Construction square foot cost around Hattiesburg, MS? (Starkville, Laurel: houses, contractor)

[yellowtownhouse]

My husband and I have tried many ways to get an answer to this question without getting involved with a contractor. We are considering building a small house (1100-1330 ft.) in the Hattiesburg, Petal, or Laurel area. Can any of you kind folks give us a a ballpark idea on this. Our budget will be tight and we'd like at least a ballpark idea before we take this dream any further.
Thanks so much to all of you.

[wrs6845]

ball park cost in that area run around 48.00 to 72.00 per square foot, depends on what you can do your self. Hope this helps Bill

[yellowtownhouse]

Thanks so much for the reply. This is a bit more than we had thought though. Unforunately, we're not do it yourselfers. We can paint and do some odd jobs but not actual building. We are looking for just a small lot to put a small cottage type home on to retire in. We would like to do this in the next 18 months. I have checked on-line looking at land and have not seen much except with acreage or in pretty upscale subdivisions. We want something small so we do not have much yard maintenance. If you have any thoughts on this we sure would appreciate it.
thanks again............

[ema2knm]

Hattiesburg/Petal has several areas where there are small lots and houses. My grandmother lives in a house that is approx. 1500 sq. ft. with a small lot where, for a yearly fee, they do all of the yard maintenance.

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by wrs6845

ball park cost in that area run around 48.00 to 72.00 per square foot, depends on what you can do your self. Hope this helps Bill

Actually, that sounds pretty darn good. In NE Mississippi now, in any of the larger towns, you're looking at a minimum of $100/sf, and much higher in towns like Oxford and Starkville.