Is a brand-new home in Horace the right move for you? With new neighborhoods popping up and a steady flow of spec and custom builds, you have more choices than ever. It can also feel overwhelming to sort pricing, timelines, assessments, and upgrades. In this guide, you’ll learn what’s being built, what it really costs, and how to compare new construction with resale so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Horace new builds are booming
Horace has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the Fargo–Moorhead area. Local reporting shows the city’s population roughly doubling since 2020 as new subdivisions filled with single-family homes, which helps explain the volume of new builds you see today. You can read more about that rapid growth in this local coverage of Horace’s recent expansion. Local reporting highlights Horace’s surge.
As of late 2025, the Horace market’s median list price sits around the mid-$300ks, with a citywide median price per square foot near $187. Many spec homes list in the low-to-mid $300ks, while larger plans and higher finishes often reach into the $400k–$600k range. Use these as benchmarks, then compare within the same subdivision and floorplan type.
Infrastructure, assessments, and permits
New streets and utilities are often funded through special assessments. Before you write an offer, check whether a lot or spec home carries a balance and who is expected to pay it at closing. The city maintains current district information and certified lists. Review the City of Horace special assessment page.
Permitting also shapes timelines. Start dates and inspections run through the city’s portal, and builders and buyer agents track progress from permit issuance through final inspection. You can see the city’s process here: Building Permits and Inspections.
What new construction looks like in Horace
Common floorplans you’ll see
You’ll see a broad mix designed for typical suburban lots and lifestyles:
- Two-story family plans with efficient footprints
- Single-level ramblers or slab-on-grade for one-level living
- Bi-level and three-level splits
- Twin/duplex formats in select additions
Browse examples of these plan types in a local builder’s library of layouts: Thomsen Homes floorplans.
Typical lot sizes and neighborhood feel
In many recent additions, lots commonly range from about 0.12 to 0.28 acres. You can also find pockets of larger “estate” lots on the edges of new growth areas. Neighborhoods vary from tighter, sidewalk-connected grids to wider-lot streets. Confirm any easements and exact dimensions on the recorded plat before you commit.
Standard finishes and upgrade paths
Spec homes in Horace often include modern finishes as part of the base package: quartz or other engineered-stone counters, stainless appliance suites, luxury vinyl plank in main areas, painted cabinetry, recessed lighting, sodded yards with sprinklers, and 2–3 stall garages. Builders typically offer design studio selections for cabinets, counters, flooring, and lighting, with upgrades priced beyond the included allowance. To see how the selection process works, review a builder’s design overview: Thomsen Homes design studio.
Price, timelines, and customization
Pricing basics for new builds
- Citywide benchmark: Median list price around the mid-$300ks; median price per square foot near $187.
- Spec homes: Often low-to-mid $300ks depending on plan, lot, and finishes.
- Larger or higher-finish plans: Frequently in the $400k–$600k range.
Compare apples to apples by looking at similar plans, finish levels, and subdivisions. Price per square foot varies widely by layout and features, so focus on the total package.
How long a new build takes
Local builders follow a clear process: lot selection, contract, design selections, excavation and framing, mechanical rough-ins, interior finishes, orientation, and final walkthrough. You can get a feel for the steps here: Thomsen’s build experience.
Timing varies by weather, permits, materials, and builder backlog. As general guidance, inventory/spec homes can deliver in a matter of months once started, while semi-custom and custom builds commonly run 6–12 months depending on complexity. Confirm your builder’s current start date and projected completion before signing.
Upgrades, allowances, and real costs
Ask for the written list of included features and the exact allowances for cabinets, counters, flooring, and lighting. Then get pricing for the upgrades you care about most. Typical ranges for one major category:
- Kitchen cabinetry: Stock to semi-custom packages often fall in the $7,000–$15,000 range for a typical family kitchen, with fully custom options higher. See national cost guidance for context from HomeAdvisor on cabinet pricing.
Use the allowance sheet to build a realistic budget before you finalize selections at the design studio.
New build vs. resale: smart comparisons
Upfront price vs. long-run costs
New homes often carry a premium over older resales, but they also come with modern layouts, newer codes, and lower early maintenance. For national context, see the Census snapshot of new-home prices. Add the value of reduced near-term repairs and efficiency when you compare total cost of ownership.
Warranties and peace of mind
Most builders follow a 1-2-10 style warranty structure: one year for workmanship and materials, two years for systems, and up to 10 years for structural coverage, often through a third party. Always read the exact warranty booklet and know how service requests are handled. For a quick overview of typical coverage, review this new-construction warranty explainer.
Monthly costs to plan for
Beyond principal and interest, factor in property taxes, insurance, HOA if applicable, and city utilities. Horace publishes its current water, sewer, and garbage rates, which you can include in your monthly estimate. Check the latest details at Horace Utilities and Billing.
Buyer checklist for Horace new builds
- Verify the lot: recorded plat, exact dimensions, utility easements, and if the lot is served by city water/sewer.
- Check special assessments: balance, financing terms, and who pays at closing. See the city’s assessment page.
- Confirm permits and schedule: planned start date, milestones, and how winter conditions may affect the timeline. Review permits and inspections.
- Nail down inclusions: appliance package, sod and sprinklers, driveway, garage finishes, and what is considered an upgrade. See the design studio overview.
- Understand warranties: ask for the warranty booklet and how service requests are handled.
- Compare financing: pre-approve early, compare rates and fees, and ask if any builder promotions require a specific lender.
- Run the monthly: mortgage, property taxes, city utilities, HOA, and insurance so you know your full carrying cost.
How to shop Horace new construction with confidence
You do not have to figure this out alone. A local, process-driven approach helps you choose the right subdivision and floorplan, verify assessments, set a realistic upgrade budget, and negotiate timelines and warranty details with clarity. Our team’s role is to make each step transparent so you can focus on the home, not the hassle.
If you’re ready to tour new-build options or compare them with nearby resales, reach out to set up a buyer consult. We’ll review your must-haves, budget, and move-in window, then put a clear plan in place. Connect with Brett Dalzell to get started.
FAQs
What types of new homes are common in Horace?
- You’ll commonly see two-story plans, single-level ramblers, bi-level and split-level layouts, plus some twin homes. Local builders offer a wide range of footprints and garage options.
How much do upgrades usually cost in new construction?
- Costs vary by builder and selection level. Cabinets can often run $7,000–$15,000 for a typical kitchen, with counters, flooring, and lighting priced as allowances plus upgrades.
What are special assessments and why do they matter?
- Special assessments help fund local infrastructure like streets and utilities. They can add to your monthly costs or closing balance, so verify the amount and who pays.
How long will a Horace new build take from contract to keys?
- Timelines depend on weather, permits, and builder backlog. Spec homes can be faster once started, while semi-custom builds often run 6–12 months.
Are new homes more expensive than resales in Horace?
- New builds often carry a price premium, but include modern features, newer codes, and warranties that can reduce near-term maintenance and repair costs.
What should I compare when choosing between two new builds?
- Match floorplan type, lot size, included features, upgrade allowances, timeline, warranty terms, and any special assessments so you’re comparing apples to apples.
