making complex selections. Here’s a full timeline breakdown

Why Local Experience Matters

Brunswick County is growing fast. With it comes new developments, evolving code enforcement, and tighter labor availability. Builders without local experience often underestimate site conditions, zoning requirements, or permitting timelines.

At Brandon Construction Group, we’ve been building in Southport, Bolivia, Leland, Oak Island, and across coastal North Carolina for over two decades. We’ve seen what works, what breaks budgets, and how to build homes that are made for this part of the state, not just built to fit a floor plan.

See our work here

Pro Tip Checklist: What to Know Before You Build

• Square foot pricing doesn’t cover land, landscaping, appliances, or outdoor extras
• Walk the lot before budgeting. Site prep can add thousands
• Simple layouts are more cost-efficient
• Prioritize finishes in kitchens, floors, and energy savings
• Flood zones may require elevation, impact-rated windows, or storm materials
• Always build in a 5 to 10 percent contingency buffer
• Lock in decisions before the build starts to avoid costly changes
• Work with a builder who knows the local codes and permitting process

Let’s Talk Real Numbers

If you're ready to talk through what your home might cost to build in Brunswick County, we’re here to walk you through it, no sales pitch, just honest info. Whether you’ve got land or need help finding the right lot, we’ll help you make a smart plan and avoid surprises.

Reach out here or stop by our office. You bring the vision, and we’ll bring the blueprint.