How much does it cost to build a custom home?

One of the first inquiries potential clients make when they contact us is, “How much does it cost to build a custom home?” They are usually looking for (or at least hoping for) a straight-forward answer, either an over-all or price-per-square-foot cost. Unfortunately, it is impossible to give a straight-forward answer. There are numerous factors that affect the cost to build a house. In fact, we wrote an entire series on the subject. Because of this, we ask for more information before giving an estimate on home building costs.

How much does it cost to build a custom home?

Well, that depends… Do you want 2X4 or 2X6 walls in your home? What size is your house going to be? What finishes and features do you want to include?

Speaking of size, finishes, and features, have you already had a set of floor plans designed?

And where is your custom home going to be located? Have you purchased the lot or land yet? Have you checked on utilities? Is your home going to be on septic or sewer? Do you need a well or is city water available? Is there a slope to the land? How much dirt work will have to be done?

Why?

After gathering some information, we are better able to give an estimate for the cost to build your custom home. And sometimes, the follow-up question from clients is, “Why is my house going to cost so much to build?!”

Well, remember all those questions we asked above? That’s just the beginning. It takes so many items to put together a custom home. In fact, our bid has over 500 different line items! It takes a lot of materials and manpower to build a house! For example, this massive pile of wood is only about 25% of what is needed to build a 4,000 square foot house. And that’s just the framing! There’s also concrete and roofing, windows and doors, appliances, tile, hardware, and the list goes on…

Should you build a custom home?

Now, you might be thinking that I’m not doing a very good job of convincing you to build a custom home. But honestly, it’s not my job to convince you to build a house. It’s my job to be honest and realistic about what it really takes to build the custom home of your dreams—to ask the questions, give valid information, and share a realistic estimate of costs. Anything less would be lying, and Elements is a company of integrity.

Before moving forward, make sure you have considered what it really takes to build a custom home. Because the cost to build a house is about more than just money. So, take some time to decide whether you should build a custom home or buy an existing house.

If you decide that building a custom home truly is your best option, then you’ll probably come back to the all-important question–how much does it cost to build a custom home?

So, how much does it cost to build a custom home?

Well, we’ve written a bunch of articles about this! If you want more detailed information about how much it costs to build a custom home, click the articles below…

Resources about The Cost to Build a House

More Resources about Cost, Budget, & Fees

When you are ready to discuss details about your custom home build, contact us! We’d love the opportunity to put you in your Element!