House Size Matters

Summary: The size of a house affects the cost to build a house more than any other factor.

Carl, I am looking at building a 5,000 to 6,000 square foot of living space custom home.

You have many cost per square foot examples all over the place, but if you are stepping it up, what can one expect ($/SQ) for a high end home?

Nothing crazy like imported Italian marble etc, but nice mill work, well appointed kitchen and great quality materials.

I've also toyed with the idea of an elevator but then went against it.

Now I've read your page, Residential Elevators, and the reasons for having one gel with mine, so I'm for one again.

I want to build a house I may spend the rest of my life in and not have to move because of age.

Problem is, I have young kids and guess where the playroom will be if I had an elevator?

Is there any way to plan for an elevator, have the space but not install it without having a danger zone and a blank empty ugly space?

Thanks, Sam

Well Sam, the examples I have on "Cost to Build by State" should help, but the "cost to build calculator (# 5) on my "Getting started" page, will be even more beneficial.

You can play with any hypothetical house, changing square footage, upgrades, shape, and other ingredients that make up construction "cost factors', all day long...and it won't cost you a penny, just your time.

In theory, houses cost less per square foot as they increase in size because the cost of a kitchen, bathrooms, etc. are spread out over more square feet.

But then that theory goes out the window with more expensive windows, mill work, Aga stoves, convection cook tops, geothermal heat pumps, number of bathrooms,elevators that are often added by people who build a larger house.

As for planning an elevator, it only requires stacked" closets about 3' X 4" in size, for future installation (see http://byoh.com/elevator.htm).

There is a floor in each closet (and doors) that can be removed easily when you are ready for the elevator.(Check with a local Residential elevator company)

In the meantime, who can't use more closet space, especially with kids.

Carl Heldmann