Square vs. Rectangle - Cost to build new house (plan, space)

[dewdrop74]

I was recently advised that a rectangle shaped house would cost 15% less than building a square shaped one.

Can anyone help shed light on why?

[HiFi]

Perhaps because of standard sizes of framing lumber and roof trusses, or complexity of diverting from the standard rectangle plans. 15% sounds like a lot though.

[dewdrop74]

it does. which is why i wondered if anyone can share why this is.

[davecj]

The square footage could be less. Hard to give an answer with so little information.

[luv4horses]

I'm guessing that a rectangular home could have end gables but that a square home would have a hip roof. Maybe the cost of these installations is responsible for the cost difference.

[stevo6]

Square may be cheaper due to less square feet of perimeter envelope. It would cost less to heat as well. 15% seems high though.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by dewdrop74

I was recently advised that a rectangle shaped house would cost 15% less than building a square shaped one.

Can anyone help shed light on why?

Well, not to sound like a smartass but, a square is a rectangle!
So, with that in mind I'd say that theorem doesn't fly. However, when you put gravity into the equation things start to look a little different (think gravitational forces and precipitation of any kind). When cost really start to "change" is when "shapes" are put "together" creating "L's", and "U's" for the shape of "structures".

I can't believe I remember this stuff from a design lab many moons ago!

Here's another interesting "take" (page 2 specifically):
http://eprints.ucl.ac.uk/13217/1/13217.pdf


Massing and form/function play a huge part in preceived "livability".

[dewdrop74]

That was very helpful, K'ledgeBldr! And insightful.
Much appreciated.

[Fg5105]

A 40' X40' home (1600 sq ft). Has 160' exterior wall space !
A 80' X20' home (1600 sq ft) Has 200' exterior wall space!!

Which home would cost more going by sq wall area to be build?? !!!

[TreeZoo]

Originally Posted by Fg5105

A 40' X40' home (1600 sq ft). Has 160' exterior wall space !
A 80' X20' home (1600 sq ft) Has 200' exterior wall space!!

Which home would cost more going by sq wall area to be build?? !!!

Good point!

But would the 80x20 be easier (and cheaper) to roof because of the narrower span? A square building is easier to heat and cool with HVAC but the linear design is much cooler, in warm climates, if only natural ventilation is used.

So my question would be is the more linear design more expensive to build but superior to live in?