How much does it cost per square foot to build? E-mail

In our industry today the most commonly asked question by prospective clients is, “How much per square foot does it cost to build a home?” Many builders advertise and promote their companies by publishing a cost per square foot price, with each company trying to outdo the next with lower figures. Lower prices per square foot don’t necessarily mean better value. In the past, many professional quality home builders incorporated quality and value oriented products in their homes to provide sustainability and customer value. Nowadays many of those considerations by builders are being replaced by the objective of lowering initial costs while minimizing considerations of long-term value and sustainability. Obviously, the first question is what constitutes a square foot price.......

  • "Is my project  "turn-key", or are there extra costs not in the price?"
  • "What features are optional?"
  • "Are my Allowances sufficient?"
  • "The Building Code requires storm protection for all exterior doors, windows, and skylights.  What form of storm protection will I get?"
  • "The Building Codes in many cases are minimum standards. What features of my home will exceed the requirements of the Code?"
  • "How will changes to our project be handled?"

Buyer beware, costs per square foot can be quoted based on heated space, space under roof, adjusted space, including or not including garages or porches, etc., etc. Secondly, cost per square foot depends on many considerations in addition to these listed below:

  • The overall design and architectural layout and details of the home including considerations of 2nd floor space and design efficiency of sharing roof and foundation cost/benefit ratios, and perimeter areas and aesthetics,

  • Exterior details including the number and sizes of exterior windows & doors, shapes, operation (fixed or operable), casement or double hung, impact or non-impact, exterior trim detailing, soffit and fascia design, the shingle life and type, etc.

  • Topography and soil conditions on the home site,

  • Interior selections, including cabinets, appliances, floorings, tile, paints, fixtures, accessories, hardware, etc.

  • Specific structural details including size of studs (interior & exterior), ceiling heights, rafter & joists sizes, beams and header components, columns, tray & coffered ceilings, ceiling heights, mechanical fasteners including anchoring systems and tie downs to foundations, roof and floor decking, including attics,

  • Concrete footing design, rebar sizing and placement and structural interior footings, or raised foundations heights, floor systems and other sustainable design considerations,

  • HVAC sizing, manufacturer, type of duct work, number of units, registers, fresh air, humidity control, SEER, warranties, etc.

  • Plumbing considerations include how many sinks, exterior faucets, toilets, showers, tubs and their type, surround material, water heaters and their location and types, etc.

  • Electrical fixtures, switches and types, dimmers, lighting, panel sizes, and so much more,

  • Millwork casing, baseboard, and door types, etc.

  • And, of course quality of construction and the many other components.

Your home can vary in price by 40% to 50% based on these considerations above. To get an accurate cost for your new home you must consider all the facts, more than just those listed. ONE SIZE AND ONE PRICE DOES NOT FIT ALL.

Contact us for more information and let us provide you with what you need to truly make accurate comparison and help determine a proper value for your investment. We are experts in Value Engineering the products, systems and design of your new home. Become a partner in the process.