Frequently asked questions:
Q: What are the basic considerations in the cost of building a home?
A: There are four primary considerations
1. Cost of the property, and topography
2. Overall square footage
3. Exterior surface area
4. Amenities
Cost of the property is driven by the number of people vying for the same area or piece of property. One of the more familiar quotes in real estate are there are three important considerations; Location, location and location. But from a building stand point that is not always the case. The educated buyer will choose wisely based on the total cost and not just the cost of the land. Often a real estate developer will price many of the lots at the same, or near the same price and with a bias toward size, while the construction costs of the home will vary significantly. In many areas, geographic hazards are not always obvious to the casual observer. In the Huntsville and Madison County area, some of the hazards can include sink holes, caves, expansive soils, drainage, flood hazards, and natural springs to name a few. The topography or surface contours can also have significant impact on elevations of the home and will influence cost from lot preparation and surface area of the structure. If often best to choose a lot and then design the home to fit the lot. A rookie error is to force a house plan that is not appropriate for the lot.
| Overall square footage is one of the most strait forward cost drivers. However many people do not realize that the cost of construction for the basic structure is the same regardless of whether it is heated or unheated. The exact cost breakout will vary some, but the cost is essentially the same. The design process is a balancing act to match heated space with porches, garage and open decks.
Exterior surface area is a surprising cost driver for many customers. There is a strong relationship between exterior surfaces in interior square footage. Mathematically, the most optimum design would be a sphere; it maximizes interior volume for a given surface area. While it provides an intriguing academic exercise, it is not practical for construction. So from a construction standpoint using strait walls, a cube is the most optimum. This relationship is skewed somewhat by the fact that not all surfaces have the same costs. Hence roofing is significantly less expensive that stone or brick surfaces and the cost of siding falls in between. The most optimum design from a cost standpoint is a 1-1/2 or 2-1/2 story home.
The exterior surface area also controls the heating and cooling equipment size, insulation costs, and the operational costs of the home. Material costs also vary with increased surface area as the material efficiency utilization factors decreases due to the relationship between the number of corners, roof line, and other architectural details.
|