Exploring Costs and Factors When Building Your Custom Home

May 24, 2023

Table of Contents

Building a custom home is exciting, rewarding, and challenging. When planning your dream home, understanding the costs involved is critical. New Era Homes’ blog post offers an in-depth look at the expenses of building a custom home, differing greatly from semi-custom or spec homes, and will help you avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Remember, while New Era Homes can provide general ranges, costs vary based on numerous factors, including location. Whether you’re building a home in Bend, Oregon and looking into the costs are looking for general information about the cost of a custom home, we’re here to help.

Understanding Custom Home Building

Before we delve into the costs, let’s take a moment to understand what a custom home entails. A custom home is designed specifically for the homeowner and a particular location. Unlike semi-custom homes, where the buyer can personalize selected features within a predefined builder’s plan, a custom home is designed from scratch, offering a unique architectural design and layout.

Building either type of home presents several challenges. The process requires careful planning, management, and budgeting, from design complexities to securing building permits. However, the reward is a house tailored to your unique lifestyle and preferences – a true home.

Read More: Are Custom Homes Cheaper?

Factors Influencing the Cost of Building a Semi-Custom Home

Numerous factors influence the total cost of building a custom or semi-custom home. Let’s break these down:

  • Location: As mentioned before, the cost of land and local construction labor can vary significantly, impacting the home’s total cost.
  • Size and Design Complexity: A larger home with a complex architectural design typically costs more. The square footage of your home and the intricacies in the layout are significant cost contributors.
  • Materials: The cost of both exterior and interior finishes affect your home building costs. High-end materials like marble or hardwood will increase the price.
  • Labor: Skilled labor, such as architects, contractors, and builders come at a price, which can fluctuate based on the local market and the project’s complexity.
  • Home Systems: The types of systems you select for your home, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, will also impact the overall cost. Higher efficiency or smart systems can increase costs but offer savings over time.
  • Landscaping: The cost of landscaping your property can be a significant part of your budget, especially if you’re looking to include features like a patio, outdoor kitchen, or a swimming pool.
  • Finishing Touches: Custom finishes like crown molding, specialty windows, or unique architectural features will add to the overall cost of your home.
  • Market Conditions: Material and labor costs can fluctuate based on supply and demand in the market. For instance, during a building boom, costs may rise due to higher demand.
  • Timeline: A rushed timeline can increase labor costs, as you might have to pay for overtime or expedited shipping for materials. Building your home in fall or winter can often be cheaper.

Understanding these influencing factors will help you make informed decisions when planning your custom home build.

Read More: Why Does Building a Home Cost So Much?

Cost Breakdown for Building a Custom Home

Having covered the influencing factors, let’s break down the average costs involved in a custom home build:

  • Land Acquisition: This can vary from as low as $3,000 for a small lot in a rural area, to well over $1 million in desirable urban locations.
  • Architectural and Engineering Services: These typically cost between 10% to 15% of the total construction cost. For a $500,000 house, this would be between $50,000 to $75,000. Foundations in particular can drive the cost of a home up in this area.
  • Construction and Labor Costs: Construction costs can range from $150 to $400 per square foot, so for a 2,000 sq ft home, this would be roughly between $300,000 to $800,000.
  • Interior Design and Finishing: This varies greatly depending on tastes and preferences, but on average can cost between $50,000 to $200,000.
  • Permits and Inspections: These can range between $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on local regulations and the complexity of the project.
  • Exterior Elements: This includes items like siding, roofing, landscaping, and driveway installation. Costs can vary significantly, but might range from $50,000 to $150,000.
  • Home Systems: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems can cost between $25,000 and $75,000, with costs potentially higher for high-end or energy-efficient systems.
  • Additional Features: The cost of these features can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for a simple fireplace to over $100,000 for a pool, outdoor kitchen, home theater, or finished basement.
  • Insurance: Construction insurance costs can vary based on the value of the project and the coverage chosen but typically can range between 1% and 4% of the total construction cost.
  • Contingency Budget: It’s always advisable to set aside a contingency budget, typically 10% to 20% of the total budget, to cover unexpected expenses that arise during construction. For a $500,000 project, this would be $50,000 to $100,000.

Again, these are very rough estimates and the actual costs can vary greatly based on numerous factors. It’s always best to consult with a semi-custom home builder like New Era Homes to get the most accurate estimates for your particular situation

Read More: Biggest Expenses When Building a House

Ways to Save on Custom and Semi-Custom Home Building

While building a custom home can be expensive, there are ways to manage your budget:

  • Energy Efficiency: Investing in energy-efficient features such as insulation, LED lighting, energy-saving appliances, and smart home systems can help lower long-term utility costs.
  • Value Engineering: Collaborate with your architect and builder to find cost-effective alternatives for certain design elements or materials without compromising quality or aesthetics.
  • Bulk Purchasing: Buying materials in bulk, especially during promotions or sales, can help you save money. Coordinate with your builder or contractor to take advantage of these opportunities.
  • Open Floor Plans: Opting for an open floor plan can save on construction costs by reducing the number of walls, doors, and hallways needed.
  • Utilize Standard Sizes: Designing your home to incorporate standard sizes for doors, windows, and other building components can help minimize custom fabrication costs.
  • Reuse and Recycle: Consider using salvaged or recycled materials for certain home elements, such as reclaimed wood for flooring or vintage fixtures, which can add unique character while reducing costs.
  • DIY or Sweat Equity: If you possess the necessary skills and knowledge, consider taking on some tasks yourself or with the help of friends and family. This can save on labor costs, but be cautious and ensure you have the expertise to tackle the tasks safely and effectively.
  • Smart Scheduling: Plan your construction timeline strategically to take advantage of seasonal discounts or slower periods in the construction industry when subcontractors and suppliers may offer lower rates.
  • Prioritize Essential Spaces: Allocate your budget to prioritize essential spaces, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, which tend to have a higher impact on resale value and daily living experience.
  • Long-Term Cost Analysis: Consider the long-term costs of certain design decisions. For example, investing in high-quality, durable materials or systems may have a higher upfront cost but can save you money on maintenance and replacement in the future.

By using these strategies, you can maintain control of your budget while building your dream home.

Making Your Dream a Reality with New Era Homes

Accepting and understanding how much it costs to build a custom home is crucial for a successful home building journey. Numerous factors can influence the total cost, including location, design complexity, materials, and labor costs. You can manage your resources efficiently by budgeting for each stage – from land acquisition and architectural services to construction, interior finishes, and permits.

Choosing a simpler design, shopping around for materials, and hiring a competent contractor can all contribute to significant savings. But, remember, careful planning and budgeting are essential for building the home of your dreams without breaking the bank.

At New Era Homes, we’re committed to bringing your vision to life with transparency and expertise. If you’re considering a semi-custom home, contact us, and let’s start planning your dream home today.