Choosing to build a home from the ground up is valuable investment that will pay off in many ways. But it is still an investment, and a big one at that. We’ve already explored how the land you choose can impact the cost, and how differences in calculation methods can change the price.
The design you choose also can have a significant impact on how much your new home will cost.
Custom vs. Pre-Existing Plans
A custom home will likely cost more than a home being built in a development that has standard floor plans and is reproduced over and over. Creating a custom design comes with an additional price tag. However, it provides the benefits of having your home designed to your specifications, your budget, and without features that you don’t care to have in your home. It is up to you to decide if that is worth the money, or if you would be fine building from a pre-existing plan with little to no modification.
Going custom doesn’t necessarily mean your home will be a lot more expensive. Still, the more elaborate the design and the finishes, the higher the expense. Some people love the idea of an extremely unique home, and if that’s you, that’s great! If you’re under a tight budget, consider how you can make your plan unique without expensive design elements. Simpler roofs, and plans that efficiently stack living spaces on separate floors. Also, try to integrate the garage into the house footprint. Detached and semi-detached garages drive up construction costs.
Materials
Getting creative with your home design can go past just the floor plans and the facade. You may have some ideas that involve materials that aren’t common. Specialty products such as woods and stones that may not be readily accessible can look great and function much better than some typical materials; however, unusual products often come at additional cost. That explains why one doesn’t see them consistently used in other homes.
Exterior Finishes
Are you hoping for a lot of large windows providing a lot of natural light? Maybe an extra door from the garage to the front yard? Or specialty siding? All of these factors might be desirable, but will increase the cost of your home. The number of windows and doors and the type of finish you want on your exterior are all things you will want to consider in your home budget.
Systems Installation
Your new home will need to have plumbing, electricity, and climate control (HVAC). You may even wish for some extras, like a home security system. You have some control over what size and type these are! Fancier systems may be pricey but could end up being worth the money when it comes to energy efficiency and reliability. Talk to your builder about your options and see what works with your budget and will be the best fit for your home.
Interior Finishes
We have already discussed how the outside of your home will impact your cost, but we all know that it’s what’s on the inside that counts! Interior finishes are the things that will add comfort and style to your home. You should consider unseen aspects such as insulation packages, along with the visible style-oriented choices such as trim, painting, lighting, appliances, flooring, and plumbing fixtures.
Some fixtures will be pricier than others, especially if you’re looking for a unique feeling in your home. Still, if you shop around, you can find really cool stuff that doesn’t cost a fortune. Obviously though, materials such as granite and silestone will hit the wallet much harder than formica and vitreous ceramic counter tops.
Last Details
The driveway, porches, patios, decks, and landscaping may not be on your mind as you create the plan for your custom home, but they factor in just as much as every other detail to the cost! As you get excited about designing your home, don’t forget about these aspects as well. Of course, some of these items can wait if your build budget is already stretched thin.
Decisions, Decisions
Decide what factors are most important to you and go from there. Perhaps, in order to have that extra natural lighting you are willing to compromise on the ultra-premium refrigerator you had your eye on? It is a process of give and take.
Consider your priorities and decide what you want your dream home to be. Consult with the professionals here at Hurd Builders, LLC when you’re ready to begin the process of making that dream come true! We will provide you the tools and information you need to make good decisions.
