VA · MSA 47260
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News construction cost per square foot
By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated
Regional baseline
The Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA sits in the South Atlantic Census division (NAHB 2024 median custom $/sqft = $155). ACS 5-year (2023) reports a $318,000 median home value across the multi-state (VA-NC) MSA. Oceanfront ZIPs and inland Chesapeake premium markets run above the regional baseline.
Why the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro modifier matters
BLS QCEW NAICS-23 construction wages for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA averaged $68,932 in 2024 (computed from the NAICS-238 specialty trades subsector aggregate), a modifier of 0.850 vs the US baseline of $81,054 — among the lower modifiers in the top 50 MSAs. Wind-zone code requirements offset some of the wage-driven discount.
Local labor market
Virginia is a right-to-work state with low union density. The Hampton Roads region's Navy/shipyard-anchored economy provides skilled-trades depth, but residential framing and roofing crews remain a constraint after major storms.
Post-disaster reconstruction premium
Hurricanes (Isabel 2003 made landfall here), nor'easters, tidal flooding, and severe convective storms drive most claim activity. Storm-surge and tidal flooding are NOT covered by Coverage A and require NFIP or private flood coverage; Hampton Roads has the largest concentration of federally flood-insured homes outside Florida and Louisiana.
FAQ — Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News construction cost
- What does it cost per square foot to rebuild a home in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News?
- The Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA sits in the South Atlantic Census division (NAHB 2024 median custom $/sqft = $155). ACS 5-year (2023) reports a $318,000 median home value across the multi-state (VA-NC) MSA. Oceanfront ZIPs and inland Chesapeake premium markets run above the regional baseline.
- Why is Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News more or less expensive than the regional median?
- BLS QCEW NAICS-23 construction wages for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA averaged $68,932 in 2024 (computed from the NAICS-238 specialty trades subsector aggregate), a modifier of 0.850 vs the US baseline of $81,054 — among the lower modifiers in the top 50 MSAs. Wind-zone code requirements offset some of the wage-driven discount.
- What does the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News labor market look like for residential construction?
- Virginia is a right-to-work state with low union density. The Hampton Roads region's Navy/shipyard-anchored economy provides skilled-trades depth, but residential framing and roofing crews remain a constraint after major storms.
- How do post-disaster events change rebuild cost in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News?
- Hurricanes (Isabel 2003 made landfall here), nor'easters, tidal flooding, and severe convective storms drive most claim activity. Storm-surge and tidal flooding are NOT covered by Coverage A and require NFIP or private flood coverage; Hampton Roads has the largest concentration of federally flood-insured homes outside Florida and Louisiana.