Estimating Costs

A general cost estimate to build your new home (a completely finished home, ready for occupancy including the cost of land prep such as septic or sewer connection, permits, excavation, foundation, etc. but not including the cost of the lot itself) can be calculated by using the following formula.  However... please be aware that the true final cost will be determined by the type of finishing materials that you choose to use in the home.  For example- If you decide to gold plate your entire home with 18K gold... this formula will certainly not work.  Likewise, if you choose to use genuine Italian Marble imported from Northern Italy for your floor coverings, this formula will not be as accurate.  However- if you are going to choose finishing materials that are comparable to SIMILAR homes in the neighborhood, this formula is quite accurate.  For example- if similar homes have real oak hardwood floors (not laminate Pergo), you can expect to use real oak hardwood floors in your home.  If similar homes have Corian countertops, you can expect to use Corian countertops as well.  Here is how you can calculate a general cost estimate to build a completed finished home, ready for occupancy (but not including the cost of the land):

Take the panelized package price of the home you're interested in, multiply by 4 and then plus or minus 10% for a general range of your cost to build.

EXAMPLE:  The NORWALK model package price is $40,396. (2303 sq.ft.)

 Norwalk package price =                                          

            $40,396.00           
    multiply by 4                        x 4
    total cost estimate (TCE) =           $161,585.00
    multiply by 10%                     x .10
   10% of $161,585 =                  $16,158
    add & subtract $16,158 from TCE for range .
 TOTAL COST ESTIMATE RANGE =   $145,426 to $177,742
 Norwalk model per sq. ft. cost to build range  $63.00 to $77.00 / sq.ft.  

In other words- if the Norwalk model is similar in size to other area homes, you can expect to build the Norwalk model with similar finishing materials (shingles, siding, flooring, cabinets, etc.) as other comparable homes at an estimated cost of $145,426 to $177,742 in most places in the U.S.

          

 

 
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