THE COST TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME: AN OPEN LETTER

Dear Future Homeowner,

The first thing on everyone’s mind when thinking about building a new home is obvious: how much will it cost?

The truth is, I just don’t know the answer to that -- there is no average cost to build a custom home as there are so many factors to take into consideration. It’s nearly impossible to give a prospective homeowner a definitive answer early in the process. I understand this can be frustrating.

That’s why I’d like to debunk some common pricing myths that I’ve heard with this custom home cost breakdown and explain what goes into a Barden custom home’s price.

The Cost to Build a Custom Home: Perceptions and Their Realities 

There are a few things many prospective homeowners often have the wrong idea about when it comes to what comprises the cost to build a custom home, including:

1. The industry minimum 
2. Land and site prep
3. Your actual budget 
4. Cost per square foot 
5. Timing 

1. The Industry Minimum

There is really no such thing as an industry minimum for a custom home price. However, there is a point where building too small just doesn’t make sense for the builder or the buyer. 

Some cost components, such as site work, remain the same regardless of the home’s square footage. Smaller plans become disproportionately expensive and are offered less commonly as a result.

The cost to build any home is going to fluctuate with market conditions, the cost of labor, materials, and other construction costs such as building permits. Your Barden Independent Dealer or Builder will advise on typical costs and a realistic price point you can expect in your local market.

2. Land and Site Prep

It doesn’t take long to realize there’s a limited supply of buildable land. In addition to the upfront price tag for a plot of land, the cost to develop a site for building is often underestimated.

The cost of the lot and the necessary improvements should be professionally estimated and included in your overall budget right from the beginning. This includes the site work needed to prep for the house itself, such as: 

• Leveling 
• Grading
• Driveway installation
• Clearing trees, bushes, and other vegetation

Your site work estimate should also include anticipated utility work costs, including:

• Water
• Sewer
• Gas 
• Electric 

Like searching for an existing home on the market, this step requires patience and the understanding that it may cost more than you hoped to get what you want. But the sooner you start seriously looking for land, the sooner you can determine how it fits into your budget. Ultimately your project has to make financial sense to get completed, and the property is a big part of that.

Resource: Explore other costs you should plan for when building a custom home.

3. Your Actual Budget 

I've found that many buyers approach building without a good understanding of its affordability. But until you speak with a new construction lending specialist, it’s difficult to know what you can afford in terms of a monthly payment and how interest rates impact the bill. 

Often, buyers find they have more money to work with than they realize. That said, what you’re able to afford also needs to line up with what you’re comfortable paying for. What a lender says you can afford vs. what you feel is feasible for your budget may be two different things. Give yourself time to consider what makes sense for your situation and understand how changes in market conditions will impact financing a custom home build. 

Wondering What Financing Options Are Available to You?

Download our Consumer Guide to Construction Financing:

4. Cost Per Square Foot

There are just too many variables to quote a universal custom home cost per square foot to build. Every site has unique development costs and every market will have unique conditions affecting the cost of doing business. Smaller homes typically cost more per square foot than larger homes. Similarly, the cost per square foot of a ranch is going to be more than a typical two-story home.

So how do you get an idea of what it costs to build? As a material supplier, Barden has visibility to the material packages we provide, but there is much more that goes into the total cost of your home. Your Independent Dealer or Builder has experience in your local market and can give you a realistic range of expected costs and help educate you on the unknowns.

Keep in mind that estimates are just that -- an educated guess. The cost of labor and building materials are going to fluctuate, sometimes just a little, other times more significantly. Including a contingency reserve in your budget can keep your project moving forward in the event pricing changes just before your project gets started.

5. Timing

Real estate has its ups and downs -- the COVID 19 pandemic has shown us that more than ever. It’s driven by a variety of factors:

• The economy
• Market demand
• Interest rates
• Commodity prices

In 2020 and into 2021, low-interest rates increased real estate affordability, making it a great time to get into a new home. On the other hand, inventory constraints lead to a higher cost to build than when materials were more abundant. And the volatility of the lumber market – which continues today – only made pricing a home more difficult.

So do you break ground now or wait? Or do you take your chances on finding a home you’ll love in the existing, yet highly competitive real estate market? My most practical advice: Consider your comfort level with the situation. 

There are plenty of factors that impact our affordability, and I’ve seen many buyers lose their window of opportunity by waiting for something to happen. Trying to time and coordinate swings in the real estate market with real-life needs isn’t easy. In my opinion, if your project works for you today then do it. Waiting doesn’t always work in your favor.

The Barden Difference in Controlling Custom Home Costs

Balancing wants and needs is key to the custom home building process. That’s why working with a Barden Independent Dealer or Builder needs to be viewed as a partnership. 

Communicating your vision of your dream home and being realistic with your budget, goals, and time frame is the only way your project will be a success. It’s the dealer/builder’s job to educate the customer and set realistic expectations about the possibilities, which is why you will always be asked what your budget is!

Designing a home for your needs that aligns with your budget is what Barden does best, but it’s the support and experience of our dealers and builders that will make your new home materialize.

I’m always happy to chat about the building solutions Barden provides and connect you to the local professional that can best help you with your new home construction plans! Reach out today to put your dream in motion!

Best,
Jamie Kline
(716) 995-6500 x110

Have Other Questions About Building a Barden Custom Home? 

Our Custom Home Building Guide covers everything you need to know about choosing a Barden home as your next home. 

This piece was originally published in 2019 and was recently updated to reflect industry trends.