Cost per SF to build - what's the range?

[UT Fan]

I realize it all depends on the specs and finishes, but what is the range of cost per square foot to build in the area? Not talking about communities like WC/Rosemary/Seaside but rather a nice but basic house that appeals with "style points" and clever design instead of upscale, over-the-top finishes.

If I can find the right lot (posted a query on another thread), I'd like to explore the next step!

Thanks for any guidance you all can give.

 

[Koa]

You can build a medium-low grade finished home for $100/sf, if you keep the design very basic. In the medium grade, you should come in around $130-150/sf. When you start going up, as in two story, you may save some material costs as you share roof, but the labor tends to go up as it takes longer to erect scaffolding and move materials higher.

There are lots in your price range in the areas you are looking.

 

[Beach Runner]

Just watch out for neighborhood covenants and their architectural review boards, even in smaller neighborhoods. They might not let you build what you want to build. I know someone this happened to. They gave up on building on that lot. Now in this market they can't sell it for even half of what they paid for it.

Also find out what the HOA fees are. Those can really bump up your monthly costs in addition to the mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Also check the flood zone for the lot. Depending on what that is, it could make insurance costs ridiculously high. Construction makes a difference also. Block makes your insurance cheaper than frame.

There's a lot to consider other than the cost of the lot and the cost per square foot.

 

[melscuba]

Speaking of block vs frame.... Are there any homes in WC that are built using block? Do they allow it? I noticed what I thought to be block construction happening in Rosemary, but was curious about WC? Anybody know?

 

[scooterbug44]

It all depends on what you build, how you do it, and WHO does it. There are a lot of hidden "budget busters" that add up fast, but can be avoided if you know what you are doing and shop around - especially in kitchen and bath areas.

Good basic finishes properly installed and decorated can look better than $$$ stuff slapped on and you CAN cook on a stove that costs less than $10K. :roll:

 

[Lake View Too]

Speaking of block vs frame.... Are there any homes in WC that are built using block? Do they allow it? I noticed what I thought to be block construction happening in Rosemary, but was curious about WC? Anybody know?

I can't think of any houses in WC using block (might be agianst the rules), and probably 90% of Rosemary has block, at least on the first floor. One of the many reasons that the cost of building in Rosemary is way on the high end.

 

[Beach Runner]

I can't think of any houses in WC using block (might be agianst the rules), and probably 90% of Rosemary has block, at least on the first floor. One of the many reasons that the cost of building in Rosemary is way on the high end.

The reason I brought it up is because our insurance premium went up 55% last fall because the insurance company decided to charge more for houses without block construction.

 

[Lake View Too]

The reason I brought it up is because our insurance premium went up 55% last fall because the insurance company decided to charge more for houses without block construction.

Wow! As a builder I know for a fact that homes in WC are built as hurricane resistant as they can be built. There's no question that concrete poured block is as sturdy as you can get, but they are just as vulnerable at the doors and windows as any wood framed house. I've been living and building in SoWal for over 25 years and I know some old houses that do not even have the basic hurricane clips that have held up just as well as all these over-built monstrosities. And don't even get me started about impact-resistant glass... It's mostly a boondoggle brought on by the insurance companies.

 

[ellen]

What is the problem with impact glass windows and doors? Are they not worth the $?
Thanks,
ET

 

[Lake View Too]

What is the problem with impact glass windows and doors? Are they not worth the $?
Thanks,
ET

Impact glass doors and windows often cost triple what a window that is already rated for 160 MPH winds would cost. They are playing to your fear that wind-borne debris will cause catastrophic damage, when almost all damage in a hurricane comes from storm surge.