A: Cost is dictated by the project blueprints, the specifications, and the market conditions.Many customers pick out plans or have expectations that exceed their budget—by as much as 40 percent! (According to NAHB research).The more elaborate the design—the more corners and angles, the more complex the roof configuration, the more elaborate the finish work (such as trim and fixtures)—the more dollars are required for construction.

Why be cautious with square foot costs?

A: Do not depend upon square foot cost estimates. Every custom home is different—different designs, size, lot characteristics, amenities, etc. Without a floor plan and descriptive specifications, no estimate or square
foot cost has any more accuracy than within 30% of the actual costs. No two custom homes (even being the same size and with the same stuff) have the same square foot cost.

How can I tell if I'm going to get my money's worth?

A: Read and compare the detailed specifications submitted to you to determine what exactly you are getting for the price. If you don't know your builder well, get at least another bid to compare, but never more than four. Make sure to compare apples to apples—Builder "A" may be considerably less money because he has considerably less material in his bid that he may try to charge you for later, or less management, or less experience with the "hidden
costs", etc. If one builder is much higher than the other, try to find out why— what is he including that the other is not?