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New Home Construction, Chicago - How to Find the Best

Buying a new home is a major decision and in the Chicago area, you can spend a lot of time looking for new homes for sale and new construction condos, Chicago. Deciding what type of home you want is the first step and we want to show you the benefits of choosing Chicago new home builders.

So if you’re asking yourself the question, “where are new homes being built near me?” we’re here to help.

Benefits of buying a new house

Maybe you’ve been looking at new home construction, Chicago but are torn about whether to buy a classic workers brick cottage, a greystone, or a traditional Chicago bungalow instead. Or you're asking yourself whether you really want to look at brand new properties and all the benefits they will bring.

Here are some of the reasons why choosing new construction homes, Chicago is a smart decision.


High-quality building

When looking for new construction Chicago if you go with well-established and well-respected new house builders like Fortress Home, you can be sure that the quality of the build and finish will be of the highest standard. Everything is built either to or above code -sometimes the building code standards can be improved upon. The highest quality materials are selected to make sure you have a new construction home that is built to last.

Energy efficiency

A major ongoing cost for homeowners is utility bills, and everyone wants to save on these. With high levels of energy-efficient building, including the highest quality insulation, LED light bulbs and homes designed to be naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, your utility bills will be slashed.

As well as saving money on bills you'll also be helping to save the planet with homes with high energy-efficiency ratings.

Designed for modern life

With floor plans designed for the way we live today and designs that make the most of every square foot, as new homeowners, you'll be happy with life in a new home.

If you choose a new housing development, many are designed with easy access to the city and to local schools, making them great for families.

Custom options

When buying new properties you may have the option to customize many things from the number of bedrooms and baths to the style and floor plans.

Why Chicago?

Chicago is an exciting and diverse city with a vibrant downtown and beautiful suburbs, all on the shores of Lake Michigan. Many districts are currently being gentrified and there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods with new homes and great access to the city.

Housing prices in Chicago haven't risen as much as in other parts of the country so as a buyer a new construction home still offers great value for money compared to older homes in more established neighborhoods.

Chicago also offers some very desirable communities, including the north lakefront and Loop, which have great schools, amenities, and services, making them a great choice for parents with young children.


If you are planning new construction, general contractor is the company that you need.

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How to find the right new home construction, Chicago, IL

First, you need to decide on the type of property you're looking for. Are you looking for Chicago new construction condos or houses?

If you're a family you're probably looking for a single-family home in a suburban neighborhood but for a young urban professional, you'll want a city neighborhood with great access to all the services and amenities that Chicago has to offer.

  • Speak to your local real estate agent or contact a realtor who specializes in the type of property you are looking for.
  • Go and explore the areas you're interested in and see if there are any new homes being built in the neighborhood or if there is a building site in the area.
  • Search the listings of real estate websites. Many new home communities will also have websites with information about their developments.
  • Speak to neighbors and homeowners associations in the area you're interested in, to see if they can recommend any specific developers. If you've been recommended any specific new construction home builders they should have information about any of their pre-construction condos, Chicago on their websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a new home?

The cost of new construction homes varies a lot depending on many factors, like location, type of house, and cost of materials. Nationwide the average cost of building a single-family home in 2020 was just over $295,000, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders.

Chicago, IL comes in significantly higher than the national average at around $450,000 but can range from approximately $200,000 to around $740,000 depending on the exact location and type of house.


Is it cheaper to build or buy a house?

There are many factors that need to be considered when deciding to build or buy a house. These include:

  • Land costs
  • If you currently own land
  • The desired location of your home
  • The current housing market
  • The current price of building materials

Land costs change wildly from state to state and from city to rural area. In Illinois, an acre of land costs, on average, just under $30,000 but in more expensive states like Rhode Island, it can be more than ten times as expensive at $350,000 per acre. And in cheaper states, like Arizona you can get an acre for as little as $4,000, according to current data.

Currently, the housing market is very competitive, with homes for sale selling rapidly, so generally speaking, the costs of building your dream home are about the same or cheaper than buying a house.

But the benefits that come with a new house are abundant. You'll get a house with all new appliances, fixtures, and fittings so maintenance costs should be very low, and everything should work perfectly. And if you decide to build your own custom home you'll also get the layout and home type of your dreams, the layout and square footage you want.

What is the process for building new construction homes in Chicago, Il?

If you are looking to build a new home in Chicago, or buy a home in a new house development you might be interested to learn what the process is for building new houses.

  • Purchase a plot of land and ensure it has relevant zoning for residential development
  • Work with an architect and engineer to draw up plans for the new development
  • Ensure all plans are to code
  • Using the plans apply for relevant permits
  • Prepare the lot for development
  • Put in the foundations and any main drainage, water and electricity pipes and cables
  • Erect the frame and put up the roof
  • Install exterior windows and doors
  • Insulate and clad the building
  • Put in wiring and plumbing
  • Lay flooring
  • Put up drywall and begin to plaster and decorate
  • Install final fixtures and fittings
  • Finish with landscaping and exterior features

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What is the average cost of new home construction in the Chicago suburbs?

In the Chicago Metropolitan Area in July 2021 the median cost of home purchases (single-family homes and condos) was $342,000, according to Realtor.com.

This compares favorably to the cost of building a new single-family home in Chicago which, according to the Chicago Tribune, costs between $250,000-$400,000.

Where are new homes being built near me?

If you are interested in purchasing a new home from a local developer you can check your local property listings, either in your local newspaper or with your local realtors. There are also websites dedicated to advertising both new home communities and older houses, where you can begin your search.

If there is a particular development you like you can always find out which developer was responsible for it and check with their website or contact them directly to find out about other new developments.

Is 2022 a good time to build a house?

While there are delays in the shipping of some building materials and the cost of building materials has increased due to these delays, in 2022, we believe it's still a great time for new construction in Chicago.

This increase in costs of new home development is offset by the fact that the demand for pre-owned properties in certain communities, like Chicago, is much higher, pushing prices up.


New construction homes from reputable and high-quality new home builders, Chicago are likely to increase in value and offer great value for money in the long term.

Fortress Home - Chicago new construction experts

Fortress Home is one of the leading residential development companies in Chicago, building stylish, modern houses and townhomes throughout the metropolitan area. With an eye for quality, extremely high materials sourcing standards, and exceptional attention to detail, you can rest easy in your new Fortress Home development.

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FORTRESS HOME

Fortress Home is a company that strives to build homes exclusively of high quality and comfort standards at an affordable price. Thanks to this approach, within the framework of each project, we not only achieve construction goals but also exceed our clients' initial expectations, including the quality of service.

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