The Most Expensive Room in Your New Home
The Most Expensive Room in Your New Home
Buying a new construction home comes with excitement—along with the curiosity of where your investment truly goes. Not all rooms cost the same to build, and some require far more materials, labor, and specialized trades than others. Understanding these cost drivers can help you budget wisely and make confident design decisions.
Below, we break down the most expensive rooms in a newly built home, from the lower-cost spaces to the room that consistently ranks number one.
Laundry Room
While small, laundry rooms pack a financial punch. Plumbing lines, electrical outlets, ventilation, cabinetry, shelving, and upgraded appliances all add up.
Average cost to build: $2,000–$4,000
Costs rise with premium appliances, built-in storage, or a larger laundry layout.
Living Room
Living rooms vary greatly depending on size and finishes. A larger footprint, extra electrical outlets, upgraded flooring, and optional features like fireplaces or smart-home wiring influence the final cost.
- Fireplace or built-ins
- Premium flooring
- Additional lighting
- Smart technology wiring
Average upgrade range: $1,500–$5,000
Full Bathrooms
Most new homes feature multiple full baths, and each additional bathroom increases the budget significantly. Costs depend heavily on plumbing layout, shower or tub style, tile selections, and lighting.
Average cost to build each full bath: $6,000–$14,000
Primary Suite Bathroom
Primary bathrooms—often larger and more luxurious—can quickly become one of the costliest spaces in the home. They often include dual vanities, separate tub and shower, upgraded tile packages, and higher-end fixtures.
Typical cost range: Double the cost of a standard full bath
High-end spa-style suites can exceed $50,000.
The Kitchen: The Most Expensive Room in the Home
It’s no surprise that the kitchen tops the list. Kitchens require the most specialized labor—plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, countertops, and appliances—and the highest concentration of materials.
- Cabinetry
- Plumbing and electrical
- High-end countertops
- Tile backsplash
- Large appliance packages
- Kitchen islands
- Under-cabinet lighting and smart features
Typical cost: $30,000+
Other Big-Ticket Considerations
- Extended or three-car garages
- Screened patios or sunrooms
- Finished bonus rooms
- Decks or covered porches
Final Thoughts
Every home and every floorplan is different, but understanding which rooms require the most investment can help you prioritize upgrades that add long-term value. If you’re planning your new build or exploring customization options, the Ernest Homes team is here to guide you through every step.
