How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Middle Tennessee?

There’s something truly special about living in Middle Tennessee. New home construction here offers endless opportunities to build a home that perfectly fits your life. But how much does it cost to build a home in Middle TN?

We’ve created this guide to help answer that question. It covers the custom home building costs in Middle TN, factors that go into the cost, and what the most expensive parts are.

Here we will cover:

• The Overall Cost to Build a Custom House in Middle Tennessee
• What Is the Average Price per Square Foot for a House in Middle Tennessee?
• Key Factors That Influence Custom Home Costs
• What Is the Most Expensive Part of Building a House?
• Building a Home That Lasts for Generations

The Overall Cost to Build a Custom House in Middle Tennessee

The average cost to build a house in Middle Tennessee typically ranges from $300 to $750+ per square foot, depending on the home’s size, design, and level of finish. Because every Doxa home is fully custom and designed from the ground up to suit each family’s lifestyle and property, total cost can vary widely.

These figures include comprehensive pre-construction planning, design, permitting, and building, not just the physical structure. Look through Our Portfolio to see what we can do for you.

What Is the Average Price per Square Foot for a House in Middle Tennessee?

The cost of building a house in Tennessee will vary, but on average, the price per square foot for a custom home is from $300 to $750+. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect with the different levels of build that Doxa offers:

Premium Custom Home: $300–$400 per square foot

Our Premium Home Build offers timeless design, efficient systems, and superior craftsmanship, all without unnecessary extras. Ideal for families who want a high-quality, fully custom home that blends elegance with practicality, this level includes complete design, pre-construction, and build services.

Expect solid hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, energy-efficient HVAC, and beautiful finishes throughout for a home that delivers exceptional value and long-term durability.

Luxury Custom Home: $450–$600 per square foot

The Luxury Home Build elevates every element of design and detail, creating a truly distinctive home with advanced systems and premium materials. These homes feature refined craftsmanship, architectural sophistication, and modern comfort in perfect balance.

Each detail is thoughtfully curated for lasting beauty and performance, including luxury cabinetry and flooring to full stone exteriors and radiant heating.

Legacy Custom Home: $750+ per square foot

Our Legacy Home Build represents the highest expression of Doxa craftsmanship: homes designed to stand for generations. Every detail is fully customized, from architectural design and material selection to interior and landscape planning.

Built under our “200-year philosophy,” Legacy homes embody artistry, permanence, and precision. They’re designed as heirlooms and timeless spaces that reflect your family’s story and endure for centuries to come.

No matter which level you choose, Doxa’s commitment remains the same: truth, goodness, and beauty in every detail. Each home is crafted with integrity, designed with care, and built to stand the test of time. Read more about even level in our Cost Guide.

Key Factors That Influence Custom Home Costs

Even with clear pricing tiers, the cost of building a custom home in Middle Tennessee can vary based on the specific characteristics of your property, design, and material choices. Understanding these factors early keeps your home’s design, budget, and expectations all aligned before construction begins.

Doxa Custom Homes takes time during the Design and Pre-Construction phase to analyze each of these details so your contract reflects an accurate, fixed cost before any work starts. Read more about Our Process.

Here are the key elements that most often influence a home’s final price:

Land and Site Preparation

No two lots are the same, and that’s part of what makes building a custom home in Middle Tennessee so exciting. But it also means site conditions can significantly affect overall construction costs. Proper preparation makes sure your home is built on a strong foundation and that your utilities, drainage, and grading all support the design of your property for decades to come.

Here’s what’s typically involved:

• Grading and Excavation: Before construction begins, the land must be cleared, leveled, and shaped to create a stable building surface. Sloped or uneven lots may require more grading or retaining walls for proper drainage and foundation support.

• Utility Connections: Depending on where you’re building, you may need to extend or install new utilities such as water, power, gas, and internet. In rural areas, this could include adding a septic system, well, or propane tank, while suburban or in-town properties typically connect to city utilities.

  • Power and Internet: Running electrical or fiber lines from the road to the home can vary in cost based on distance and terrain.

  • Water and Sewer: City connections are usually simpler, but if unavailable, Doxa helps coordinate well drilling, septic installation, or alternative systems that meet local codes and health requirements.

• Driveways and Access: Building or paving a driveway, adding culverts, or improving site access for construction vehicles can also affect your total investment.

• Drainage and Erosion Control: Proper site grading prevents water pooling and protects your foundation from future damage. Our team evaluates your land’s natural water flow and incorporates drainage plans for lasting stability.

Design Complexity

The design and architectural layout of your home have a direct impact on labor and materials.

A single-story home with a simple footprint is less expensive per square foot than a multi-level home with vaulted ceilings or curved rooflines. Our design team works closely with you to balance aesthetic goals and budget realities, which means your home feels extraordinary without unnecessary cost.

Materials and Finish Selections

The quality of materials such as flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, windows, and exterior siding plays a major role in the final price. This is where you’ll find a lot of custom home features that increase cost.

Some of the biggest variables include:

• Flooring: Choices like solid hardwood, wide-plank engineered wood, or natural stone increase both beauty and investment, while luxury vinyl or tile options can offer durability at a lower cost.

• Cabinetry and Millwork: Custom-built cabinetry, crown molding, and built-ins provide a truly bespoke feel but add to labor and material costs compared to stock or semi-custom options.

• Countertops: Quartz, quartzite, and natural stone countertops create a high-end finish; laminate or solid-surface alternatives can offer savings while maintaining style.

• Windows and Doors: Larger windows, premium casement styles, and real wood doors enhance both light and character but cost more than standard vinyl or composite frames.

• Exterior Finishes: Full stone or brick siding, composite slate roofing, and metal accents create timeless curb appeal but require more specialized materials and installation.

• Fixtures and Hardware: Upgraded plumbing fixtures, lighting, and cabinet hardware can add significant value and design appeal.

• Appliances: Built-in, professional-grade, or smart appliances elevate both performance and design but come with higher upfront costs.

• Interior Design Features: Accent walls, ceiling treatments, fireplace surrounds, and luxury finishes like marble tile or decorative paneling personalize your space but extend material and labor time.

Energy Efficiency and Home Systems

Mechanical systems are an investment in both comfort and sustainability. These upgrades not only enhance daily living but also reduce long-term utility costs and increase your home’s overall value.

Examples include:

• High-efficiency HVAC systems for consistent comfort and lower energy use

• Air-sealed construction and fresh air intake systems to improve indoor air quality

• Radiant floor heating for even, energy-smart warmth throughout your home

• Tankless or on-demand water heaters for efficient hot water delivery

• Smart home technology to automate lighting, climate, and energy management

By planning intentionally and evaluating these factors early, Doxa helps clients avoid hidden costs, delays, or design revisions mid-project. Our comprehensive pre-construction process eliminates guesswork. This means every aspect of your build is planned, priced, and perfected before breaking ground.

What Is the Most Expensive Part of Building a House?

While the specific breakdown varies from home to home, framing and structural work usually account for the largest portion of a project’s cost. Doxa Custom Homes believes knowledge creates confidence. Here’s how a typical custom home investment is distributed:

Framing and Structural Work (20–30%)

The framing and foundation form the literal backbone of your home, and they often represent the single largest expense in construction.

Doxa makes sure that every home’s structure is not just strong, but precisely engineered for longevity and performance.

Finishes and Custom Details (20–25%)

Your home’s finishes are what make it uniquely yours. These details, like flooring and cabinetry, define your home’s character and comfort. This is also an area that can vary the most based on your design choices.

Luxury and custom finishes could push this to be a bit higher than standard.

Because our selections are finalized during the pre-construction phase, Doxa clients can explore options freely while maintaining total cost clarity before signing their contract.

Mechanical Systems (10–15%)

Behind every comfortable home is a network of systems that make modern living effortless: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Doxa makes sure every home we build is efficient, quiet, and comfortable for decades to come.

Sitework and Land Improvements (5–10%)

Preparing your property for construction can influence both timeline and budget. During our feasibility and planning phase, we evaluate your property conditions in detail, so your sitework costs are included accurately from the start.

Design and Pre-Construction Planning (3–5%)

While this is one of the smallest categories by percentage, it’s one of the most important investments you’ll make.

This upfront investment in planning allows us to provide clients with fixed-cost contracts, eliminating hidden fees, inflated allowances, and post-contract change orders.

Every Doxa project follows one guiding principle: build it right the first time. By investing wisely in structure, systems, and craftsmanship from the beginning, you protect both your home’s value and your peace of mind for years to come. Discover more about our Custom Homes.

Building a Home That Lasts for Generations

With this information, you can see how much it costs to build a house in Tennessee depends on your vision: the size, style, features, and level of craftsmanship you choose. Whether your dream is a simple, elegant family home or a legacy estate designed to last generations, the most important decision you can make is who you choose to build it with.

Doxa Custom Homes designs and crafts homes that reflect your family, your values, and your future. We’re one of the best custom home builders in Middle Tennessee, and our Design + Build process brings clarity, collaboration, and confidence to every stage of construction. Your home is built with truth, goodness, and beauty in every detail.

Your dream home deserves to be built by a team that values excellence and integrity as much as you do.

Contact Us

Contact Doxa Custom Homes today. Together, we’ll explore your goals, your property, and your vision.