by LarryG (Designer)
27. March 2009 10:51
This is probably the most frequently asked question, and also the most difficult to answer. First of all, there are considerable differences in both material and labor costs from one area of the country to another. We all know, for example, that the average cost of a home in southern California is much more than one in Missouri.
Furthermore, individual building sites also play an important role in determining the cost of construction. For instance, a level stretch of land will require far less expensive foundation and site preparation than a site that slopes.
Finally, the ultimate cost depends on the amenities you select for your home. There are vast differences between the cost of countertops and flooring, not to mention that of windows, doors, and roofing. Consider this analogy: When you purchase an automobile, the final price is drastically impacted by the accessories you select. The same is true for homes.
So, how much will the plan you select cost to build? Here’s a suggestion: Before you make a final choice on which plan to buy, do some local research to determine the average cost of new construction in your area. Visit with several builders and talk with real-estate professionals. Normally, they can provide information based on the dollar value per square foot. This may range from $65 to over $100 per square foot. (Remember to make sure the estimates you receive do not include land costs.) By multiplying this dollar figure by the total living area of the plan you are considering, you will be able to obtain a rough estimate of the total cost.
Note: Homeplans.com offers Building Cost Estimates for many of their home plans.