The question that every client asks “What is the cost to build a custom home?”
Great question, which unfortunately does not come with a simple answer. All of our designs at Ramton Homes are going to be different, no two builds will be the same. Every level of design, construction, and finishing are carefully decided on and selected by you, the client. We ensure that you are receiving exactly what suits your needs, and not a replication of the neighbor’s home.
Consider these two simple 525 square foot designs. The plan on the left has 6 exterior corners and 10 rough openings for windows and doors. The plan on the right has 14 exterior corners and 17 rough openings for windows and doors. Overall perimeter of the house on the left is 100 lineal feet and the perimeter of the house on the right is 132 lineal feet. With additional windows, doors, more exterior surface area, and a more complex foundation, the cost to build the house on the right will be more than the house on the left. If we told you it cost $300 a square foot to build a house before any design or consultation is complete we would be doing one of two things. Either Ripping you off on the simple design or losing our shirt on the complex design.
Some builders will spit out a simple square foot price, but, do you know what they are offering? Or more importantly, do they know what you want in your new custom home? We are all about the details, here at Ramton, and our goal is to give you accurate pricing at every stage of the design process. However, keep in mind our pricing for your new home is only going to be as accurate as the information we have. Attempting to establish a price before step #1 would be futile.
Have a look at our basic outline to successfully price your custom home.
1.) Budget and Vision (Discovery Meeting)
- What is a starting point for your budget and does that leave some contingency?
- Do you have land and is it serviced?
- What size and style of home are you looking for?
- What types of finishes will you require in your new home?
BALL PARK – With these preliminary talking points we establish a logical starting point based off of data from our previous builds.
2.) Concept Design Pricing (Design Consultation)
- Square footage
- Style of home
- Complexity of design
- Accessories
ESTIMATE – Pen to paper. An estimate is established based off of the building specifications and additional details you have requested.
3.) Preliminary Design and Specifications (Design Proposal)
- 95% complete designs
- Mechanical Specifications
- Millwork & Cabinetry
- Preliminary selections (windows & doors – appliances – plumbing fixtures)
QUOTE – We have gathered all the information we need to successfully present a fixed price quote.
Often merging budgets, inspirations, and size can be daunting. We will guide you through the process, so you have the knowledge to make an educated decision for yourself. If you want to learn more, click here to learn about our process.
Overall, our goal is to be transparent with all our pricing. The more detail we have the more accurate the price will be, and as I mentioned before, we love the details!
Do you have questions about pricing, specific to your build? Schedule a phone call where we can answer the questions you have.