How much does it cost to build in Washington, DC? (2026)
Construction in the Washington, D.C. area runs about 8% higher than the national average (cost index 1.08). Here are 2026 ballpark ranges for common projects, scaled to Washington pricing.
| Project type | Washington range (2026) |
|---|---|
| New custom single-family home mid-range finishes; land not included | $170–$240/sq ft |
| Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) higher per-foot cost at small scale | $239–$337/sq ft |
| Whole-home renovation varies widely with scope | $133–$188/sq ft |
| Commercial tenant improvement shell condition dependent | $110–$156/sq ft |
| Kitchen remodel (mid-range) typical 150–200 sq ft kitchen | $25,704–$36,288 total |
Illustrative 2026 ranges, national baselines scaled by the Washington regional cost index. Real pricing depends on finishes, site conditions, design, and current material prices — always price actual plans.
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A new mid-range custom home in Washington runs roughly $170–$240 per square foot in 2026, before land, based on Washington, D.C. construction costs running about 8% higher than the national average. Actual pricing depends on finishes, site work, and design.
Local labor rates, material availability, permitting, and code requirements all move the number. Washington sits at a 1.08× cost index versus the U.S. average, so plan and estimate to local pricing — not a national rule of thumb.
Have a contractor price your actual plans. CMDBLD reads a plan set and produces a code-aware, Washington-priced estimate in minutes, then learns from real job costs so it stays accurate over time.