Cost to Build a House in Indiana

Cost to Build a House in Indiana

From: Marla

"Hi, Carl:

Thanks so much for your great web site! We recently bought "Be Your Own House Contractor" (5th ed.) and we're sure it's going to be very helpful when we begin to build in approx two years.

Our question has to do with cost estimating and whether we're doing it correctly using the Craftsman tool.

The house plan that we love (and will suit our site) is this:

Photos & Floor Plan From:
Architectural House Plans




This is the criteria we used on the Craftsman tool:

Number Of Corners4
Foundation Quality Class 1
Exterior Walls Quality Class 4
Exterior Finish Quality Class 2
Windows & Doors Quality Class 2
Roofing Quality Class 3
Interior Finish Quality Class 3
Flooring Quality Class 3
Bathroom Quality Class 3
Kitchen Quality Class 3
Plumbing Quality Class 3

We came up with a total cost of $154,000 as our own GC.

We live in Indiana in the South Bend zip code range.
Our property is in the country.

Thanks so much!
Marla"

Hi Marla,

I came up with a little more cost as I used 6 corners. (It's not an exact science)

People are always amazed and doubtful when I tell them (as do other builders) that every corner you add to a foundation adds thousands of dollars of cost.

Also, covered porches cost almost as much as interior finished space.

Breakdown of Building Costs for This House. (PDF file)
(You will need Adobe Reader to read this cost breakdown.)
Here is a FREE Adobe Reader download if you need it.

Total living area: 1,647

With an unfinished basement = total cost @ $166,101 = $100.85 per sq ft

Total with basement: 2,778

With a finished basement = total cost @ $176,062. = $63.38 per sq ft.

I determined these amounts by deducting the General Contractor’s Markup, equipment rental, and allowed only $2,000 for insurance.

And, as I always say:

"You should keep in mind that the cost to build for this example, or any house plan, can vary considerably depending quality of materials selected, and on actual bids for labor and material."

Again, the estimate for this house is an approximate one based on "average" quality materials with a basement as of May, 2008.

Until you actually start getting bids and entering them into your own spreadsheet (see my spreadsheet page for FREE spreadsheets), it will remain approximate.

Enjoy and good luck,
Carl