New Frost Depth Requirements will Bring Construction Costs of Minnesota Homes Down

Sep 28, 2021 | 2:28 PM

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Construction costs for new houses are likely to come down in Minnesota thanks to revised frost depth requirements.

Previous frost depth requirements made homes in border cities in Minnesota more expensive than and less attractive to potential home-buyers. In North Dakota for example, frost footings are required to be set at 54 inches, however in Minnesota they were required to be set at 60 inches. “That added about $3,000 to the cost of a new home,” said Senator Kent Eken.

After additional study, a Frost Depth Study Technical Advisory group has decided to reduce frost depth requirements from 60 inches down to 50 inches.

“So now as a result we’re going to be saving even more than $3,000, probably closer to $5,000 a home,” said Eken.

Minnesota home builders can expect to receive more information on the new frost depth requirements in the next several months from the Construction Codes Advisory Council.

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