One of the most common queries that design build firms receive involves the total cost of building a custom home. There’s no simple answer to it – the answer will always be, it depends. Several variables can affect the total cost of this major investment. Here’s an in-depth look at a few of them:
Site
Apart from the price of the site where the custom home will be built, its topography and geology are also factored into the project’s cost. The availability of utilities – power, water, sewer, etc. – and roadworks are likewise considered. Your chosen contractor will also have to determine specific challenges when it comes to designing the custom home. These include the shape of the lot, zoning requirements and building restrictions.
Project Scope or Size
The size of your custom home has an immediate impact on the total cost to build it. The bigger the scope, the more the project will cost. This, however, doesn’t necessarily lead to an increase in the cost of the property per square foot. Custom home builders also note that size isn’t everything when it comes to this particular investment. What you include in the build will also affect the cost of the property per square foot. For instance, a larger home built with only the basic features will be less expensive than a smaller one with luxurious standards.
Structure complexity
The cost of your custom home depends on how complex the structure will be. The more elaborate the home, the more expensive it is going to be. So, a two-story craftsman-style home would have a lower price point than a custom home designed with old world European elements like arches and volume spaces.
Specifications
The specifications of your home can be split into three main categories: structural, finishes and systems. Structural specifications refer to the quality and size of the materials and components used to build the shell of the custom home. Finishes pertain to the “touch, see, feel” elements of the home, including windows, cabinetry, trim, moldings, flooring, countertops, roofing and exterior walls. Systems involve things like HVAC equipment and smart home automation systems.
J. Bryant Boyd Architect Design-Build provides high-quality custom home design and build on your lot services to clients in Central Texas. Schedule a consultation with us today by calling (512) 930-1686 or filling out our contact form. Our Texas service areas include Liberty Hill, Round Rock and Georgetown, TX.
