Are you planning to build a home? There are several items that will contribute to the cost. It will help the builder determine a more accurate price if you can provide the following information: Do you want pine, poplar, or oak woodwork and trim? Do you want pine, Masonite, poplar or oak doors? Flush (flat) doors or 6-panel raised design? Do you want painted or stained woodwork and doors? Do you want a fireplace? If so, will it be gas or wood-burning? Would you like a brick chimney? Do you want a spa or garden tub in the master bath, or a regular bathtub? Do you want a formica countertop, or an alternative, like solid-surface or granite? Are you thinking about cherry cabinets in the kitchen and baths? (They usually are more expensive than traditional oak cabinets) Do you want appliances (dishwasher, range top, oven, microwave) figured in the cost? What type of flooring would you like - and where? A large area of hardwood or ceramic flooring will cost more than carpet. Are there any special amenities you'd like in the house (crown molding, tray ceiling, recessed lighting, etc.) that will need to be figured into the cost? On the exterior, do you plan on any brick, or will it be all vinyl siding? Do you want the price of a deck, driveway, lawn, or sidewalk included? Do you plan to put any "sweat equity" into the house, such as painting the walls or finishing the woodwork? Having the home of your dreams doesn't have to be out of reach. If you can dream it, we can build it! When choosing a house plan, keep in mind that the design of the house has a lot to do with cost, regardless of the square footage. If there are various roof lines and angles, or an extensive use of windows (bays, circletops, etc.), the house will be more expensive than some other designs. And remember, when comparing prices submitted by various builders, make sure you are comparing "apples to apples." One builder may be $5,000 cheaper than another, but perhaps it's because the carpet or kitchen allowance is much lower than another builder. Make sure your allowances are adequate, so that you will have enough to purchase the quality items you want in your home. It's better to figure in adequate allowances up-front, rather than having to add money of your own as the house is being built. Try our planning sheet.
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