The most common question a builder gets asked is, “How much do you charge per square foot?” The typical consumer feels that by asking this question to a group of builders they can eliminate the most expensive builders and find a good price. In reality this is far from the truth. Let me explain why. Most builders are aware of this approach and will often quote a rate below the actual cost. They can get away with this tactic because they will not include items like septic systems, driveways, porches, garages and fireplaces in their quick estimate. No builder can accurately estimate the cost of a project over the phone, but many consumers feel this is possible.

New home pricing is determined by many factors some of the most important are listed below:

1. Total square footage: this includes the size of your garage and porches, as well as the living area. The square footage price cannot be the same for a home with a three-car garage and wrap around porches, as it is for a home with a two-car garage and no porches, even though both homes have the same living area.
2. Height of Slab: The slab is usually the most expensive item in building a new home.  The average slab height is 24 to 30 inches anything above this point will cause increased costs. Try to find a level spot or be prepared for additional expense.
3. Percentage of masonry: this includes how much rock, brick or stucco you incorporate into your home design. Masonry surfaces are five to six times more expensive than hardie plank siding.
4. Complexity of design: look at your roof. Your costs escalate if it is steep and has many hips and valleys. This is what a builder calls “cut up” Also many arches and high ceilings take more time to build, which results in a higher cost. To keep costs down simplify your design and roof.
5. Upgrades: if your floors are all wood or tile expect to pay more than carpet. Typical wood floors average $8 and up per sq ft, while tile starts at $5 per sq ft. Other upgrades include metal roofs, solid surface counters, large tile showers and baths, high-end appliances. The list goes on. Ultimately you determine the cost of your house.
6. Site Work: How many trees need to be cut? How far away is the house from the road? How much excavation is needed to prepare the site? The cost of bringing electric power to your house. These elements are often over looked when picking a lot.

With all this said. Design the home you want but be aware of how it affects your budget. Nobody wants to go through the time and expense of designing a home and then find out it’s too expensive to build. Getting a builder into the design process can save you thousands of dollars and lots of aggravation.
The best way to determine the cost of a new home is to have a set of home plans and specifications made by an architect or home designer. Then bring these to the builders of your choice. Every builder will have to determine the cost based on the facts. This approach will save you time, money and eliminate a lot of anxiety.

Brief biography: Robert Luongo is the owner of Craftmaster Homes, LC. He has been building in Wimberley for over 18 years. His company designs and builds custom homes. Craftmaster Homes will handle every aspect of building your home including managing the land clearing, excavation, well drilling and septic system.