Why You Shouldn’t Trust Price Per Square Foot When Building a Custom Home
When embarking on the exciting journey of building a custom home, many factors come into play and the choice of a builder holds paramount importance. However, solely relying on the price per square foot as a metric to compare custom home builders is a potential pitfall. In this blog, we’ll explore why price per square foot is a poor way to make such a crucial decision and shed light on alternative considerations that can lead to a more informed decision and successful build.
Quantity vs Quality
Price per square foot fails to account for the build quality and solely focuses on size. A low price per square foot might initially seem attractive, but it could reflect the use of subpar materials or shortcuts that could compromise the structural integrity and long-term value of your home. The emphasis should be on craftsmanship and materials that stand the test of time, rather than mere square footage. Two homes may be the same exact square footage and have the exact same finishes, but one could be built using 2×6 exterior walls, Andersen composite windows, R19 spray foam insulation, etc and have a higher price per square foot, while the other has 2×4 exterior walls, builder grade vinyl windows, R13 fiberglass insulation, etc and has a lower price per square foot. Which house would you rather live in?
Design Complexity
Custom homes are all about individuality and unique designs that cater to your preferences and lifestyle. Builders who specialize in innovative and intricate designs may naturally command a higher price per square foot. However, this price reflects the added value of their expertise in bringing your vision to life, rather than being an arbitrary measurement. A 5,000 square foot home with a standing seam metal roof, a large balcony off the game room, and a prep kitchen with additional appliances will have a higher price per square foot than the same size home that does not have those features. Price per square foot also does not take into account the unconditioned space of the home. A 5,000 square foot home with a 5 car garage and 1,000 square feet of covered patios will have a higher price per square foot than the same size home that has a 3 car garage and 5000 square feet of covered patios.
Client Experience and Communication
A successful custom home building experience goes beyond the numbers. It involves open communication, transparency, and a builder’s ability to understand your needs and desires. Focusing solely on price per square foot can overlook the importance of a builder’s track record in client satisfaction, which encompasses factors like timely completion, problem-solving, and respectful collaboration. Professional builders will have software and systems in place that requires some of those costs to be passed along to the client, increasing the price per square foot. Would you rather pay a higher price per square foot to have excellent communication, an app that keeps you updated every step of the way and a stress free experience?
Choosing a custom home builder is a multifaceted decision that deserves careful consideration. Relying solely or heavily on price per square foot oversimplifies the process and neglects critical factors such as build quality, design features, and client satisfaction. By looking beyond the price per square foot and taking a holistic approach to your evaluation, you can ensure that your custom home becomes a true reflection of your vision and an enduring investment in your future.