This is a question I receive quite frequently from clients as they plan to build their new dream home.
The quick answer is it depends.
For the purposes of this blog, I will be discussing pricing in the North Central Washington region in 2022 since this is where I my architecture practice is located.
In general, initial construction pricing is based on a cost per square foot calculation.
For example, if someone wants to build a 2,500sf home, I would tell them it will be $350/sf for a total of 2,500sf * $350/sf = $875,000.
Now I am using the $350/sf for an example. This number can range based on many factors including:
-Location
-Site topography
-Site conditions - Are you near water? Are you near steep slope?
-Structural complexity
-Finishes and specifications
-and many other factors
The price per square foot estimate only accounts for the house itself. This price typically does not account for the surrounding items such as the land cost, utilities, landscaping, hardscape and other pieces surroinding the house.
With the projects designed by modFORM LLC, builders typically estimate in the $300/sf-$400/sf range.
At the time of writing this blog (Spring 2022) there are a whole multitude of factors that are affecting construction pricing. I won't get into all of them but something to consider is pricing is increasing and will most likely continue to increase.
I foresee pricing starting to make its way into the $450/sf range for custom homes in our area in the next couple of years.
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