Residential Construction Costs

The following will give you an idea of the relative costs for different types of construction. In other words, the exact same size house can vary in cost based upon how and with what it is built. Example: Given that a house built to "Commodity Construction" standards cost $200,000, the same size house, built to "Custom Construction" standards, would cost between $340,000 and $400,000. These standards should be viewed on a continuum, and a house ostensibly built to one standard may have elements of other standards.

All multipliers assume site work (grading, paving, utilities) for a 1-acre level lot; with septic system, but without landscaping. The cost of a lot is not included in the construction costs. Architect's fees are not included.

Commodity Construction: Multiplier = 1.0 - This is the type of construction and materials used by tract house builders and is typically seen in large scale suburban subdivisions. Exterior materials are usually vinyl siding, and asphalt shingles. Windows are typically insulated vinyl. Interiors are painted gypsum drywall, painted finger-jointed wood trim, resilient floor covering in wet areas, carpet in other areas. Cabinetry is factory made melamine finished with plastic laminate countertops. HVAC system is a single air-to-air heat pump, basic 200amp electrical system and commodity grade plumbing fixtures.

Upgraded Construction: Multiplier = 1.3 to 1.5 over Commodity Construction - This type of construction uses basic commodity construction for the “bones” of the house, but uses better grade finish materials and building systems. Exterior siding materials range from painted siding to acrylic stucco. Brick foundations and highlight walls are common. Roofs are architectural grade shingles or pre-finished metal roofs. Windows are typically clad wood. Interiors are painted gypsum drywall, painted trim, tile floors in wet areas, carpet or wood flooring in other areas. Cabinetry is factory made wood with maple butcher block or tile countertops. HVAC systems are zoned air-to-air heat pumps or gas furnaces, 400amp electrical system and upgraded plumbing fixtures.

Custom Construction: Multiplier = 1.7 to 2.0 over Commodity Construction - This level of construction uses fine natural materials along with hand-crafted quality. Exterior siding materials range from cement stucco to brick to stone. Roofs are of copper, slate or tile. Windows are typically clad wood with traditional muntins. Interiors are painted or wallpapered gypsum drywall (some plastered), painted or stained wood trim, tile or stone floors in wet areas, hardwood flooring in other areas. Wood, tile or stone wainscoting in selected rooms. Custom Cabinetry is cabinet shop made wood with Corian or stone countertops. HVAC systems are multiple high efficiency ground or air source heat pumps or gas furnaces, 400 to 600amp electrical system with limited emergency generation capability and fine plumbing fixtures.

Finest Construction: Multiplier = 2.20 and up over Commodity Construction- This level of construction permits truly superior quality and craftsmanship in a home, using the finest materials, finishes, appliances and building systems. This level can fully exploit advanced technology for home automation, home entertainment, security and energy efficiency.

Price Modifiers:

For lots larger than 1 acre add .01 to multiplier for each additional acre.

For renovations and additions, add 15 to 20% to total.

For projects under $300,000, add 5 to 10% to total.