Cost to Build a House in Alabama
              

Since you are interested in a ranch (one level) if you build it with a basement, you will have a huge area of non living expandable space.

That’s one advantage to ranch houses, huge basements. It’s also one disadvantage as basements aren’t cheap.

On my web site page “How to Read House Plans ” I have a tip in the second paragraph that tells you that one level construction costs more per sq ft than 2 story construction, one of the reasons being the cost of a large foundation.

If your (potential) lot has enough of a slope and you can afford it, you could build a walkout basement, which would be an ideal solution.

Here’s a 2400 sq ft country home plan from Associated Designs with almost 400 sq ft of non living (bonus room) in the attic area over the garage.

Stairways near the utility room lead down to the basement and up to a large bonus room over an exceptionally deep garage.

It has an old-fashioned wrap-around porch that fronts this otherwise modern country home plan.

The vaulted dining room has a central apex, giving it a gazebo-like feeling. Windows fill most of the family room s rear wall, and from the kitchen sink you have a clear view of both the family room and the scenery beyond.
              
The Clearheart 10-410

Living Area: 2234 sq ft 76′0″ x 56′4″ 1st Floor: 2234 sq ft
Bonus Room: 489 sq ft
Garage: 755 sq ft
Floors: 2
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Garage: 3 bays, 755 sq ft

I calculated the cost to build this attractive home in Birmingham, AL by using the “Cost to Build Calculator” found on my “Getting Started” page.

I used Quality Class 6 throughout except for the foundation.

Total cost as of May, 2010 including the General Contractor’s markup of $45,708 = $370,341 = $166 per sq ft.

For an owner builder, subtract the General Contractor’s markup and it drops to $145 per sq ft.

This is a rather expensive house to build due to being a one story, full basement, and many corners.

Keep in mind, that this only a rough estimate. Read “Cost Estimating” for more information.
Good luck,
Carl

Sunday, May 11, 2008 

House Plan Of The Week With Cost To Build

From: Associated Designs, Inc.

The Markham – Plan #30-575

Stone veneer bases support the tapered columns fronting this Craftsman-style bungalow home plan. Inside, the living room links to the dining room, which is open to a sunny nook and kitchen. A cozy window seat nestles into an alcove in the nook. Owners’ suite amenities include a walk-in closet and spa tub.

From the street, the Markham has the appearance of a totally symmetrical Craftsman-style bungalow with an attached porte cochere. Telling details are the stone veneer bases supporting tapered columns, exposed rafter tails where the roof joins the wall, a gabled dormer, and windows with smaller panes in their upper halves.

Inside, a conveniently placed half-bath is tucked behind the foyer’s coat closet. Double doors on the right open into a den, ideally placed for use as a home office. The foyer’s open left side leads directly into the living room.

On the living room’s left wall, a mess-free gas fireplace serves as a focal point, next to cabinetry for a home entertainment center.

The living room links to the dining room which in turn is open to the nook and kitchen. The kitchen has cupboards and counters on three sides, including a set that extends into the nook, and a roomy walk-in pantry. The nook’s wide sliding glass doors offer direct access to a covered patio, which could be screened, if desired.

Laundry appliances are right off the kitchen. The utility room has built-in cabinets and a spacious folding counter. A door there connects the room to a large storage area, tucked under the stairs.

A cozy, semi-private window seat is nestled into an alcove on the far side of the nook, across from the entry to the owners’ suite. This makes a great place to read a book, or simply daydream.

The owners’ suite is at the rear of the Markham. Amenities here include: a walk-in closet, spa tub, dual vanity, and a separately enclosed toilet and shower. Two more bedrooms and a bathroom are upstairs.

Total Living Area: 2222 square feet. 1st Floor: 1700 square feet. 2nd Floor: 522 square feet. Garage: 480 square feet. Plan Width: 50′ 0″. Plan Depth: 67′ 0″. Floors: 2. Garage: 2 car. Bedrooms: 3. Baths: 2. Half Baths: 1

To estimate cost, I’ll use the “cost to build” calculator on my resource #5 , “Building Costs by City & State”, on “Getting Started” on byoh.com, using “average” quality and a slab foundation

Using this “shape” on the “cost to build” calculator, for the Denver – Boulder CO area, I came up with $171,288 for an owner/builder.

That’s an approximate cost of $77 per sq. ft. (Based on 2,222 sq. ft of living area)

I determined this amount by deducting the General Contractor’s Markup, equipment rental, and allowed only $2,000 for insurance.

Breakdown of Building Costs for This House. (PDF file)
(You will need Adobe Reader to read this cost breakdown.)
Here is a FREE Adobe Reader download if you need it.

You should keep in mind that the cost to build for this example, or any house plan, can vary considerably depending quality of materials selected, and on actual bids for labor and material.

Again, the estimate for this house is an approximate one based on “average” quality materials and a slab foundation as of May, 2008.

Until you actually start getting bids and entering them into your own spreadsheet (see my spreadsheet page for FREE spreadsheets), it will remain approximate.
Enjoy & “Happy Mother’s Day”

Carl

www.byoh.com

Sunday, March 30, 2008

House Plan of the Week & Cost to Build with Cost to Finish the Basement!

Note: This week, because so many people want to know the cost of a finishing a basement, I am including that as an option. You will be amazed at how much the price per sq. ft. of the entire house drops when you add the basement area!

Remember that in order for a basement to be considered “habitable space”, it must have two (2) means of ingress & egress. This can be accomplished with doors, as in a “walk-out” (which requires a sloping lot), or with large windows, or with a “emergency basement door”. (See below)

Now, on with today’s House:

Rustic meets modern in compact Adkins
The covered porch and shutters give the compact Adkins the look of a traditional farm-style home, but the interior is entirely up to date. Kitchen, dining room and living room flow together, creating a feeling of openness, with nine-foot ceilings adding to the sense of volume.

Adkins

Associated Designs, Inc. Plan #30-197

Country Home Plans – Shutters, multipaned windows, and a full front porch create a warm welcome to this country home plan. The living room featuring a fireplace, flows into the dining room then to an open kitchen. A front-facing den, open to the entry, could be used as home office.

Total Living Area: 1604 square feet
1st Floor: 838 square feet
2nd Floor: 766 square feet
Bonus: 353 square feet
Garage: 520 square feet
Plan Width: 50′ 2″
Plan Depth: 35′ 0″
Floors: 2
Garage: 2 car
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Half Baths: 1

To estimate cost, I’ll use my resource #5 , “Building Costs by City & State”, on “Getting Started” on www.byoh.com., using “average” quality and an unfinished basement foundation.

Using this “shape” on the “cost to build” calculator for the Pasco & Walla Walla, WA area, I came up with $178,420 for an owner/builder. That’s an approximate cost of $91.17 per sq. ft. (Total sq.ft. = 1604 sq. ft. + 353 sq. ft. finished Bonus Room = 1,957 Total sq. ft. of living area.)

As always, I determined this amount by deducting the General Contractor’s Markup, equipment rental, and allowed only $2,000 for insurance.

Breakdown of Building Costs For This House (Unfinished Basement). PDF
(You will need Adobe Reader to read this cost breakdown.)

Here is a FREE Adobe Reader download if you need it.

The cost to finish the basement is approximately $8,518, giving a total cost (for an owner/builder) of $186,938. That’s an approximate cost of $66.88 per sq. ft.! (Total Sq.ft. = 1604 sq. ft. + 353 sq. ft. finished Bonus Room + 838 sq. ft.finished Basement = 2,795 Total sq. ft. of living area.)

If the basement is on flat land, you will need an “Emergency Basement Door”

Here is an example from Bilco:
Basement Door – Ultra Series from Bilco: Satisfies IRC 2006 Building code requirements for emergency egress in finished basement areas.

You should keep in mind that the cost to build for this example, or any house plan, can vary considerably depending quality of materials selected, and on actual bids for labor and material. Again, the estimate for this house is an approximate one based on “average” quality materials. Until you actually start getting bids and entering them into your own spreadsheet (see my spreadsheet page for FREE spreadsheets), it will remain approximate.

If you have a particular home plan and/or city you would like to see on this feature, let me know. Spring is “HERE”.Plan now!

Carl

www.byoh.com