Originally Posted by Craig T (Post 9335541)

Speeder, I just went through this exercise with building contractors on two identified lots. One was on Johns Island, SC and the other in Hilton Head, SC. Both were water access 1 acre lots at under $100K. Building a 2,500 sq ft one story worked out to be about 25% more expensive than buying a finished house in the same area.

Most builders have good boilerplate plans for around $5000, but permits ran as high at $30K, even more with a dock permit, and can take up to a year. I see guys saying a basic house can be built for $100-$150 sq ft, but I did not find that. I'm not looking for a show-off house in retirement, but do want a decent kitchen and master bath, hardwood floors, and granite counters. About the cheapest I could get that down, even in SC, was $250 per sq. Coastal water lots in SC have some extra raised foundation costs, but that was about $20 per sq.

In a hot RE market, you better budget $250 per sq.

Originally Posted by billh1963 (Post 9336423)

Where are you finding deep water lots on HHI or Johns Island for under $100k? No such deal exists....:confused:

Originally Posted by A930Rocket (Post 9336525)

Lol. I wondered the same thing. My postage stamp lot in mount pleasant was $130k and it's not on any water. Although we can see the Wando river across the street. My sticks and bricks cost was $125 psf. I was the GC on the house.

Originally Posted by speeder (Post 9337395)

Well, he did say "water access", so that's not always the same as being on the water.

The impression I'm getting is that there is a huge difference between the "retail price" of building a house and the builder's actual cost. I'm trying to zero in on this. :)

Originally Posted by Crowbob (Post 9337660)

I always wanted a vacant lot on Key West. Need to be able to put my 16 foot camper on it, though.

Doan need no juice or water. Just a spot to park.

How much is that gonna set me back?

Originally Posted by lendaddy (Post 9337557)

My smallish custom home was just quoted at $375/sqft. I already own the land, it was a bit shocking. Certainly a quality build but nothing too crazy... we're trimming features with the goal of getting it near $250/sqft.

Originally Posted by Crowbob (Post 9337671)

Thanks Craig.

Ima scared to look.

Originally Posted by jcommin (Post 9337774)

My first thought is why you would ask this question on any pubic forum

Create a statement of work (SOW) be detailed in what you expect a contractor to do. The devil is in the details.
Get quotes based on your SOW. Don't ask this forum for construction costs because ir varies from region.

If your scope of work is accurate - you will get the best price

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey (Post 9337672)

You might want to consult with other builders and/or get a couple other bids.

Assuming you don't have a long list of must-haves that include super high-end features/fixtures/finishes, that sounds way high. Things can certainly add up quick though, and "upgrade-itis" can blow budgets out of the water. However, $375/sqft. should get you some ultra-premium digs, especially if that quote is just for the construction/hard costs. Even if your land/lot was only worth $50k, and that $375/sqft. included everything but the land, it would put the total project @ $800k for a 2000sqft. house. I don't know your area/market, but I would bet you could find something else (new build or re-sale) for a lot less than that and upgrade/remodel as needed.

Originally Posted by lendaddy (Post 9337557)

My smallish custom home was just quoted at $375/sqft. I already own the land, it was a bit shocking. Certainly a quality build but nothing too crazy... we're trimming features with the goal of getting it near $250/sqft.