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Build versus Buy

Tom Curlin avatar
Beach Comber
9,753 views
I posted this question in another thread but did not receive any feedback, so here's a second go at it:

What is the consensus view of a typical range for construction costs circa 2009 in the upscale developments along 30A, particularly Watercolor and Rosemary Beach, assuming the complexity of the plan and the quality of the materials are similar to existing structures?

I'm trying to gauge the appropriate replacement cost metric to use in a build versus buy analysis.

And to be clear, I'm talking about the structure, not land or landscaping etc.

Replies

56
Bobby J avatar
Beach Fanatic
#52
I think in using the term "vanilla" it might be taken as "cookie cutter", bland style home. None of those features sound too bland. Quite spectacular in fact... even in Watercolor! ooh ooh, I want a fireplace on my screened in porch while we're talkin'.... surfaced with oyster shells.:D P.S. I'm finding the $200.00 + per sq. foot for build out, with these features, to be about right.

I would play it safe and bet at the end of the day it will be around $230 plus.
Beach Fanatic
#53
What somebody quotes you and what the final price is will be very different in most cases.the set of viking appliances you're talking of can run $20-25k easy. i don't believe you can build a top of the line home when all is said and done for less than $200 a square foot.i'm talking tile every were,hardwood floors threwout, top of the line lighting and fixtures, foam insulation under the home and in the roof line.theres always extra cost that pop up

Edited

scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#54
I think in using the term "vanilla" it might be taken as "cookie cutter", bland style home. None of those features sound too bland. Quite spectacular in fact... even in Watercolor! ooh ooh, I want a fireplace on my screened in porch while we're talkin'.... surfaced with oyster shells.:D P.S. I'm finding the $200.00 + per sq. foot for build out, with these features, to be about right.

Vanilla to me means selectively thrifty, but tasteful and not cheap looking. I can easily double that having funn w/ interior finishes and plumbing/kitchen fixtures.
goofer avatar
Beach Fanatic
#55
If $200 to $250 is the concensus figure, does that number include the builders profit ??? Or do you have to add a percentage to the construction budget to figure his profit. What would that percentage be ?
melscuba avatar
Beach Fanatic
#56
Vanilla to me means selectively thrifty, but tasteful and not cheap looking. I can easily double that having funn w/ interior finishes and plumbing/kitchen fixtures.

One scoop of vanilla for me please.... sounds delicious!
scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#57
If $200 to $250 is the concensus figure, does that number include the builders profit ??? Or do you have to add a percentage to the construction budget to figure his profit. What would that percentage be ?

My guestimate was inclusive for either "cost plus" (cost plus agreed percentage contractor profit) or "fixed" (agreed upon total price with profit/incentive built-in).

One scoop of vanilla for me please.... sounds delicious!

Yep - vanilla is my favorite too. You can add sprinkles, pie, sauce, eat it plain etc. The other "flavors" you get tired of/go out of style fast, but you can never go wrong building on a vanilla base (make from scratch and fresh vanilla beans of course). :biggrin:

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