Often one of the first questions we hear when we discuss building a new home is “how much will it cost?” or “how much will it cost per square foot?”. These are valid concerns, but the answer is not a simple one.
Pricing a home in terms of “cost per square foot” is like pricing an automobile in terms of “cost per pound”. It just isn’t realistic.
Your home is much, much more than the sum of its parts. A range is not just a range. If you are a gourmet cook who entertains often, a high end range and multiple ovens are a necessity. If you aren’t in the kitchen much and prefer a simpler slide-in range with one oven, the cost can go down a considerable amount. Do you enjoy your spa tub or or you a quick “in the shower and out” person? Every choice can equate to thousands of dollars. If we take those numbers and break them out as “per square foot”, there can easily be $15 “per square foot” of house difference in the kitchen alone.
I recently saw a comparison of costs for building a log home, log/timber frame hybrid home, and a timber frame home. The difference in a log home and a timber frame was over $60 per square foot. Given similar finishes, I don’t believe that number is realistic. It isn’t apples to apples.
If you determine your “long term” budget and let that number help you decide how much home you need and where to spend your money, there won’t be surprises. That long term budget shouldn’t just include the amount you are going to spend building your home, but the cost to sustain (maintanence, utilities, etc) your home long term.
Your timber framer will have a much easier time working out a fixed cost and “price per square foot” than your builder. The complexity of the timber frame and size of the home, along with the items included in the package, make it easy to calculate a price. The rest of the construction is much more complicated.
Given all of this, don’t be swayed by discounted “cost per square foot” pricing for your home when comparing stick, log, and timber frame. Plan, plan, plan. Be realistic and be willing to make concessions where needed to get the home your want. That might be size, appliances, fixtures, etc. Do remember the long term investment in energy efficiency and low maintenance construction.
At Timber Frame Homes, we work closely with each client to help them fully understand their costs and options.
That said, I’ll sign off for now.