Hi
We just bought a lot for $285,000 on a pond in Charlotte, NC.
The lot is a little sloped to one side. We want to build a ranch with a partial basement and were hoping to keep the house at no more than $600,000 for 3500-4000 sq feet.
Do you think $150 per sq feet is doable for a house with granite in the kitchen, 10 ft ceilings, stone in master bath, ceramic in secondary baths and custom cabinets in kitchen and master bath?
I am trying to get an approximate range before I get bids from builders.
Thank you so much!
Laura
Hi Laura,
You can get an approximate range of the cost to build your new home by using the construction estimating software on my page, Construction Estimating Software.
Using Quality Class # 3 on the estimating software, plus your input that includes 10 foot ceilings, I also used 3,500 sq ft, a 600 sq ft garage, 1,500 sq ft of unfinished basement and I came up with an approximate cost of $594,864, excluding land.
So, I would say that if you are careful, you should be able to stay within your budget.
Play with the cost to build calculator (software) and see how your design and quality input affects the total cost to build.
One of the most expensive items on your list is the ten foot ceilings.
Ten foot ceilings usually mandate oversize windows and doors, and moldings. They also require more drywall, insulation, framing costs, larger HVAC systems (You will need a minimum of 2 systems anyway), and other cost increases due to the added height of the ceilings.
As builder's bids can vary tremendously, be sure to also read my Construction Bids-Contractor Bids.
Good luck,
Carl Heldmann