A lot depends on the lot and what's there already. Permits, excavation, putting in a septic, running electricity, gas, etc all add to the cost. If they hit bedrock, that can add onto the cost.

Nice finishes add to the cost. Complicated roof or exterior structure add to the cost. Windows add to the cost. More doors add to the cost.

Where do you think you can cut?

I think it maybe a matter of postponing things like next year going to get a counter top and the next year carpet and so on. I want build an A fram. Simple interior with a loft spiral staircase little wood stove in the living room

Double check on some of that because some building departments may not give you a CO without certain things. Not sure what has to be included to get a CO

If you don't already have a plan, nobody can give you an estimate. So really, you don't know what it will cost. Neither does any builder without something on paper.

Without having a LOT more information, it's kind of hard to comment. What kind of finishes did you specify? You can easily go 50K in two different cabinet selections, or in things like heating and cooling systems, windows, siding, etc. WHAT KIND OF HOUSE are you building?

There are some things you can do that would trim costs for now and that you can add on later.

1. Put in lower cabinets only in your kitchen from a big box store that will have the top cabinets in stock next year so you can add them then. OR, add open shelves in the kitchen instead of upper cabinets.

2. Install Walsh Windows out of Duluth, MN. We love ours and they keep the house warmer in winter, too. Much less expensive than other brands.

3. Add things like carpeting or hardwoods, and inside window trim later after you have moved in... We lived in our house for 9 months without those things. It wasn't fun, but sure was after we got them.

4. Make sure you are dealing with reputable people. In the long run it saves you money.

5. Build a small kitchenette and bathroom in the basement and finish the upstairs as money permits.

6. If you REALLY, REALLY need to save money, our neighbors built their garage first with just the barest of necessities in an apartment above the garage on their 5 acres, and lived there for 2 years while they built their house. It all depends on how much you need to save and how much you are willing to bend while you do it. :) And, by the way, your house idea sounds delightful!!!

Rebecca

Are you an all cash build, or will you need bank financing? Banks have a vested interest in the finish level of your home. The house plan will need to make its initial plan appraisal in order to qualify for a loan. And your local permits office requires certain things that make a house technically habitable in order to be able to be approved to occupy.

Make sure your home is efficently designed and shop for builders. Look at both price and quality of work.

Hi Tim,

In our experience, there are different ways you can cut costs. As most people have stated throughout this thread, there are some fixed costs and some costs you can avoid. Septic work is something that is always a variable because you don't know for sure what you are working with until you dig. Something to keep in mind is that as a trend, price per square footage goes down if you build a 2 story home instead of a ranch with the same square footage (based on the price of foundation, etc). Finishes are an easy way to cut costs with laminate counter tops instead of granite and the standard carpet instead of plush & luxury carpets. As Mark said, make sure your home is good on energy efficiency. (Modular homes are actually help save a lot of energy due to the lumber used, if you want to check that out).

Hope this helps,

$165.00 per square foot is actually quite good......

My advice is to build the largest house (shell) that you can, but leave much of it unfinished for now. You can fill in the rest over time. Once you have enclosed and watertight space that is finished on the outside, it will be easier for you to improve it one room at a time.

"Modular homes are actually help save a lot of energy due to the lumber used"

How exactly does the type of lumber used save energy?

In modular homes, particularly homes that are built to BOCA codes (and not HUD codes) there is about 20% more lumber used for a variety of reasons. This additional lumber and insulation helps insulate the house better making it more energy efficient. Of course, just like a traditional stick built home, you can add a geothermal system or any other types of energy efficient products to continue to boost energy efficiency.

Hope this helps,