How Much Does it Cost to Build a 4-Unit Townhouse?
Townhouses come in various sizes and styles, each with its associated costs. The national average cost for building a single townhouse ranges from $138,600 to $285,000. On average, most people pay around $210,000 for a 1,500 sq. ft. traditional-style townhouse that is fully built. For smaller options, costs begin around $96,300 for a 750 sq. ft. townhouse using modular construction, while luxury townhouses in prime Florida locations can reach up to $402,600 for a 2,500 sq. ft. unit.
Cost Category | Amount (USD) |
National average | $210,000 |
Average range | $138,600 – $285,000 |
Low-end | $96,300 |
High-end | $402,600 |
Townhouse Construction Cost Comparison
Townhouses can be constructed using two main methods: stick-building and modular building. Stick-building is the traditional method where construction occurs on-site. On the other hand, modular building involves constructing sections off-site in a controlled environment and then assembling them on-site. This method generally allows for quicker construction and can often be less expensive than stick-building.
Both methods offer a variety of styles, sizes, and material options. Your choice between the two may depend on factors like availability and cost.
Here are the average costs associated with building a townhouse using both construction methods:
Construction Type | Average Costs (Labor Included) |
Modular | $90,000 – $224,400 |
Stick Building | $138,600 – $285,000 |
Modular Construction
Building a townhouse using modular construction typically costs between $90,000 and $224,400. Not every townhouse can be entirely modular due to the interconnected nature of townhouse units. If even one section is modular, the entire row must be modular. Incorporating modular construction into an existing stick-built structure can be challenging, so selecting a firm experienced in modular building is crucial. Costs can vary depending on whether you choose a prefab or custom design.
Stick Building
The average cost to construct a townhouse using traditional stick-building methods now ranges from $138,600 to $285,000. Stick building remains the predominant method for constructing townhouses, although modular construction is gaining popularity. Stick building involves on-site construction of all units, offering greater flexibility and customization options between units, which can be more difficult to achieve with modular techniques. However, stick building tends to be more costly and is susceptible to issues like weather delays. Costs also vary based on materials, location, and the overall style and design of the townhouse.
Townhouse Construction Costs by Size and Construction Type
Townhouses generally cost less to build overall compared to single-family homes. Their shared walls and standardized building styles often result in more uniform interior layouts, facilitating faster and less challenging construction. On average, the cost per square foot ranges from $110 to $162 for typical townhouses, with urban areas seeing the highest costs. Modular construction typically reduces costs to between $70 and $132 per square foot for most projects. These cost ranges apply across both construction methods, regardless of the number of units being built, with four units per project being the average.
Here are the average costs to build a townhouse in common sizes for both construction types:
Size | Average Costs (Traditional Construction) | Average Costs (Modular Construction) |
750 sq.ft. | $99,000 – $121,500 | $63,000 – $99,000 |
1,000 sq.ft. | $132,000 – $162,000 | $84,000 – $132,000 |
1,500 sq.ft. | $198,000 – $243,000 | $126,000 – $198,000 |
1,700 sq.ft. | $224,400 – $275,400 | $142,800 – $224,400 |
2,000 sq.ft. | $264,000 – $324,000 | $168,000 – $264,000 |
2,250 sq.ft. | $297,000 – $364,500 | $189,000 – $297,000 |
Cost to Build a Townhouse per Number of Units
Townhouses are typically built in groups of four, five, or more units simultaneously. When estimating costs, it’s important to consider the overall structure and the cost per unit, especially in terms of future sale considerations. The cost per unit remains fairly consistent regardless of the total number of units constructed. This uniformity extends to construction materials and styles across most townhouse rows or groups, ensuring consistency in cost estimates. Below are average cost ranges for townhouses using both traditional and modular building methods, based on an assumed size of approximately 1,500 sq.ft. per unit, each with a garage.
Number of Units | Average Cost Range (Stick-Built) | Average Cost Range (Modular) |
1 Unit | $198,000 – $243,000 | $126,000 – $198,000 |
4 Units | $792,000 – $972,000 | $504,000 – $792,000 |
5 Units | $990,000 – $1,215,000 | $630,000 – $990,000 |
Complex | $1,248,000 – $1,524,000 | $900,000 – $1,248,000 |
Building a Townhouse
Using traditional construction, the average cost to build a townhouse now ranges from $198,000 to $243,000. Opting for modular construction increases the cost to between $126,000 and $198,000. Townhouses are typically constructed in groups with shared walls to minimize costs compared to single-family homes. These figures provide a baseline per unit, which remains consistent for larger projects.
Building 4 Townhouses
Constructing four townhouses using traditional methods now costs between $792,000 and $972,000. Using modular construction increases this range to $504,000 to $792,000. Groups of four townhouses are common and benefit from shared construction elements that contribute to cost efficiency relative to standalone homes. These estimates include fully finished townhouse groups, encompassing both interior and exterior finishes.
Building 5 Townhouses
The cost to build a group of five townhouses now ranges from $990,000 to $1,215,000 with traditional construction methods. Opting for modular construction increases this range to $630,000 to $990,000. Groups of five townhouses are also prevalent in larger complexes, where rows of 4 to 5 units are standard. These estimates assume each townhouse is fully finished and includes a single-car garage.
Cost to Build a Townhouse Complex
Constructing a townhouse complex using traditional methods now averages between $1,248,000 and $1,524,000. Utilizing modular building techniques increases the cost range to $900,000 to $1,248,000. A townhouse complex typically consists of a minimum of 4 or 5 units with shared communal areas such as yards, landscaping, and parking. Additional amenities like gyms or community pools may also contribute to overall costs. It’s essential to note that while modular construction reduces building costs, expenses for parking, landscaping, and communal amenities remain comparable to traditional building methods.
Townhouse Cost by Style
Townhouses come in various styles and configurations, although the traditional style remains the most common and widely recognized. These styles can generally be categorized into three types, each with variations in style, size, and layout. The most prevalent type is the traditional style, characterized by rows of townhouses placed side by side. This method is cost-effective and widely adopted.
Another style is the stacked townhouse, where units are arranged in rows with two townhouses stacked on top of each other in each section. In urban areas, the urban style townhouse is found, featuring larger units with wider interiors and exteriors that blend with their surroundings. Due to their spacious interiors and urban aesthetics, these townhouses tend to be the most expensive to construct.
Below are the average costs per square foot for each of the three styles using both building methods:
Style | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Stick-Built) | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Modular) |
Traditional | $132 – $162 | $84 – $132 |
Stacked | $150 – $168 | $102 – $138 |
Urban | $174 – $204 | $144 – $180 |
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Traditional Townhouse
Traditional townhouses cost approximately $132 to $162 per square foot for stick-built homes and $84 to $132 per square foot for modular construction. These townhouses are the most common and recognizable type, typically consisting of two floors with bedrooms upstairs and living spaces downstairs. They may include finished basements, garages, and occasionally yards, sharing one to two walls with neighboring townhouses.
Stacked Townhouses
Stacked townhouses cost about $150 to $168 per square foot using traditional building methods and $102 to $138 per square foot using modular techniques. Less common but found in densely populated areas or distant suburbs, stacked townhouses stack one unit on top of another within the same row, effectively doubling the number of homes vertically. Each unit typically has its own street-facing entrance, while garages are usually located in a rear alley.
Urban Townhouse
Urban townhouses are priced at approximately $174 to $204 per square foot for stick-built homes and $144 to $180 per square foot for modular construction. These townhouses are similar in layout to traditional models but feature more contemporary designs and layouts. They often offer larger and more open floor plans, with exteriors designed to blend seamlessly into urban environments. Due to their prime locations, stylish exteriors, and innovative designs, urban townhouses tend to command higher prices.
Townhouse Construction Cost Breakdown
Building a townhouse involves coordinating various professionals and components, each contributing to the overall project cost. While costs can vary significantly depending on specific project details and materials chosen, a typical 1,500 sq.ft. townhouse constructed in a traditional style provides a good baseline for understanding the breakdown of construction expenses. It’s important to note that every project is unique, and variations in materials and design can impact overall costs.
The cost breakdown for modular construction differs from traditional stick-building methods. Below is an approximate breakdown of costs for constructing a single townhouse using traditional building methods:
Project Area | Average Costs |
Architect Fees | $20,790 – $36,450 |
Structural Engineer | $600 – $24,000 |
Contractor Fees | $49,500 – $60,750 |
Foundation | $17,820 – $21,870 |
Floor Structure | $23,760 – $29,160 |
Walls and Exterior Finish | $11,880 – $29,160 |
Roof | $19,800 – $24,300 |
Windows and Doors | $9,900 – $12,150 |
Interior Finish | $11,880 – $24,300 |
Flooring | $5,940 – $12,150 |
Interior Features | $5,940 – $12,150 |
Bathrooms | $7,920 – $9,720 |
Kitchens | $15,840 – $19,440 |
Electrical | $19,800 – $24,300 |
Plumbing | $23,760 – $29,160 |
Townhouse vs Condo
Townhouses and condos are frequently compared due to their shared living arrangements and management by homeowner associations. However, there are distinct differences between them. In a condo, residents are typically responsible for the interior of their units, while the exterior maintenance is overseen by the condo association. On the other hand, townhouse owners are responsible for both the interior and exterior of their homes, with the homeowner’s association focusing on communal areas only. This grants townhouse owners more autonomy but also entails additional personal upkeep and potential repairs.
Privacy differs significantly between the two. Townhouses generally offer more privacy since they only share walls with neighbors on either side, whereas condos can involve sharing walls with neighbors above, below, and sometimes beside. Condo buildings vary in configuration, ranging from large complexes with shared entrances and hallways to smaller setups with more traditional individual entrances.
Regarding costs, condos often have higher association fees compared to townhouses, although total costs can vary based on specific policies and amenities. Condos are generally less expensive to construct per unit due to higher density, whereas townhouses may involve fewer units per building but more individual exterior maintenance.
Home | Average Costs (Labor Included) |
Condo | $90,000 – $180,000 |
Townhouse | $138,000 – $285,000 |
Rowhouse vs Townhouse
Rowhouses and townhouses share many similarities when it comes to their layout and homeowner responsibilities. Both consist of connected residences typically arranged in rows of four to five homes. Each homeowner has their own entrance and is responsible for maintaining their property. They also have comparable construction costs and homeowner fees.
However, the key distinction lies in their arrangement and appearance. Rowhouses are typically aligned in a straight row, maintaining uniformity in exterior appearance across the units. In contrast, townhouses can exhibit more variability in layout and design. They may be staggered, set back slightly, or even stacked vertically, offering more diverse architectural configurations than rowhouses.
Costs for Enhancing and Improving Your Townhouse
Interior Design Services
Given the limited space in townhouses, optimizing every inch is crucial to creating a sense of spaciousness. Interior designers specialize in maximizing space utilization through effective decoration and layout. It’s advisable to engage their services early in your project. The typical cost for hiring an interior designer ranges from $60 to $540 per hour.
Townhouse Deck Installation
Some townhouses come with decks that overlook communal yards, providing a personal outdoor space. The average expense for constructing a deck in a townhouse ranges from $9,000 to $10,800, depending on factors such as size and materials used.
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Additional Considerations and Costs
Parking: Townhouses may not always provide ample parking for moving trucks and deliveries. It’s important to check with the HOA before scheduling any moves or deliveries to ensure there are designated areas for trucks. Additionally, guest parking may be limited.
HOA: Your Homeowners Association (HOA) can have various rules and regulations that can impact your living experience in a townhouse. It’s essential to obtain a copy of the HOA rules before finalizing your purchase, as signing HOA paperwork is mandatory when buying a townhouse.
Market Growth: Townhouse construction constitutes approximately 13% to 15% of the single-family housing market. This segment has shown consistent growth year over year, except during economic downturns when construction rates may slow down. Townhouses are increasingly seen as a sound investment for those seeking smaller homes, and the ongoing construction of many units can be advantageous in the current housing market.
Conclusion
Building a townhouse involves diverse costs depending on size, style, and construction method. The national average cost for a single townhouse ranges from $138,600 to $285,000, with typical expenses around $210,000 for a 1,500 sq. ft. traditional design. Costs vary significantly based on location and amenities, with modular construction offering potential savings compared to traditional stick-building methods. Townhouses remain a solid investment, comprising 13% to 15% of the single-family housing market and showing consistent growth. Whether opting for a smaller, more affordable unit or a larger, luxury townhouse, careful consideration of construction type and local market conditions is crucial for prospective buyers and developers alike.
FAQs
Building a 4-unit townhouse can cost between $504,000 and $792,000 using modular construction, and between $792,000 and $972,000 using traditional stick-building methods. Costs vary based on location, size, style, and construction method.
For a 1,500 sq.ft. townhouse, costs range from $198,000 to $243,000 (traditional) and $126,000 to $198,000 (modular). Smaller units like a 750 sq.ft. townhouse can cost between $99,000 and $121,500 (traditional) and $63,000 and $99,000 (modular).
Modular construction generally costs between $90,000 and $224,400 per townhouse, whereas stick-building ranges from $138,600 to $285,000 per townhouse. Modular methods can offer cost savings due to controlled environment construction and quicker assembly.
The primary factors include size, location, construction method (modular vs. stick-building), style (traditional, stacked, urban), and local market conditions. Additional costs may include architectural fees, labor, materials, and interior finishes.
Yes, additional costs may include landscaping, communal amenities (like gyms or pools), parking facilities, and HOA fees. These can vary widely based on the specific project and its location.
Townhouses typically involve lower association fees than condos but require owners to maintain both interior and exterior spaces. Condos may have higher association fees due to shared exterior maintenance responsibilities.
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Process To Get it Cost to Build a 4-Unit Townhouse Estimate Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get it cost to build a 4-unit townhouse estimate report.
