It depends

More often than not, one of the first questions I get asked by potential new residential customers is, “How much do your construction projects typically cost per square foot?”. It’s a great question, and it makes sense that customers would want to know what their new home, renovation or commercial space might cost to build. After all, they don’t want to waste their time or mine if we aren’t in the same ballpark.

But unfortunately, the price per square foot question is hard to answer right off the bat. In the past, I would evade the question because there is no right answer. Each custom construction project varies in so many ways, and I could potentially exclude myself from a project that is perfect for our firm simply because I quoted a price per square foot that did not meet the customer’s expectations. Comparing custom builders simply by cost per square foot is rarely an apples to apples comparison.

Too many variables

The first issue when providing a price per square foot quote in construction is that you have to define what is included in the square foot calculation. One builder may include the primary living space – kitchen, living, dining, family rooms and bedrooms. Another may also include the bathrooms and garage. But what about the basement? What if some of the lower level is finished and some is not? Do they take into account vaulted ceilings in the calculations of square footage, or the outdoor features like the deck that add to the overall cost of the project?

Next, the customer’s vision can wildly affect the costs of their project. Most people probably understand that high-end kitchen and bathroom finishes can have dramatic impact on the cost, but they may not consider other factors that are often included in a custom home design or renovation. Let’s take a look at some examples of how your ideas could drastically affect your costs:

 

  • Most homes will need a staircase, whether a two-story or a ranch with a basement. Do you want a very simple staircase with a standard wooden railing and carpet-covered stairs? Or does your vision for your new custom home or renovation include an exposed hardwood stair that, perhaps, gently curves up to the second floor and is highlighted by a wrought-iron railing? The simple design can be crafted by my carpenters. The other staircase will most likely include some specialty work done by tradespeople who specialize in that type of design, which of course, will cost more per square foot of staircase.

 

 

 

 

  • In Northern Illinois, where Scholl Construction builds custom homes and renovations, a fireplace is included in nearly every home design. A gas fireplace insert that is surrounded by drywall is a convenient way to enjoy a fireplace without the hassle of bringing logs into the house to burn in a traditional wood-burning fireplace. It also requires far less time and craftsmanship to build into the design than the custom, wood-burning fireplace with a full masonry stone facing.

Let me get to know your dreams

Although I’m very reluctant to quote a price per square foot, that’s not to say I can’t provide a general ballpark range for your project. Having a conversation will allow me to learn important information about your vision for your custom home or renovation. What does your design include – how many rooms, garages, finished basement, etc.? Do you have in mind a certain level of quality for the finishes? Will there be hardwood or tile floors, or would you like to have carpet throughout?

Answers to these and other questions can give me a good idea of the type of home, renovation or commercial building project you would like. In most cases, I will then be able to give you a price range for your project. Not a price per square foot, but a price range for the cost of the full project. Then we can work together to turn your dreams into reality.