| "> | | | | - A General Contractor to quote the entire |
| Information is powerful. Knowing the cost of any | | | | project based upon the house plans and the |
| big project, before you start it, is a key factor in | | | | materials list |
| its success. This holds true in business, of course, | | | | Be advised that this quote will not be 100 percent |
| and it certainly holds true when building a home or | | | | accurate. Also, a General Contractor's quote will |
| completing a major home addition. | | | | have profits built into it. And always ask what the |
| Having worked with hundreds of owner builders | | | | variables are with any quote you receive. |
| over many years, I've heard the following | | | | DIY Home Owner Builders Determine Costs |
| question more times than I can count. | | | | Are you thinking of doing it yourself? When it |
| Question: What's the cost per square foot to build | | | | comes to a DIY "Owner Builder" project, the cost |
| a new home? | | | | to build your home will be affected by where |
| Answer: | | | | you're building, how much labor you provide, and |
| This is such a common question that even though | | | | your ability to get deals on the building materials. |
| I can't answer it specifically for you, I have to | | | | As an owner builder, even when you use a home |
| cover it. It's completely understandable to ask this. | | | | building coach, an accurate cost analysis comes |
| After all, why would you want to start your | | | | only after you've gotten well into the preparations. |
| project unless you're fairly certain of the costs up | | | | Until that time, you'll have to rely on projected |
| front? Here's how the process works. | | | | estimates provided by a variety of building |
| The Building Cost Per Square Foot is Determined | | | | professionals like your coach, architect and |
| in Stages | | | | contractors. |
| There are two ways you can arrive at a cost per | | | | And, of course, you'll still need a completed set of |
| square foot. Each should be useful and helpful to | | | | house plans with a thorough list of home building |
| you but neither is going to be definitive ... simply | | | | materials included. |
| because of the fact that several steps must | | | | House Building Costs Can Grow |
| precede arriving at the cost per square foot | | | | Finally, building is a fluid process with many twists |
| quote. | | | | and turns. Surprises happen regardless of your |
| First, every project is different and every market | | | | preparation. While this does not suggest you can |
| is different. Therefore, you will have to work with | | | | afford to omit the planning, it does indicate that |
| local professionals to determine the cost to build a | | | | you must pay close attention as well as get |
| home in your area. To do this, you'll need: | | | | professional help. |
| - A fairly detailed set of house plans | | | | Just remember to make your cost estimates |
| - A building materials Take-off List | | | | generous when starting out ... never cut things too |
| - Trusted Contractors to quote on various | | | | thin. |
| aspects of the project, or | | | | |