anyone built a house?

Question

I want to price what it will cost/be worth. obviously this wont be exact, but a 20%ballpark would be nice. building the place you live in seems like such a great investment. why live in an apartment when u could own a small home? (leaving the city is a plus not a minus for me)

Answer 1

The cost of a house has three components -- the cost of the land, the cost of the construction and the cost of the finishes. Each one is so location specific that it would be difficult to find cost estimates within 20%. The reasons to build a home are specific to each individual, but you REALLY have to like DIY projects. Even if you don't finish the tile or install the cabinets yourself, you still have to know enough about construction to keep on top of the contractor.

For houses under 2000 square feet, it is probably a lot more cost justified to buy a house from a builder (who bought the land at a lot less than you can), gets his construction material at wholesale prices and has teams of specialists to finish every part. If you have specific design issues that you want addressed (a hobby room, a specifically built gym) look for a an unfinished house. We have bought two houses that were framed, but not finished, and added enough of our own ideas that we made the houses just what we wanted out of them.

If you really want a custom house, check out some custom homes in your area and talk to the builders. They might have some plans that you can adapt to your use and will be able to give you an estimate of the costs per square foot. If not, then you will also have to hire an architect to design a house with all the proper building codes. Whatever you do, do it because you love it (because it will take a LONG time) and don't expect any capital gains from the project.

Answer 2

YES.

Certainly in large part the location, and land cost will determine much of the value and end price to build, perhaps as much as 1/3 or more; of the total.

Plumbing and Electrical installation add as much as 20 to 40 % of the end cost; not counting impact fees to connect; to city/county utilities that exist.

Permits and inspections add various expenses.

A Plan might cost you $1000.

Then there is prepping the land; determining well water/septic or city services.

The structure itself/materials costs in 2007 vary only slightly in the usual standards; IE: Block/Wood Frame. Obviously there are many sites that offer alternatives. What will cost at a wider degree of variation, will be what FINISH materials you choose, heating/AC, flooring, appliances, fixtures, etc.

Will YOU actually do any of the work? To what extent are you able, and still be within code issues? Obviously doing work yourself can help save. It's adviseable to SUB those things that might be libility issues; IE: Elect./ Plumbing/ Roofing. OR have something built to shell that you can finish at your pace.

If you can get to Turn key stage for under $100 per sq. ft.; count yourself fortunate.

I guess finally; but UPFRONT, should be your finding financing. There are so many types of loans available that deal with DIY or self help house construction, and the process can be tedious. I have no idea what the mortgage market is like in 2007; given that the USA is in deep doo with regard to lenders, defaults, foreclosures, etc.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Your cost for building your dream home is going to be a 3 part equation. The cost of the land, the cost of material and for the contractor. You can reduce some of your expenses by doing some of the work yourself. Make sure you check out the contractor you pick with the BBB.

You have to take into account the type of home your going to be building too. Is it a one or two story, ranch or colonial. You can save some money by picking up the material yourself instead of your contractor. It is hard to give you a price because we are unfamiliar with the area you live in or the type of home you want to build.

There are just too many variables to be able to give you even a rough idea of what your cost are going to be. The best person to talk to is a contractor in your area.

Answer 4

If you have a general idea of what size and kind of house you want, you can usually get building contractors in your area to give you a ball park cost per square foot to build a house with or without a lot.

You can also look in your area at new homes similar to what you want and check the cost and square footage. Remember these costs usually include the lot.

Answer 5

Why not consider an older house to be moved. You said small. Most urban areas have areas that houses that get moved off or torn down to build bigger houses. For 5 to 10K for the house plus 15 to 20K for the move, well, septic, and the foundation and the price of the out of town land , you could be near ready to move in. The right house could require very little maintenance and remodel. Depends on your taste and your pocketbook. Good luck with it.

Answer 6

Very rough "guesstimate": $125 to $175 per square foot.

Rehabbed homes. Built homes. Its been auite some time, but I think I'm pretty close:

2,000 square feet: $250,000 to $350,000 U.S. Could be higher! Not much lower.

VTY,
Ron

Answer 7

I built a home and did more than half the work ourselves. when I sold the home, we doubled the amount it cost (after 8 years). Was hard work, but felt it was worth it.

Answer 8

built mine, in TN cost me 7,000 20 ft x 20 ft,