People will ask me this question sincerely in order to compare me to another builder. I beg you; do not compare builders based on this question. The answer is more complex than the question and you will not have an accurate measure of what your home will cost.

So what do I do when I get this question?

First, I state that I have built homes before for $94 per square foot all the way up to a home I built for $156 per square foot. (Not including land.)

Why the difference?

1. You have to know what is being considered in the cost per square foot number. Does it include landscaping, irrigation, patios, or decks? What type (concrete, pavers, asphalt, or combination) or size of driveway? We have built homes with 700 foot long driveways and ones with 35 foot driveways. All of these (and there are more) represent a big cost difference.
2. A ranch home vs. a two story home. Many people will say to me that they want a two story home because it is less costly to build than a ranch. I agree with them. The reason for the less expense with a two story home is that you have a smaller foundation, fewer trusses and perhaps fewer floor joists than you have with a ranch home.

However there is a situation when a ranch home is less expensive than a two story home. That is when you finish the lower level, the basement. With a ranch home, you double your square footage when you finish the lower level. With a two story home, you can only grow finished square footage by approximately 1/3 when you finish the lower level. That’s the difference.

3. Structure – the majority of the cost of a home is in the structure. Simplify the structure and you lower the cost per square foot of a home. We once built a 2,400 square foot home that had $15,000 trusses, whereas most of the 2,400 square foot homes we build have trusses of $9,000. Comparing the same homes again, the windows in the more expensive home cost $32,000. The other home had $11,000 worth of windows. Therefore, two homes with the same square footage and one has $27,000 more cost in just two components of the home. Other components can have a greater impact on the cost than the two examples I selected.

One more point on structure, building a home shaped like a rectangle is less expensive than building a home that has lots of jogs, angles, and so forth. Again, simplify the structure and you lower the cost per square foot.

4. What is on the inside of the home? We build homes that have aluminum clad wood windows, lots of tile, wood floors and solid surface countertops. We have also built homes of the same size that have vinyl windows, vinyl floors, and laminate countertops. So I ask, what windows/doors, plumbing fixtures, flooring, appliances, cabinets, countertops and woodwork? There are many options with varying quality available to suit the taste of each homeowner.

Imagine comparing a Mercedes E350 sedan (3.5L V6 7-speed Automatic) at $50,490 to a Ford Fusion SEL sedan (3.5L V6 FFV AWD 6-speed Automatic) at $27,150. Both are 4- door sedans with what appears to be similar performance. Could you simply ask these manufacturers the cost per pound and get a true comparison of these two vehicles and would you buy your next car based on the price per pound? Hardly not.

Oh, and don’t forget what is on the outside of the home makes a difference too. Brick or stone (real or man-made), siding (vinyl, fibercement, or cedar) has a great impact on the costs. In some cases the subdivision will dictate what and how much of the exterior cladding will be permitted on the front of a home. A big front porch (like a wrap-around) or a small front porch is another cost consideration.

“Yeah, yeah all that stuff above is fine, but how can I get an answer to my question?”

1. Sit and meet with the builder to review the plan that you have (or desire) and go through a brief list of the features you desire. A builder can ballpark a price for you.

2. Ask the builder to show you some homes that they have built and determine the price of those homes and the square feet. Then talk about the features of the home that make it more expensive or less.

Please keep in mind the old adage “garbage in, garbage out.” When you are seeking a cost estimate from a builder; the less detail you give, the less accurate the estimate. Do you want accuracy? Then give detail.

When can you compare builders on a cost per square foot basis?

This is tough, but you can compare some builders in this manner when you are comparing homes that are in the same subdivision with similar features like bedrooms and bathrooms, similar exteriors, similar interior features. Look at the homes that are already built. The reason that comparison may be valid is because their building components are likely similar. Their development requirements are similar and they probably have a similar look. You have heard the saying, “compare apples to apples”.

In summary, I go back to my earlier statement “the answer is more complex than the question”. Comparing builders on a cost per square foot basis is misleading.

Build on! Build well! Build with confidence!

If you arrived at our blog from a source other than our website, please visit us at www.CLDesignBuild.com. Further, if you are considering building a home, please contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to be a part of your dream.

Lastly, please know that we build homes in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL area – Yorkville, Oswego, Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Geneva, Batavia, and many other beautiful areas surrounding Northern Illinois.  My words above are universal.  It doesn’t matter where you build.  The dollar amounts may be different, but the philosophy and practice are the same.

Aluminum, glass, paper, plastic & steel are the crux of most recycling programs. Collectively, these materials are known as the “big five” in the recycling industry as they comprise more than half of the municipal solid waste stream. They also are easily collected and recycled through most established recycling programs in the United States.

Recycling saves energy, resources, and landfill space as well as reduces the environmental impacts caused when creating new material from virgin resources. The big five commodities are prime candidates for helping businesses reduce waste and improve sustainability. Aluminum, steel and glass can be recycled infinitely. Paper can be recycled (from its highest-quality form) seven times before fibers are too short to recycle further. Virgin plastic is made from non-renewable petroleum resources.

The environmental impacts of a carefully formulated solid waste management plan can do more for the environment, and your business, than you might think. There are multiple beneficial and compelling reasons to recycle the big five – in general and at work:

1. Lower Cost for Waste Removal – Reducing your waste stream through recycling can lead to lower waste removal costs.
2. Income – When markets are good-especially for paper and old corrugated cardboard-recycling contracts can be negotiated with your recycling service provider to create income for your business as well.
3. Tax Credits – Twenty-five states offer tax credits for recycling market development. If you work for a recycling industry or manufacturing business that uses recycled materials, you may qualify.
4. Recognition- Many communities and trade associations have recognition and awards programs for companies that recycle. Waste Wi$e, and the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Paper Recycling Awards are good places to start.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility – Aside from the environmental rewards, benefits also include improved public image, reaching new markets and improved employee morale.
6. Creates Green Jobs – The EPA Jobs Through Recycling program estimates that recycling creates almost five times as many jobs as landfilling.

1. It is time to replace those “standard” options in your home or the items that were in style at the time the house was built.
2. The Kitchen cabinets are outdated and the appliances either don’t function as well or you would like energy efficient appliances. Even the countertops are worn and outdated. Quite frankly, you would like to maximize efficiency and space, and to add a bit of design flair to the most used room of the house.
3. Your career has made a home office a necessity.
4. Perhaps you have found yourself in the perfect location and unwilling to move but your house no longer accommodates your lifestyle?
5. Or maybe, you finally had the opportunity to purchase a house in a highly-desirable neighborhood but the house really doesn’t suit you?

Kitchen Remodel "Before"

Kitchen Remodel "After"

Tell me, what do you love (or hate) about your home? Which room in your house would be “perfect” if you could just make some changes?

1. A space that’s not too large but not too small. If the space is too small it’ll be claustrophobic and people won’t enjoy — never mind being able to see — the game. If too large, the room will have the feel of one of those 75-percent empty stadiums, where the silence can be deadly. Also plan on having some standing room for those friends that can’t sit still or maybe even a pool table nearby so they can multi-task.

2. Soundproofing. The sound will get turned up and there will be clapping, cries of anguish, cheers and more. So if the space isn’t in a bunker you’ll probably want to have lots of sound-absorbent materials such as fabric, carpet and curtains in your space. Of course, this all probably is at odds with having a room that’s easy to clean. (See point number 8.)

3. A great television or two. Something thin, flat and mounted to the wall. It should definitely be (ultra) high definition and with a terrific sound system. You’ll want to see every blade of grass and hear every tackle.

Spacious Media Room

Don’t mount the television too high as you don’t want a pain in your neck from watching. And don’t make it too small. A good, though not-cast-in-stone rule is to use half the maximum viewing distance as the screen size (diagonally). So if the viewing distance is, say, 8’, a screen size of 48” would work. (Of course, most guys tend to err on the larger size, so I’d go with a 56” screen.)
4. Comfortable seating. Something that you won’t freak out if it gets damaged when a guest re-enacts that devastating, game-altering fumble. Materials like canvas that can be cleaned or leather that can be wiped down. And that old standby from the ’70s, naugahyde (made from real naugas of course).
 
5. A place for all that food. Let’s face it, what’s a football game without tons of food to nosh on? And it has to be finger food: pizza, wings, nachos and so on. No knives and forks to get in the way of cheering, fist bumps and high fives. The ideal place for all that food is a snack bar or large table within sight and sound of the game.

6. Beer here! Yes, there will be some partaking of libations. So having plenty of ice cold beer and sodas close by is a must. An under-the-counter beverage center will do if there isn’t room for a full-size refrigerator.
 

Billiards room off Media Room

7. Halftime break. Okay, everybody has been eating, drinking and watching the game for awhile. It’s time for a bathroom break, so apowder room nearby will come in handy. Maybe everyone will want to go outside at half time, get some fresh air and throw the pigskin around, so easy access to the outdoors will keep the rest of the house from turning into a game-day mess.

8. It ain’t over until the fat lady sings (or at least everyone pitches in to clean up). Now it’s time for the dreaded post game cleanup. A sink and/or dishwasher nearby will come in handy. And though the ideal space would be easily hosed down, that’s probably impractical for most of us.

Easily washed down, mopped surfaces will do the trick. Ceramic tile, laminate, and even hardwood are some options. Another option, if the space is in the basement, is stained concrete. Throw down an area rug to help with the sound proofing which is easily removed for cleaning.

The tax code also offers incentives for you to install green energy producing technologies. Accelerated depreciation is in place, allowing you to depreciate the cost of the system over just five years. Be sure to consult with your tax advisor for information about these programs.

There is no cap on the cost of solar energy and wind power systems. Adding together all incentive programs, you can save 50%-80% of the cost of the system, and produce free power for decades to come.

Sheridan business hooks up solar power – MyWebTimes.com.

Create a design scrapbook. We usually recommend to our clients to look through some design magazines, online photos, and model homes to get a feel for your tastes. You can even put pictures you like together in a binder to help you remember what you love and to show your designer or builder. This should also help you narrow what kind of style you like best–modern, contemporary, classic/traditional, rustic–and will help make all of the decisions easier, as you can plan around a theme.

New Home in Plano

Declutter. When designing your kitchen, plan for as much storage as possible so you can keep things off the counters. Yes, your counter tops should be empty. Once you are in the space, make the most of however much counter space you have by removing any unnecessary items. Pack the toaster in a cabinet when it’s not in use, and use an in the door rack for your paper towels—anything to hide away what you can. This will give you plenty of room to work with when cooking and hosting parties, as well as give your space a clean, fresh lift.

Organize. It may be helpful to take the drastic step of take everything out of all your closets and drawers and putting them on a kitchen or dining room table. You can then see clearly what you have. Sort your items according to use and then place them back in the closets in a spot most convenient to their purpose. Stop by Lowe’s or Target and pick up some organizers to help you fit more items in your cabinets. They have an organizer for everything! The more efficient you can make your cabinet space the more you can keep in your kitchen. But you want some extra space left when you’re done minimizing and organizing to accommodate the next step. If you need some help with this step visit some of the many web sites, e.g. www.onlineorganizing.com
Create a seated workspace. Create a space in your kitchen, if there’s room, for the kids to do their homework or a person to sit on a laptop. This will allow your family to share more moments together during times of multi-tasking. As someone cooks or puts together a snack, you can enjoy each other’s company.

Kitchen Remodel in Sugar Grove

Floor. To make your kitchen appear larger, a light color floor will also do wonders. If you choose ceramic, go with something without a pattern and use a matching grout color. If you like linoleum, again minimize the pattern and design as well as the color. If you can’t afford to re-do your dark floors, try covering them with light colored throw rugs.

Choose one main focus. If you are remodeling or making your selections in a new home, often the kitchen options can add up and become costly. If you are watching your budget, choose one main element that you would love your kitchen to have, whether it’s granite countertops, a top-notch appliance, or a stunning pot and pan ceiling rack, and stick with that. Even one small upgrade can make a big difference.

Decorate. Choose paler colors for decorating, which will brighten and enlarge your space You want to keep things as simple as possible. Leave the window over the sink curtain-less or use a rod sleeve made of a fabric with a very open print or a solid preferably lighter than your walls. Keep in mind a patterned print will make your room look smaller and busier.

Let the light in. A light, bright space will be warm and welcoming to the whole family as well as guests. Use as much natural light as possible by doing what you can to prevent cabinets and appliances from blocking the windows. Also, add as much lighting as possible, including track lighting or recessed bulbs on the ceiling and under-cabinet halogen bulbs to make your kitchen as appealing as possible.

Is your kitchen your favorite place in your home? What is your favorite part of your kitchen? And how do you recommend making a kitchen a family space?

1. Window Replacement
Do you know how old your windows are? Old windows can be a big energy waster in your home. In the fall and winter, when keeping warm air in is important, having old windows that don’t do their job can cause your home to be less than efficient, and definitely not as warm. So why not update your windows before the cold really comes in this winter and keep your house cozy all year long.

2. Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen "Before"

With all the cooking and baking that goes on during the holidays; why not spend some time sprucing your kitchen space up. No matter your budget, there are options for making your kitchen feel warmer and more inviting. Try installing new countertops, refacing or replacing your cabinets, or adding a kitchen island to create more workspace.

3. Roof Replacement

Fall maintenance is an important part of the season. Having your

roof inspected should be one of your top maintenance priorities. The last thing you want going into the colder months is a roof that’s not in perfect shape. If your roof is older, you may find that it lets cold air, or worse, the other elements, leak into your home. If this is the case, it might be time to start a roof replacement before you encounter bigger roofing problems in the winter.

4. Master Bath Remodel
One of the best return on your investment is updating the Master Bath. Some owners are looking to eliminate the large soaking or whirlpool tub, but certainly most are expanding their shower. Installing new ceramic tile, built-in niches for your cleansing products, adding a second shower head or multiple jets and adding a seat are becoming the norm. By replacing the vanities, you can install new vanities at 36” height (which saves your back) with new countertops and faucets. If the flooring is to be replaced then there is an opportunity to add heated floors. Again, no matter your budget, there are options to add value to your home and create the retreat of your dreams.

5. Fireplace Remodel
If you have a fireplace, you’ll likely start using it this winter. Using your fireplace creates warmth, and encourages the family to gather around it. To get your fireplace spruced up for winter, think about giving it a little love this fall. Hire a carpenter to create a custom mantle, add new doors to the front, or maybe install some interesting tile or stone work around your fireplace. Perhaps the thought of dragging soggy wood in from the outdoors in the middle of winter has you less overjoyed about using your fireplace every year. If so, then consider retrofitting a direct vent fireplace. There are many beautiful choices and surveys say that more people use direct vent fireplaces than their woodburning cousins, not to mention that they are much more efficient. Whatever you choose, adding new life to your fireplace will make it a space to enjoy all winter.

These 5 ideas, in addition to the ever popular new paint will always bring value to your home as well as enjoyment to you. Does anyone else have any great fall projects ideas?

This home of the near-future, built in the museum’s backyard is a study in green sustainability and home monitoring and automation. Built in a modular fashion, the redesign includes a trend-setting bold, new color scheme, the addition of a “green” baby nursery, new technologies, wind power generation and earth-friendly landscaping.

Chicago's Greenest Home

The home’s modular design adds to its eco-friendliness.

The home, open until January 2010, was designed by Michelle Kauffman Designs and built by All-American Homes, and showcases how homes in the near future might use reusable construction and design resources, utilize smart and renewable energies and provide healthy living environments for the inhabitants.

The home’s updated landscaping plan includes new techniques for space-saving urban gardening, including vertical gardening and even EarthBox gardening, where food is grown above ground in a highly-controlled environment.

According to EcoHome Magazine’s original 2008 coverage of the exhibit, the 2,500 square foot home features an open, loft-like design. The three-story home features a green roof, sliding doors and large windows, and sun shades to help light, heat and cool the home.

The home utilizes photovoltaic (PV) film on the roof, generating 15% to 20% more energy than traditional solar panels. The article states that the home’s annual energy consumption is estimated at a cost of $1,977, compared to a typical home of the same size’s $3,230 annual bill, a savings of $1,253.

Open spaces and eco-friendly building materials such as bamboo flooring make this one eco-smart home!

The home contains building materials that were largely recycled or renewable, including bamboo flooring, recycled glass tiles, LED lighting, biocomposite countertops, Energy Star-rated appliances, air filtration, fiber-cement siding and spray-foam insulation. Conservation of natural resources is accomplished through low-flow shower heads, water-saving toilets and a grey water recycling system that reuses the water in toilets and for irrigation.

Home automation and monitoring are also featured, as is digital music server system. Sensors detect when house plants need watering and a energy dashboard allows the residents to monitor and adjust their consumption, based on recorded data.

Before you head off to the exhibit, visit the Museum of Science Industry and Industry’s special section of their web site to meet the home’s architect, learn about its home automation “smart” technology and watch a time-lapse video of the home’s construction — four months of building in less than 90 seconds!

Certainly, this is a home designed and built on more of a “what if” premise. However today’s buyers of new homes — especially like those being designed and built by CL Design Build— could incorporate many of the technologies and ideas into their home designs. Contact us at our www.CLDesignBuild.com to see how we might bring the home of your dreams to life.

via NAHB: Assess Your Home’s Efficiency with an Energy Audit.

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