How Much Does It Cost to Build an A-Frame Home? (2023)

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Build an A-Frame Home? ›

The average price to build an A-Frame house is $150,000, with labor and material costs of $100 – $200 per square foot. For a standard 1,000-square-foot A-Frame home, expect to pay $100,000 – $200,000.

Yes, A-frame homes are cheaper to build than other houses. They cost $100 to $200 per square foot on average, so you can expect to spend around $150,000 on a 1,000 square foot home (not including land or additional labor).

Inexpensive Construction

And, they are typically cheaper to build because of the simple design and the fact that they are usually built from wood. They are also easy to scale as needed. In fact, one couple scaled their A-frame down to an 80-ft tiny house that cost them just $700 to build.

"Their unique architecture and living and wall space can make it harder to sell as a full-time property, but they could be a great investment as a rental property," Reid says. "A-frames can be great as a short-term or long-term vacation rental, but full-time living in one can be difficult."

Generally speaking, a timber frame house lifespan is 100 years or more. Many of the timber frame homes first built in North America in mid 1700 still stand and function today. There are many timber frame structures still in use throughout Europe that date back to early 1100's.

The entire process—from choosing a kit to moving in—usually takes four to eight months. Avrame says their homes are more efficient and maintain heat better than traditional A-frames thanks to durable structural insulated panels. You can also add onto to any model by making the A-frame longer.

While wood frame construction is a common building method, several problems continue to challenge contractors and building owners. Seven specific problems with wood frame construction include fire- and wind-resistance, durability, low thermal mass, shrinkage, and compromised acoustics and indoor air quality (IAQ).

Beach Houses and Mediterranean-style homes are the most expensive in the U.S. and are often found on prime land close to the ocean. Large windows and balconies accentuate the use of natural light, which adds a feeling of luxury and simplicity to a home.

Dome homes are arguably the cheapest site-built home available. These homes are constructed of a steel frame, covered in a fabric form, and then sprayed first with foam and concrete. The result is a solid structure capable of withstanding all types of natural disasters, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Are a-frame houses good for hot climates? ›

The construction of an A-frame makes it an ideal structure for all types of weather. In warmer climates, the main living space on the ground level stays cool as the hotter air rises to the peak of the building.

The post–World War II popularity of the A-frame has been attributed to a combination of factors including Americans' extra disposable income, the inexpensiveness of building an A-frame structure, and a new interest in acquiring a second home for vacationing.

Insulated concrete forms are believed to be one of the strongest house frame options. They are energy efficient, as well as water and disaster-resistant. But they are not as common when it comes to building houses. Steel and timber frames are the most common house frames in today's construction business.

Full House Framing Prices

On average, a 2,000 square foot home will cost between $14,000 and $32,000 to fully frame. You can add an extra $4,000 to $16,000 if you plan to include sheathing and a house wrap.

Construction costs are significantly higher for a metal frame. In addition to needing special tools, metal frames will cost between 10 and 20 percent more than wood frames. Keep in mind that you will require extra supplies such as fasteners and electrical boxes to complete the frame.