Things to Know When It Comes to Cost Per Square Footage

When you’re shopping around to start your homebuilding experience, there are some key things you need to know about pricing. One big question that often comes up for home buyers is the cost per square foot question.

Here’s a tip: if a builder gives you an immediate answer to this question…RUN! That’s a red flag.

Without knowing the exact location, floor plan, elevation, ACC requirements, and a bunch of other details, it’s impossible to give an accurate price. Throwing out a number without all the info is just not honest.

Getting a ‘price per square foot’ without specifics is how those horror stories you hear start.

Sure, ‘it depends’ isn’t the most satisfying answer, but it’s honest.

Think about it this way—pricing a house by the square foot is like trying to price a car by the pound. A Ford and a Jaguar might weigh the same, but obviously, the Jaguar will cost a lot more.

Here are some things that affect the price per square foot:

Location: Building in urban areas can be much more expensive than in rural spots due to land prices, labor costs, and local regulations.

Floor Plan and Design: Custom designs and unique architectural features can really bump up the cost. More complex designs usually mean higher costs.

Materials and Finishes: The quality and type of materials you choose, from flooring to countertops, can vary widely in price.

Labor Costs: These can vary based on the region, the builder’s experience, and the complexity of the project.

Site Preparation: Costs for preparing the land, including grading, utilities, and permits, can add up quickly.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Green building practices or energy-efficient systems can affect the overall cost.

Builder’s Reputation and Experience: Established builders with a good track record might charge more because of their expertise and reliability.

Market Conditions: Supply chain issues, availability of materials, and economic conditions can influence costs.

At Liberty Homes, we can guide you through the ins and outs of pricing per square foot and share the insider secrets we’ve picked up from years of building luxury homes. Our team is ready to help you start your custom home-building journey! Contact us today to get started.