Considerations with custom build modern house

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Total newbie here. We like our house now but dream about building something custom further out one day. (Not modern.)

I don't want a house over 4000 sq/ft. Looking at the above estimates, that comes out to about 700k, which seems really low. What are the average costs on top I should have in the back of my dreamer mind? Understand it may vary so wildly depending on the lot, etc. that hard to answer.

You’ll need to factor in site costs. In the DMV you’ll need to hire a civil engineer to develop drainage plans, sediment control plans etc and then install dry wells or rain gardens on the lot. And then there will be additional landscaping/ hardscaping costs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Total newbie here. We like our house now but dream about building something custom further out one day. (Not modern.)

I don't want a house over 4000 sq/ft. Looking at the above estimates, that comes out to about 700k, which seems really low. What are the average costs on top I should have in the back of my dreamer mind? Understand it may vary so wildly depending on the lot, etc. that hard to answer.

You’ll need to factor in site costs. In the DMV you’ll need to hire a civil engineer to develop drainage plans, sediment control plans etc and then install dry wells or rain gardens on the lot. And then there will be additional landscaping/ hardscaping costs.

And be sure to get soil tests. We live in Arlington and some of the dumb builders bought lots in our neighborhoods which were built on bad soil, an old junkyard, and on springs. They had to bring in tons of fill dirt in order to build or add three to five sump pumps that run constantly. To me the condition of the soil would be the first thing, but not to these guys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Construction costs are 1.5-2x a more traditional home. We’re in the same boat, so I’m interested in other viewpoints. DH is a home builder and for a colonial we’d budget about $150/SF for construction (at builders cost, not retail), for a contemporary, we’re budgeting around $250/SF and trying to manage to budget carefully to keep it that “low”. DH thinks it may swell to more like $325/SF We don’t do ANY contemporary homes, so part of the increased cost would be outsourcing more than usual.

Just to be really clear though- we have actually BUILT colonials in the $2-2.8 range at $150-175 per SF, including the wolf range and hardie siding, shingles (not slate/faux slate), Andersen 400s, wired for speakers, theater room, etc. etc.

Builder too but I am seeing reverse trend in the industry. Prices are a bit soft and coming down due to less down. I would say $180-200/sqft is more of a trend for premium or luxury custom builds.

Oops! This response made me realize that my crappy editing kind of hid my point here, which is that modern construction is much more expensive than traditional construction. Like 1.5 to 2 times the price per square foot. Because yes, as the other, Builder mentioned, prices have been weird and high lately, but slowly seem to be normalizing.

[Anonymous]

Check your budget. Expect to pay a premium right now, delays, and Reston 20% contingency - you will go over budget. Signed - local custom builder.

[Anonymous]

Don't waste too much sq ft on open space...long foyers, huge stair landings, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Construction costs are 1.5-2x a more traditional home. We’re in the same boat, so I’m interested in other viewpoints. DH is a home builder and for a colonial we’d budget about $150/SF for construction (at builders cost, not retail), for a contemporary, we’re budgeting around $250/SF and trying to manage to budget carefully to keep it that “low”. DH thinks it may swell to more like $325/SF We don’t do ANY contemporary homes, so part of the increased cost would be outsourcing more than usual.

Just to be really clear though- we have actually BUILT colonials in the $2-2.8 range at $150-175 per SF, including the wolf range and hardie siding, shingles (not slate/faux slate), Andersen 400s, wired for speakers, theater room, etc. etc.

The 150-175 up to 325 per SF cost: I assume these are you actual costs that don't include land acquisition and development?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Construction costs are 1.5-2x a more traditional home. We’re in the same boat, so I’m interested in other viewpoints. DH is a home builder and for a colonial we’d budget about $150/SF for construction (at builders cost, not retail), for a contemporary, we’re budgeting around $250/SF and trying to manage to budget carefully to keep it that “low”. DH thinks it may swell to more like $325/SF We don’t do ANY contemporary homes, so part of the increased cost would be outsourcing more than usual.

Just to be really clear though- we have actually BUILT colonials in the $2-2.8 range at $150-175 per SF, including the wolf range and hardie siding, shingles (not slate/faux slate), Andersen 400s, wired for speakers, theater room, etc. etc.

The 150-175 up to 325 per SF cost: I assume these are you actual costs that don't include land acquisition and development?

What do you think? If you have to ask, you really can’t afford it. Buy a production home like everyone does.