Coming home after a long day at work is one of the best feelings in the world. Walking up to a house you’ve spent time and money customizing to your own personal taste is on a whole other level. However, there’s a misconception that designing a home will cost you a lot more than buying a pre-existing house.

You may find yourself searching, “How much is to design and build a custom home?” A custom home design cost will vary depending on various factors. You have to consider each step involves, the cost of materials, and any additional fees that may get tacked on.

Here’s what to expect from your home design budget.

How Much to Design and Build a Custom Home

Building and designing a custom home takes more than just handing over plans to a contractor. There are multiple steps involved that have varying costs depending on factors like the property’s location.

First of all, you’ll need site work to clear out any rocks or to gain access to certain areas. A septic system will need to be installed. The foundation will need to be checked before the building is constructed.

After that, you’ll need to design the house and get started on its construction. That includes bathrooms and kitchens, exterior finishes, windows, and more.

There are so many factors that it’s nearly impossible t calculate. Expect anywhere between $90 to $400 per square foot.

Cost of Materials

When you choose the materials for a custom home, you want them to be energy efficient, match your climate, and perform well with your building load.

The average cost to install a foundation is around $9,260. Framing will run you anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. A new roof costs about $14,000.

Installing key systems like plumbing and electricity will run you even more. It’s not uncommon to see numbers over $30,000.

Expect higher costs depending on the type of materials utilized and the design of the house.

Additional Fees

In addition to the cost of building materials and labor, there are also additional fees that people often overlook. There are building permits required for nearly every step of the process. Construction companies typically include these fees in their estimates.

For example, an electrical permit will cost anywhere between $50 to $350 total for all of your circuits, amps, and outlets. A plumbing permit will cost you a similar amount and is necessary if you’re installing a sewage system.

Even before you build your home, you may have to pay up to $7,000 for development approvals and another $7,5000 for surveying. Make sure you budget appropriately beforehand.

Navigating Costs of Custom Home Design

So how much it to design and build a custom home? The answer is too complicated to provide a single amount.

If you want to get a real estimate, make sure to speak to your construction company which should be able to calculate all of the various associated costs. You should also leave a lot of wiggle room in your budget.

Check out our other articles if you’re interested in learning more about home design and business topics.