Cost to Build a Home in Northern California

Cost to Build a Home in Northern California - June 2010

Exquisite windows, charming gables and an inviting porch front this warm, thoughtful family home. Inside, choose between formal affairs and casual get-togethers: the living and dining rooms are ideal for stylish entertaining, while the open areas are great family spots.

Four bedrooms, including the exciting master suite, are on the upper floor.

America's Best House Plans-House Plan 033-00128

First Floor

Second Floor

Square Footage: 3,171 sq. ft.
First Floor: 1,488 sq. ft.
Second Floor: 1,683 sq. ft.
Garage: 773 sq. ft.
Floors: 2
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Half Baths: 1
Garages: 3 car
Foundation: Slab

To estimate cost, I'll use the” cost to build" calculator on my resource #5, “Building Costs by City & State”, on my "Getting Started" page using “Quality Class 6" and a slab foundation.

Using this "shape" on the "cost to build" calculator for the Sacramento, CA area, I came up with $278,696 for an owner/builder. That’s an approximate cost of $87.88 per sq. ft.

I determined this amount by deducting the General Contractor’s Markup, equipment rental, and allowed only $3,000 for insurance.

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 “minimum standard” quality materials and a slab foundation.

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

Carl