Custom Home Expenses You Should Expect

When a person is thinking about building a new home, how do they calculate the cost? Most people think it is calculated by square footage. A rough estimate for custom home construction can range between $80 to $200 per square foot, but that is a vast range. That means a 2,000 square foot home could cost between $160,000 to $400,000 - a huge difference.

To get a clearer picture of the cost of building a home, there are many things to consider. All of these items will affect the price of building a new home.

Custom Home Builder Tips: Expected Costs

Preparation of Lot for Building

Is the lot where you will build the home ready for construction? Is there electricity, water, and sewer already in place, or will it have to be installed? Are there trees, large rocks, or standing water that must be dealt with? How's the water table, and will it affect the home design?

Architectural Style

Some design styles are more expensive to build. In addition, some architectural details, such as columns, archways, tiles, hardwoods, etc., can be costly to execute and therefore add to the cost of construction.

Foundation

What type of foundation will you need for your home? An average foundation costs about 10% of the budget, but does your house require a reinforced foundation, or are there problems with the land that require special preparation.

Corners and Gables

As a general rule, the more corners and gables a home design has, the higher the costs due to the additional labor (both outside and inside) required.

Exterior Walls

Are the exterior walls cinder block, wood-framed, steel-framed? Each style has a different cost. In addition, how will the walls be finished? Stone or brick? Concrete or vinyl siding? Stucco? All vary significantly in price.

Roofing

The roofing cost is determined by size, slope, shape, and covering material. More affordable roofs are single and dual pitch with small soffits covered in shingles (wood or concrete) or tile. The price escalates rapidly by adding complex, multi-level roofs with large soffits, porch covers, or slate or metal covering.

Windows & Doors

An average home has a conservative number of windows evenly spaced around the house. If large windows, a window wall, skylights, specialty-shaped windows are on the list of decorator details, the price will be much higher. The same goes for doors. The more doors needed, and any upgrade from hardboard doors will add to the cost.

Interior Details

The selection of the interior details can add up quickly, so be careful. In addition, countertops, fixtures, flooring, cabinets, and appliances have a broad range of prices and should be budgeted to keep costs under control.

Additional Non-Living Space

Homebuyers often look at the cost per square footage of a home - a number that only includes living space. Garages, basements, porches, balconies, and attics all cost money to build.

Grayson Homes

Every custom home builder strives to construct a home that suits a homeowner's budget and needs. Regardless of the budget, homeowners pay a lot of money to build their homes. That's not the end, though—they have to remember that there are unforeseen expenses that await them in their new home.

Ready to build your dream home? Don't hesitate to contact Grayson Homes to learn more about custom home ownership.