Estimating the costs to build a home
There are a lot of people building their home any more. There are many advantages to building your own home. You can have exactly what you want, including floor plan, wall coverings and carpets. But to build your own home you will first want to estimate about how much it will cost to build it. Some companies will do this for you with pre-approved floor plans. You can also hire someone to make your exact floor plan for you. No matter which way you go you need an estimate or budget.
To begin your home building estimate you need a floor plan. Depending on how big a house you want your estimate will be different. Have an idea of where you want to build and how much the lot will cost. This will be added into the estimate. Depending on where you live the lots will vary in price. Once you have these two main selections your estimate will be divided into hard costs and soft costs. You should have a meeting with your architect, contractors and suppliers for a budget analysis meeting.
Hard costs are the materials and labor used to build the house. This should also include such things as electricians and plumbers. You will need meetings with all the contractors to go over the basic plans and what they see as costs. It might be best to get a few quotes and ideas from different people in their areas of expertise. This way you can choose the price and professional you like.
Soft costs are anything else including fixtures, appliances, and floor and wall coverings. It is best to have a full list of all these soft cost items. Most likely your architect, contractor or other professional will have a list. This list has the most flexibility on price. It all depends on what products you choose. For example, you may only get a quote from the plumber on the lowest priced tubs, water heaters, and faucets but choose to go with the higher priced items. Make sure you ask these professionals what they based the estimate on or to give you a high and low quote. You can also go out and find the products you like at local home improvement stores. This will give you a closer estimate as to what you want but it takes time.
Other things to consider when estimating the cost of home building are the permits needed from the city or county. These include the permit just to be able to build on the land you want. Look at the utility companies for gas, electric and water rights to and from your house. You may need to run more lines and that would add an extra cost.
Don't forget to look at the little things like door trims or garage openers. Your sidewalks and driveways should also be included in the estimate. If you want any extras like fireplaces, solar heating/cooling or heated floors be sure to include all those in the estimate.
Look around in your existing home you are living in. Go around room by room inside and inch by inch outside. Make a list of everything from top to bottom seen and unseen of the things you need to include in the estimate. Include on your list paints for inside and outside, decks if you need or want them and sidewalks if needed.
The more you add to the estimate the easier it will be to stick to that estimate. Don't forget to add in a little extra for incidentals and sales tax. Estimating the costs to build a home requires time and patience. If you have a very detailed list you can stick to that estimate easily.
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