This is usually the first question a person will ask. It is understandable, since each person is trying to determine the feasibility of building a new home. However, this question should be asked with caution. What if I asked, how much does a car cost? Well, that would depend on the type of car and the many options available. The same goes for a home. The cost of a new home depends upon the features that it has and the quality of craftsmanship that goes into building it. The one size fits all cost per square foot estimate is impossible to provide. As a builder, this is a tough question. If the estimate is too high, the potential client is scared away. If the estimate is too low, the potential client will hold the builder to that number. However, most builders will answer with a low number, because they don't want you to talk to anyone else. When asking how much a house cost per square foot, a new home buyer should always qualify the question with as much detail as possible. They need to define the cabinets, countertops, flooring, ceilings, lighting, fixtures, trim, etc. The more detail that is provided, the more accurate the estimate will be. The cost per square foot is a necessary evil in the early stages of planning a new home. However, don't get too consumed with this number.
Some people would say the architect and others would say the builder. The best way is to hire them both at the same time. Let the design and build of your custom home be a team effort. Having the architect and builder involved during each phase of your new home construction process is an excellent checks and balance system. During the design phase, the builder helps insure the design is functional and is staying within budget. During the build phase, the architect helps insure the construction is to the set plans and meets the required quality standards. It is also important that you hire an architect and builder that you are compatible with. The construction of a new custom home can be a long process and it is important that the team get along and have absolute trust in each other.
The sub soils in Florida can be as varied and diverse as the people that live here. Therefore, understanding the sub soils below a particular lot will help the architect, engineer and builder insure the proper excavating methods and foundation are used for the construction of a new home. Many structural and foundation problems to homes in Florida could have been easily avoided by simply spending a few thousand dollars for soil borings before the commencement of design and construction. Soil boring tests performed by a licensed Florida soil engineer can reveal the ability of the soil to support proposed improvements or determine the properties of a building foundation. Therefore, we highly recommend getting borings at the beginning of every custom home design and build project.
