An A-frame house typically costs about $125 to $175 per sq ft to build, according to Angi, so a 1,000 sq ft A-frame would cost roughly $125,000 to $175,000 before land. A-frame kits are widely sold, but like any kit they cover only part of the finished cost.
These figures were published in 2022 and have not been adjusted for inflation. Construction costs have risen since then, so treat them as a floor and get current local quotes.
How much does an A-frame cost by size?
| Size | At $125/sq ft | At $175/sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 600 sq ft | $75,000 | $105,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $125,000 | $175,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $187,500 | $262,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $250,000 | $350,000 |
Why choose an A-frame?
The steep roof doubles as the side walls, so there is less wall framing and siding, and snow slides off easily. The tall gable ends allow large windows and a loft.
What are the drawbacks?
- Lost floor space: the sloping walls make the edges of each floor hard to use, so you get less usable space than the square footage suggests.
- Roofing: the roof is most of the exterior, so roofing is a large share of the cost.
- Upper floor: the loft is usually small, and stairs take up space.
Frequently asked questions
Are A-frame houses cheap to build?
They can be for small cabins with simple finishes. Per usable square foot they are not always cheaper than a simple rectangular house.
How much does an A-frame kit cost?
Kit prices vary widely by size and supplier. Budget for the foundation, assembly, utilities and interior on top of the kit.
Compare other house types
- Barndominium cost
- Modular home cost
- Manufactured home cost
- Tiny house cost
- Shipping container home cost
- ADU cost
- Custom home cost
- Pole barn house cost
- Duplex cost
- Garage cost
- All house types compared
Sources
- Angi: How much does a log cabin cost? (February 2022)