Custom Home Budget: Details Matter!

Budgeting can be one of the most difficult aspects of the custom home building process to wrap your mind around. The big “chunks” can be relatively easier: the land, the layout and size. But what about the details? These are what make a house a home – your home. Let’s take a look at how finer details can influence your budget and determine costs.

Your Dream, From the Ground Up

When you build a custom home, you are in control of every aspect that goes into it – given the constraints of your land and budget, that is! You can opt for simple products (standard doors, faucets, lighting fixtures, etc..), or upgrade to elements that are high-end, have smart integration and automation, or are custom designed.

Listing every single detail that could potentially go into a home would be impossible in one blog. From smart appliances and automated window treatments, to crown molding and architectural features, the possibilities can be endless.

For each detail and possibility, the cost can range tremendously; the key is to balance the aesthetic and functionality you desire plus the quality you need and align it with your budget.

Consider that your front door might cost a few hundred dollars for a simple yet classic choice, or closer to $30,000 for a high impact, attention grabbing masterpiece. With windows, costs increase for premium materials, non-standard and large sizes, and more complex features such as bay windows. A high-end flooring project could potentially add tens of thousands of dollars depending on selection, or you might decide to save money with a quality yet budget-friendly option.

It is also important to consider the details you must have (e.g. “I really want an oversized pivot entry door!” Or “I must have a cozy reading nook with a fireplace!”) versus those you can live without. Be sure to keep those must haves on your list from day one. If having a smart home is important, you will save money by including that upfront in the design phase, rather than as an afterthought once the home is built.

To get an idea of how much you should budget for the finer details of your custom build, talk to your builder. They’re your partner in this process, so be upfront with all of your wants and desires. Be wary of a builder who doesn’t ask questions to understand your expectations before pricing your home. Also inquire if they have any in-process builds you can visit so you can compare the details in these homes to your vision and have a conversation with your builder about costs.

Again, your builder is an essential piece of the budgeting puzzle: they will have ideas for “cost engineering” so you achieve the look, feel, quality, durability, and convenience you want. After all, you want this home to be built for life!