Marco Gallo
December 1, 2021
The cost to build a custom home depends on various factors, like: The type of home, like whether it's made on-site or off-site. The size of the home, including square footage and the number of floors. The type of fixtures, materials, and finishes that add your character and style to the home.
The average cost to build a custom home in Palm Beach County is $150 - $350 per square foot. The cost to build a custom home depends on various factors, like: The type of home, like whether it's made on-site or off-site. The size of the home, including square footage and the number of floors. The type of fixtures, materials, and finishes that add your character and style to the home.
Opting for a custom home lets you build in cutting-edge energy-saving, smart technology, and other cool features. Plus hand-pick all your materials, finishes, and fixtures, to maximize its functionality for your family and express your personality.
The best part is it's not just for the ultra-wealthy; prospective homeowners with modest budgets can still get into the perfect custom home.
So, what does it cost to build a custom home in Palm Beach County? Like cars or many other consumer products, the answer depends on the bells and whistles you're getting.
Are you looking for the house equivalent of a Corolla or a Land Cruiser? Even homes of the duplicate square footage can double or triple in cost based on what you put into it.
Here are some things to consider when planning to build your custom home.
Key Factors that Affect Custom Home Prices
• Lot: Buying a lot adds a substantial chunk to your all-in costs when building a custom home.
• Flood zone status: If your lot is in a flood zone, the expense of building up your home, creating adequate drainage, and other flood mitigating factors will add approximately 20% to your construction costs.
• Home size: Bigger means more expensive, not just width but height–adding a second story also adds costs. Even an unusually shaped home with lots of corners affects prices.
• Permits, surveys, and other preliminary items: This includes any necessary demolition of the existing property, soils testing, lot preparation such as clearing trees, architectural fees, and permits.
• Labor: The sweat equity to build your home represents roughly half the bill, and it can vary as much as 10% based on your chosen builder. Custom-built homes are often more complex to build than modular homes, and builders equipped to handle the work can command a higher price.
• Lumber prices: This is particularly relevant as of Summer 2021, as the cost of lumber has tripled during the coronavirus pandemic. This economic uncertainty has added an average of more than $35,000 to the price of American homes. All that framing lumber has a direct impact on your custom home costs.
• Finishes, Fixtures, and Materials: Decking out your interior can quickly rack up the cost. It's best to choose all the fixtures, materials, and finishes before the project begins. This way, you'll have a realistic idea of how much the whole project will cost.
Choices include:
• the type of windows you choose (e.g., casement vs. double hung, impact resistant and energy-efficient)
• entry-level vs. premium garage doors
• basic plumbing fixtures vs. luxury (e.g., rain showerheads, tankless water heater)
• the type of flooring (e.g., vinyl or laminate vs. hardwood or luxury vinyl planks or stone)
• countertop materials (granite vs. marble or Bahia granite)
• plan your lighting design early with an overall goal of comfort, easily controlled, and energy efficient. Lighting is typically 1 percent of the cost of construction.
• essential appliances vs. mid-range and high-end (e.g., professional-grade, built-ins, or restaurant-quality features)
• choosing doors and moldings all materials have pros and cons, so it comes down to preference (e.g., medium-density fiberboard, solid wood, or engineered wood), and your budget
• decide on custom or prefabricated cabinetry that maximizes your storage
• managing all your home devices from one place with smart-home technology systems like Alexa and Google or with an individual smart-device
• when planning your outdoor living space, consider the landscaping, an outdoor kitchen/oven, pool/spa, or fire pit
Specializing in Building Custom Homes & Luxurious Remodels
In our over 30 combined years of construction, we've learned all the economics of building a custom home. We always recommend adding a contingency amount into your budget of 10% for a new home build to help cover any features you decide to add late in the project or anything unforeseen that comes up.
We work with dedicated architects, interior decorators, and designers who can advise you throughout the planning and construction phases about where to splurge and where you can save money based on your requirements and desires.
Our goal is to streamline the construction process and reduce the odds of problems, saving you significant time and money. We would love to be of assistance in discussing your project. To answer any questions, prepare you for each step of the construction experience, and help make this exciting time effortless and rewarding.