Should my builder really charge the same PPSF for this?

18 years ago

Hi.

We think that we want to build the Georgetown by Don Gardner.(linked below)

Instead of having the master closet be the size the original plan shows it is, we think that we want to bring it out to where it would be even with the garage wall.

Even if we didn't move it, we would already be paying for all walls within the storage area, the concrete slab below them, the ceiling, etc.

So it seems like all we would have to add/pay for would be carpeting for the closet and maybe additional shelving for clothing.

When I brought this up to the builder, he said that their would have to be additional ductwork and that I would be charged the same $ per square foot.

This is upsetting.

What are yalls thoughts on this?

Thank you so much.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.dongardner.com/images.aspx?pid=347&fn=floorplans%5c393A1_f.gif&f=

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Comments (3)

david_cary
17 years ago
Does your builder have a flat $/sq ft fee? So at $150 per sq foot - if you add 10 sq feet to a closet - it costs $1500. That is a bit wierd - IMO.

You are correct in saying that adding closet sq feet is not the same as adding kitchen sq feet (with cabinets etc) in cost. What YOU are being charged is apparently up to your builder.
bdpeck-charlotte
17 years ago
Framers around here were charging the same PSF (per sq ft) for framing basement walls, open air porches and decks as normal under roof living space. If you don't like the cost structure, use another builder.
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obwannab
17 years ago
I think I'd talk to another builder. I bet if you decide to do some nicer finish out items, he'll have no problem adjusting UP from his $150/sqft... Down here I've not heard of a builder using $/sqft as the metric for house costs. Sure it's term batted about, but it's an essentially meaningless one.

Builders down here are either fixed price( based on the costs plus margins, plus their take), cost plus X% for them, or fixed fee. Our's is a fixed fee guy. Fixed fee has lots of advantages for the homeowner, and not surprisingly, it's difficult to find a builder to agree to those terms.