How Much Does it Cost to Build a Custom Home?

This depends on many factors such as: location and site conditions, finish material choices, home features (think bathrooms, elevators, wine rooms, motorized windows or roller shades, etc.), size of home and complexity of design, number of required consultants and contractor trades, etc. In a more general sense; it is possible to build a home for as low as $150/SF, or as high as $1,500/SF depending on all of these factors and more.

The best way to control cost on a project is to have a clear idea of the budget before we begin, then check in on that budget regularly. A cost estimator (either a consultant or the contractor) can provide an estimate that will increase in accuracy the further through design we go. In early Schematic design a cost estimate may be based on comparables and Dollars per square foot. In Design Development they can give a more accurate idea based on chosen materials, assemblies, and equipment. At the end of Construction Documents when the plans are fully detailed will be the most accurate cost estimate. At each of these stages there is opportunity to adjust the design if the budget comes in too high. Keep in mind that changes are easiest and most powerful during Programming and Schematic Design as the team size is small, and no detail has yet been created. Making changes late in the process can cause significant delay, so ensure that you thoroughly review the documents at each milestone. The Architect will provide more than one way to review your design to make sure you can visualize the spaces and can include: PDF Plans and Elevations, VR, Screenshare walkthroughs, and Renderings.