Cost to Build

**weather98** · 08-09-2005, 06:02 PM

How do you find out the average cost to build a home in that area if you buy a lot? Does anyone know the average cost per sq ft to build on your own lot?

**OnMackBayou** · 08-09-2005, 06:12 PM

I've been told anywhere from $100.00 sf on up, with average around $160.00. There is a new franchise operation in the area called UBuildIt. If you have the time/desire to be the general contractor they will act as the consultants. They claim to be able to save you 25-35%, after their fee.

**RiverOtter** · 08-09-2005, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by weather98

How do you find out the average cost to build a home in that area if you buy a lot? Does anyone know the average cost per sq ft to build on your own lot?

I have been told $250/foot. Even in the Nooga the GC's are getting $150+/Ft

**Smiling JOe** · 08-09-2005, 08:11 PM

The cost can vary greatly depending on the location of the lot. Believe it or not, everyone involved will charge you more to build in WaterColor than in some unheard of s/d. Also, some areas may required a specifically approved architect, thereby costing even more money.

If we are talking about a lot in an unnamed s/d, you can expect a cost of $130/sf for a medium-low appointed home. Perhaps going with a cheap (quantity rather the quality) entry level home, you can lower your costs to maybe $110/sf. If you are thinking about being your own contractor to same some money, I would certainly urge you to reconsider if you are doing so because of money. When your subs don't show or worse, walk off the sight or overcharge you; when you can no longer sleep at night; or when a year has passed and you are still building -- Then, you will be wondering if you saved any costs at all.

I mention the low to medium cost level only because, as you know, the sky is the limit.

**Cavallino** · 08-09-2005, 08:13 PM

Very well said

**RiverOtter** · 08-09-2005, 08:36 PM

The same can be said for the Nooga. If you are in the "hot" part of town the builders start at $150/ft. If you are 15 minutes north of that spot it's $110/ft.

**pk305** · 08-09-2005, 08:42 PM

There are so many variables as previous posters have stated.
There are some nice areas in which you can expect around $135-$140 SF with good solid builder. (great looking, very well built cottage style custom homes)
We've had good personal experience with this.
GOOD LUCK!!

**OnMackBayou** · 08-09-2005, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

If you are thinking about being your own contractor to same some money, I would certainly urge you to reconsider if you are doing so because of money. When your subs don't show or worse, walk off the sight or overcharge you; when you can no longer sleep at night; or when a year has passed and you are still building -- Then, you will be wondering if you saved any costs at all.

I mention UBuildIt only if someone feels they have the time/desire to save some serious money. From the presentation given to my wife and I, it appears as though they have a proven system for doing so.

And the biggest factor they push, in a somewhat understated way, is that their Construction Consultant is County Commissioner Larry Jones. The services they supply are too detailed for here.

I would never consider being my own GC without a program like this.

**Coast is Clear** · 08-09-2005, 09:56 PM

When we finished building in March, our builder indicated it was a shock at how much costs had gone up over the course of the previous year. Example was that the cost per fixture that plumbers were charging had gone up from $350.00 to $800.00. When I said he should change plumbers he said everyone had gone up that much. That was market.

Between the increase in lumber costs, general demand in the market, and the building standards now required if you are close to the coast I would have to think cost build has gone up quite a bit the last few years.

Seaside ballparks $250.00 sq/ft., but we completed for well below $200.00 sq/ft.

**beachmouse** · 08-09-2005, 11:17 PM

There are also differences in building code in different areas. All other things considered, you will pay more if you're within a mile of the Gulf because code is tougher in those areas.

Right now, the contractors still have more business than they could ever think of handling. I know people who couldn't get their roofs fixed for six months after Ivan. If one family won't pay their asking price for work, they can find another one that will.

**Joe** · 08-10-2005, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by beachmouse

There are also differences in building code in different areas. All other things considered, you will pay more if you're within a mile of the Gulf because code is tougher in those areas.

Right on. That is one of the reasons places like Rosemary, Watercolor and Seaside have such high building costs. When you talk about meeting the strict architectural standards, and the stringent hurricane code in that 1 mile buffer, the price rises quickly. Things such as impact resistant windows, tin roofs, etc. make a big difference in cost.

**OhioBeachBum** · 08-10-2005, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by RiverOtter

Even in the Nooga the GC's are getting $150+/Ft

Ouch! Not only can I not afford SoWal, I can't even afford Nooga! I live in a pretty upscale suburban community in this area (though I personally reside in the cheaper seats) and even the premium stuff this year was running under $130/Sqft (less the lot of course). Built ours 2 1/2 years ago for about $80 SqFt. (just before cost of OSB & related materials nearly doubled - builder was unhappy but I'd already locked price

). Same thing would probably cost about $95 a foot today. Guess I'm going to have to stop b****ing about local construction costs up here.

**RiverOtter** · 08-10-2005, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by OhioBeachBum

Ouch! Not only can I not afford SoWal, I can't even afford Nooga!

People that relocate here (which is rare cause there are no new jobs here) are often surprised by the high cost of living here. The housing is high because just a few builders control most of the land allowing to charge more when building a house in neighborhoods. Our property taxed are extremely high. The other big surprise here is the how bad the schools are so people enroll their kids in private schools that can cost $5,000 to $12,000 per kid in elementary school. Forget saving for colledge! I'm still trying to pay for freakin elementary school!

**OhioBeachBum** · 08-10-2005, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by RiverOtter

People that relocate here (which is rare cause there are no new jobs here) are often surprised by the high cost of living here. The housing is high because just a few builders control most of the land allowing to charge more when building a house in neighborhoods. Our property taxed are extremely high. The other big surprise here is the how bad the schools are so people enroll their kids in private schools that can cost $5,000 to $12,000 per kid in elementary school. Forget saving for colledge! I'm still trying to pay for freakin elementary school!

Hey Otter - you could always just sell out of Nooga and plop one of these on one of the SoWal lakes

http://www.everyboat.com/c/s/2000-fa...body_1436.htm#

http://www.everyboat.com/c/s/1995-st...ebody_1646.htm

**GraytonBound** · 08-10-2005, 02:39 PM

Don't give him any ideas

**RiverOtter** · 08-10-2005, 02:44 PM

Wonder how this bad boy would react during a hurricane on Western lake

**OhioBeachBum** · 08-10-2005, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by GraytonBound

Don't give him any ideas

Not to worry - don't think the motors on either are big enough for an OtterBoat.

**OhioBeachBum** · 08-10-2005, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by RiverOtter

Wonder how this bad boy would react during a hurricane on Western lake

jes keep the bow into the wind an' the screws a-churnin' baby!

**GraytonBound** · 08-10-2005, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by OhioBeachBum

Not to worry - don't think the motors on either are big enough for an OtterBoat.

I'm beginning to think you've met him

**RiverOtter** · 08-10-2005, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by OhioBeachBum

Not to worry - don't think the motors on either are big enough for an OtterBoat.

Dam Straight!

**RiverOtter** · 08-10-2005, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by OhioBeachBum

jes keep the bow into the wind an' the screws a-churnin' baby!

I am always amazed at the lake boaters with big Sea Rays that flock to a Marina during a thunderstorm. When all they need to do it that

**OhioBeachBum** · 08-10-2005, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by RiverOtter

I am always amazed at the lake boaters with big Sea Rays that flock to a Marina during a thunderstorm. When all they need to do it that

Mental picture of Otter on the flying bridge during a big thunderstorm holding a 2 iron aloft...

**RiverOtter** · 08-10-2005, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by OhioBeachBum

Mental picture of Otter on the flying bridge during a big thunderstorm holding a 2 iron aloft...

So.... You've seen me eh???

**Beach Runner** · 08-10-2005, 03:53 PM

The comp in my neighborhood is about $500 per square foot for a 2200 square foot house, including the 2nd-row lot, so obviously you'd have to factor that out. I know someone who is planning to build near us, and she says that's in line with some of the quotes she's getting from contractors.