construction cost estimates

[mjz3348]

What should I budget for construction cost of a high-end residential home on a per sq. ft. basis. Years ago it used to be around $100-150 per sq. ft.).

What is it now?

[phansford]

mjz3348 -

If he does not respond here, PM csintexas. He is located in Texas and should have a good idea of costs in your area.

He just started a website for his residential design practice.
http://www.inspiredhabitat.com/

[csintexas]

Well it's hard to say from the description you have given us so far. The high end starts at around 170 here in College Station for the McMansion class homes. Something well done would be more like 225+ not including land and demolition of the existing home.

[RSCarcht]

Here in Rhode Island good construction starts at $225/sf and there are many contractors who work exclusively between $300-500/sf. In the end it is next to impossible to get top quality at a below-average price. I have seen owers try a hundred times and there is always a price to be paid, whether it is slower delivery, change orders or shortcuts taken by the contractor.

RSCarc
http://www.RSCarc.com

[mjz3348]

I have come to believe more than once that you get what you pay for....so no problem on cost....but I need to budget so I don't have 'eyes' bigger than my appetite.

The cost here in Houston and using your input for the kind of house in my neighborhood is settling in around 200-225 per square foot. I am preparing a budget for 250 so I have some headroom.

I want the architecture to drive the construction NOT THE OTHER WAY around. The Architect/designer will oversee any changes that the builder feels must be made and they will do the compromising. My role is budget and time.

In my commercial work, I found having the Architect/Designer argue with the construction team was a lot of fun to watch. Not really - but I learned a lot.

I act as referee. And it works that way -

By the way - I went into this project thinking it was going to cost 125-150 per square foot. Damn...I am glad I asked you guys. I was in a time warp. I'm still not used to the inflation over the last 10 years.

[RSCarcht]

It is better to build a bit smaller but beautifully than bigger but poorly. It will cost you less to maintain and will make your site look bigger. Make sure you decide on those program elements you ABSOLUTELY need and cut the fat out now. You will still find the final budget is more than you wanted or expected but the project will be more managable. You will have plenty of opportunities for upgrades during the project so you are smart to leave yourself some comfort room.

Residential construction is like a walk through the desert. Make sure you start with enough water and plan your route and destination carefully. The world is littered with the bleached bones of those who didn't.