Building Costs in Sonoma County (Guerneville: real estate, insurance, how much)

[Fripper]

We live in South Carolina, and have two daughters living on the West Coast. Looking at building a duplex in the Guerneville area for a summer retreat. Can anyone offer us some insight on building costs per square foot. Any other thoughts on building in the area. We understand that there is flooding in the area so to build above the flood plain.

[OwlKaMyst]

My question would be...why Guernville? There are so many other places that are a better environment.
Unless you (can) find that perfect sunny spot, your summer retreat will be a mold factory through the winter.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by Fripper

We live in South Carolina, and have two daughters living on the West Coast. Looking at building a duplex in the Guerneville area for a summer retreat. Can anyone offer us some insight on building costs per square foot. Any other thoughts on building in the area. We understand that there is flooding in the area so to build above the flood plain.

Do you have a budget in mind for your project?

I think that may be a better starting point than an "average" cost to build for the area or someone's reply about how much they spent to build their home. After all, the "averages" are for all homes constructed in the area and just because someone else spent $X five years ago to build a home somewhere doesn't mean that is what it will cost you.

You may not be building an "average" home for the area, or make choices that raise or lower your cost per square foot over the "average" or from what someone else paid.

If you have a budget in mind, why not call some real estate agents and contractors in the area that you're interested in to ask whether your budget is realistic? Obviously, any "estimates" you get from agents/contractors should be taken as a starting point; if you've built or remodelled homes in the past, you already know to expect actual costs to end up a little more than the estimate.

I'd also investigate California and local property taxes, as well as the costs of home insurance in California and the local area. In some areas of California, it is smart to have additional earthquake insurance. Some insurance companies also charge more in certain areas that are considered high risk for wildfires (a constant concern here).

Sounds like a fun project - enjoy!

[eureka1]

Have you checked the papers today? Major flooding in Guerneville.

[cre8lite]

maybe this will have some answers for you:

Permit & Resource Management Department


personally, if i were to build anywhere in sonoma county, it wouldn't be in guerneville. i grew up in santa rosa, they are plenty of other choices in the county.