There’s something very special about having a home that’s truly yours. One that’s designed to fit your lifestyle, needs, and personal style down to the smallest details.
That’s the beauty of a custom home. You don’t have to settle for something already on the market and waste time and energy trying to make it work for you. Instead, you have the chance to shape your perfect space and build something completely one-of-a-kind from the ground up.
But with that level of personalization comes a big question: how much does it actually cost to build a custom home? Before you get down to planning and brainstorming, it’s important to have a clear idea of what to expect when it comes to costs.
This guide will break down the numbers, looking at factors like location, size, and design, along with some smaller expenses you might not have thought about yet.
Factors that affect the cost of a custom home
When you’re buying a ready-made house you’ve found on the market, the listing price represents the majority of the cost. But when you’re building a custom home, there are a few more factors that affect how much you’ll pay. These include:
Location, location, location
Where you choose to lay down roots and build your custom home has a big impact on the cost. For example, if you’re eyeing a busy town center, expect prices to be on the high side because of things like land cost and building permit price. Plus, the closer you are to important amenities, like public transportation, schools, and stores, the higher the cost will be.
On the other hand, suburban or rural areas offer more affordable land. But keep in mind, you’ll likely have to pay to transport materials. Do some calculations to see which would cost less in the long run.
Foundation and site prep
The condition of your land will also make a big difference in the cost of building your custom home. If the ground is uneven or needs a lot of prep work, like clearing trees or leveling, those expenses can add up fast.
Plus, if you’re building on a hill or in a flood-prone area, you’ll need a special foundation, which will cost even more.
On the bright side, if your land is already in good shape, you’ll save money on site prep and foundation work.
Home size
When you’re building any home from scratch, you’ll need materials like lumber, concrete, roofing, and flooring. And as you might expect, larger homes need a higher volume of materials per square foot than smaller ones, which means higher building costs.
Plus, with a larger home, you can expect the construction process to take additional time and labor to complete all installation and finishing.
On the flip side, smaller homes tend to have lower home building costs. They require fewer materials and labor hours, which usually results in a lower overall cost.
Materials and design
Are you dreaming of luxury building materials and features like high-end countertops, handcrafted cabinets, or hardwood floors? We see the vision! Just keep in mind, these designs will add quite a bit to the final cost. Simpler designs tend to be more budget-friendly.
Labor costs
Unless you plan to build your custom home yourself, you’ll need skilled workers like architects, electricians, and plumbers to help you get it done. The more labor you need, the more you’ll need to pay throughout the build.
And you might face higher labor costs based on where you’re building, too. If you’re in an area with high demand for construction, labor costs can be pretty steep. But if you’re in a slower market or need fewer specialists, you could save a bit on those costs.
Extra custom home costs to think about
When building your brand new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the main construction costs, but there are a few extra expenses that can catch you by surprise if you’re not prepared:
- Furnishing and appliances: Don’t forget the cost of appliances, curtains, rugs, and décor. These smaller details really turn your house into a home, but they can add up quickly.
- Landscaping: Creating a beautiful yard, garden, or outdoor living spaces might be more expensive than you think. Features like a pool, patio, or outdoor kitchen can really drive up costs both upfront and in ongoing maintenance.
- Utilities: Setting up connections for water, electricity, gas, and sewage may not be included in your build’s base cost. These hookups and any necessary upgrades can add up, especially if you’re in a rural area.
- Permits and fees: Depending on where you build, you might need several permits to get your construction started. Whether they’re for zoning, safety regulations, environmental considerations or something else entirely, permits often come with their own fees.
- Driveways and walkways: Don’t forget about the cost of building access to your home. A driveway, garage, or walkways can add up, especially if you want something beyond basic concrete, like decorative pavers or a curved design.
- Security and smart home features: If you plan to add security systems, smart home features, or surveillance cameras, these can increase both your installation costs and long-term maintenance.
Long-term value of a custom home: Is it worth the price?
Yes! While it’s true building a custom home may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term value it brings is often well worth the price.
A home designed specifically for your needs and preferences will not only give you a sense of pride but also improve your quality of life.
Plus, custom homes tend to hold their value better than cookie-cutter houses, especially if they’re built with high-quality materials and attention to detail. And if you decide to sell down the line, the unique design, energy efficiency, and personalization you’ve poured into the home will make it more attractive to future buyers, too.
And, most importantly, the satisfaction of living in a space that’s truly yours is priceless.
Closing thoughts
It’s tough to pinpoint the exact cost of building a custom home, since so many factors come into play – from the materials you choose to the size and location of your home. But one thing’s for sure: it’s always a great investment. The result will be a space that’s truly yours, built to last.
Build your custom home with Stancek Design + Build
Ready to build your dream home? Here at Stancek Design + Build, we’ll help you bring it to life from the ground up to bring it to life, tailoring every detail to your exact vision. Get in touch today to tell us about your vision.
Need some inspiration? Explore our collection of custom floor plans and find the perfect design to spark your imagination. Let’s create something amazing, together!
