Sorry for the confusion mel- My cost to build comment was more referring to macv's photos and other photos of houses. I was simply saying I could in no way see a photo of a random house online and tell you what I think that house would cost to build in my particular area. Obviously that is something best left to professionals. It is not in reference to our particular project. We have determined our budget, and will have 25% of that in cash. My builder had given me a ballpark figure based on a larger houseplan we had considered building, but we scrapped the plan for various reasons including the garage layout, the bedroom schematics, and upon closer inspection felt like a lot of wasted space. Our situation has been a little stressful for another big reason- Within a span of a few weeks a couple events transpired that changed our circumstances. My parents bought 74 acres of land (40 tillable, the rest very hilly and wooded) within city limits. Its property boundaries are defined by the main highway running through town, and a gravel road that leads to a development. We contemplated buying 10 acres from my parents and building on that land so we could be 1 minute from town vs. 10 minutes. We then got a cash offer we couldn't refuse for the 14 acres we owned that we had originally intended to build on. So now we have a new build site. Now I am sitting here weighing the pros and cons of this change in build site. My parents are also building at the same time as us, so we are sharing a well. In addition, they are covering the cost for our soon-to-be shared driveways- a blacktop drive accessible from the highway that is about a half mile, and an access drive cutting across the ridge of our build sites that will be graveled. This alone will save us a minimum $50,000 once you factor in blacktop and the well. The bad: Our acreage will border their acreage, we will have easements for the driveways instead of owning the land adjacent to the highway, and my father will probably develop the other large chunk within a few years (the 74 acres is literally bordered by 2 different developments, so it is ripe for that type of endeavor). I guess in the end we figured the shared benefits were too great to pass up. So yeah, we will be living next door to my parents. I know this may sound like a nightmare to some people but my parents are awesome, and this will not be their full-time residence so I think it will be okay.

I agree with rrah. However, what it costs to build & what buyers want to pay for a One Story vs Two Story are two different things. Single story homes cost more to build in the NE, because of the basements & roof lines. If you build a single story on a slab, it's comparable to a two story with the same sqft. To build a 2700 sqft SLAB Ranch will be similar to a 2700 sqft two story home (with a basement) in cost. An approximate tool for my area (NE) is that a 2700 sqft Colonial (with a basement) will cost similarly to an 1600-1800 sqft Ranch with a basement. That is the closest that you can compare two story to one story homes. I believe the formula would be apprx. 30-40% difference. In your case, it seems that the SMALLER Ranches would drag the price down for the largest Ranch in the neighborhood. Also, the two story ones are not good comps. Your best comp is the previous Ranch (same sqft) sale with adjustments for upgrades or lack of them & the CURRENT RE market. Also, RE is regional. I believe you get charged more for a two-story in FL (no basement) than the same sqft all One Story on a slab. Sometimes you pay more depending on what style is more desireable in a given region. Ironically, in my area, the most expensive house to buy (not nec. to build) is a Two Story with a Master bedroom downstairs. Other than the 55yo communities springing up now, those don't exist. Almost no comps around, so this really depends what someone wants to pay. Ranches are the most expensive to build but people do not want to pay for a Ranch. Weird. Supply, demand & desirability are factors in prices.

Hello everyone. I was doing some research on home elevators for an upcoming seminar I am doing for retirees who want to "age in place" or build or buy their "forever home" and came across this thread. It's been very insightful to say the least. One thing that kept coming up is the appearance of an elevator and/or a chairlift for the stairs. Having worked with older adults and mature homeowners for the better part of 2 decades, I can tell you that when someone is faced with relocation to a senior community, assisted living or other such healthcare environment due to mobility issues, how their home looks is the least of their concerns. Before someone is at this point, the focus tends to be on appearances because we are still entertaining and "enjoying" our space. As one ages or health declines, their concern for appearances goes out the window. It's all about what needs to be done to stay here - at all costs. This is also NOT the time you want to be putting in an elevator or doing any major remodeling. People need all the energy they have to simply manage daily activities of daily living and personal care needs. I only say this because as the debate over whether to add or not add an elevator due to the way it looks (and size) tends to be one of younger retirees or empty nesters, if you are truly planning for this to be your forever home, it may be important to fast forward to what life will really be like should you "need" this amenity. My advice, for what it's worth, if you have the means and you are building a multi-level house, DO IT. Don't settle for the small model either - unless it will accommodate a wheelchair and/or full sized walker. That's the point right - mobility regardless of your situation, whether temporary or permanent. All the best. Thanks for letting me join the conversation.

We are about to start a custom build in Gallatin, TN (on the water) and we are looking at $240+/sf NOT including land (we have owned our land for awhile). I will say that we are planning on "upgrading" what can't easily be changed later - insulation, HVAC, civil work, etc. My husband has been diligent with scoping the "bones" of the house and my job has been the "pretty" parts of the house. I am spending money in the kitchen (Mouser cabinets, marble countertops, Wolf/SZ appliances) because I cook A LOT and this is important to me. I will budget in other areas that we can easily change later or that just aren't that important to us. We are both really handy and can do a lot of work later if we have to. Mind you, this budget doesn't include much landscaping and does not include the drive to the street (250 ft of asphalt or concrete). I just want you to be realistic - the true SF cost is the level of finishes you are comfortable with (assuming you own the land). Be honest with yourself about what is important. Make a list and prioritize your wishes.