There is a lot of bad information on the web about construction costs.
We are constantly talking with our builder partners about construction costs. Here is the secret:
It varies. A lot. Across the country. Within the state. Through the city and even your neighborhood. These all impact the cost to build.
We design homes in the mountains and foothills. We design homes in the city. A home in the suburbs is different again. We typically see the cost of urban / suburban homes as very similar. Particularly when comparing just the hard costs of the home. Excluding land and utilities.
There are a number of things that impact the cost to build a home. Here are a few of the key items and differences between mountain, suburban and urban homes.
Mountain homes: (Jefferson County, Clear Creek County, Summit County)
- Driveway / Access
- Well
- Septic field
- Access to utilities often limited or expensive to service
- Tree thinning, fire mitigation
- Access to labor, distance to site
- Site access for material delivery, distance from storage yards
- Increased excavation costs due to rock
- Increased structural requirements due to snow / wind loads
Suburban Homes: (Lakewood, Wheatridge, Arvada, Littleton, Westminster, Broomfield)
- Cost of land
- Water and sewer tap fees are highest
- Some additional permitting fees
- Home Owner Association (HOA) hurdles
City Homes: (Denver, inner ring suburbs)
- Highest cost of land, price per acre
- Removal of existing home or structure
- Street closing permit
- Higher permit fees, impact fees, affordable housing fees
- Tight sites require additional logistical hurdles
- Cost of shoring for basements / excavation
An experienced architect can help you determine the cost of a new build. It is definitely worth a small investment. Our advise is unbiased. We want you to build a home you love.
