Square vs. Rectangle - Cost to build new house (plan, space)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
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.
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.
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!
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?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.