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HouseBuildCalc

Cost to Build a House in Knoxville, Tennessee (2026)

A 2,000 sq ft mid-range home in Knoxville costs approximately $282,148$359,098, or $169/sq ft.

$125
Basic $/sq ft
builder-grade
$169
Mid-Range $/sq ft
most common
$230
Premium $/sq ft
custom finishes
$320,623
2,000 sq ft (Mid)
two-story estimate

Estimated Build Cost in Tennessee

$314,336

Range: $276,616$352,056

$157
per sq ft
$1,671/mo
est. mortgage

Configure Your Build

5004,0008,000

Upgraded finishes, quality materials

20% ($62,867)
3%20%50%

Mid-Range Finish Includes

  • Quartz countertops
  • Hardwood floors
  • Semi-custom cabinets
  • Upgraded fixtures
Loading chart…

Line-Item Estimate

2,000 sq ft · mid quality
🏗️Foundation & Concrete
Full basement or reinforced crawl space
$31,434
10%
🪵Framing & Structure
Advanced framing techniques, engineered lumber
$50,294
16%
🏠Exterior & Roofing
Fiber cement siding, architectural shingles
$40,864
13%
HVAC / Plumbing / Electrical
High-efficiency HVAC, PEX plumbing, 200A service
$56,580
18%
🧱Insulation & Drywall
Blown-in insulation, smooth-finish drywall
$22,004
7%
🎨Interior Finishes
Quartz counters, hardwood floors, semi-custom cabinets
$50,294
16%
Total Estimate
Range: $276,616$352,056
$314,336
$157/sq ft avg

* Excludes land cost, which varies widely by location. Add $20,000–$200,000+ depending on your area.

Building in Knoxville: What to Know

  • UTK university market
  • Growing Appalachian gateway

Cost by Size in Knoxville

1,000 sq ft$160,311
1,500 sq ft$240,467
2,000 sq ft$320,623
2,500 sq ft$400,778
3,000 sq ft$480,934

About Construction Costs in Knoxville

Building a new home in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2026 costs approximately $169 per square foot for mid-range construction — putting a 2,000 sq ft home at roughly $320,623 for the structure alone (excluding land). Knoxville is 2% more expensive than the Tennessee state average, driven by local labor market conditions and construction demand.

Tennessee as a whole has a cost multiplier of 0.88× the national average. Combined with Knoxville's local adjustment of 1.02×, the effective multiplier for this city is 0.90× the national baseline.

These estimates cover construction costs only and do not include land, which varies significantly in Knoxville. Always obtain bids from at least 2–3 licensed general contractors in the area for an accurate project budget.

See all of Tennessee
Statewide costs, all cities, and detailed notes
Tennessee guide →