Square footage construction costs (Annandale, Washington: best neighborhoods, real estate, mortgage)

[na2rst]

We are looking to build on our lot in Annandale, and the information we get on square footage construction costs varies wildly. Does anybody know a builder who can construct for less than $100 for square foot?

[Flamingo13]

You get what you pay for in most cases

[Hal Roach]

Split foyer could be cheapest psf to construct. Maybe look at a few of the builder websites, some will offer on your lot.

[luv4horses]

Consider a modular home. After the foundation is constructed various chunks of the new house are brought in and joined together for the equivalent of a stick built house. But since the chunks are built indoors in a common location it’s cheaper with more quality control.

[na2rst]

Most of the builders want you to use one of their designs; we have an unusually large lot on a street full of McMansions and need to build something comparable in quality and design, but consistent with a mortgage we can afford.
We would like to do modular SIPS, but can't find one that charges less than $200 per square foot.
I hoped somebody in the Virginia/Washington D.C. area had some experience with an independent builder who is flexible on design and moderate in cost.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by na2rst

Most of the builders want you to use one of their designs; we have an unusually large lot on a street full of McMansions and need to build something comparable in quality and design, but consistent with a mortgage we can afford.
We would like to do modular SIPS, but can't find one that charges less than $200 per square foot.
I hoped somebody in the Virginia/Washington D.C. area had some experience with an independent builder who is flexible on design and moderate in cost.

Honestly, you are about to jump into the deep end, and from your posts, I'm not sure you can swim very well. I would re-think this plan, man. This could go wrong very quickly and be financial ruin for you.

[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by spencgr

Honestly, you are about to jump into the deep end, and from your posts, I'm not sure you can swim very well. I would re-think this plan, man. This could go wrong very quickly and be financial ruin for you.

I totally agree! When seeing $100 a sq foot I was really shocked. I’m thinking that $150 to $200 would be the going rate for a fairly modest new house.

[Hal Roach]

Originally Posted by na2rst

Most of the builders want you to use one of their designs; we have an unusually large lot on a street full of McMansions and need to build something comparable in quality and design, but consistent with a mortgage we can afford.
We would like to do modular SIPS, but can't find one that charges less than $200 per square foot.
I hoped somebody in the Virginia/Washington D.C. area had some experience with an independent builder who is flexible on design and moderate in cost.

The best neighborhoods often have a wide variety of age and size..a nice bungalow could easily bring as many buyers as a vinyl siding monstrosity. I would allot 60% of total to land costs, and go from there..

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Hal Roach

I would allot 60% of total to land costs, and go from there..

They already own the land.

[Hal Roach]

Originally Posted by spencgr

They already own the land.

I didn't say they did not...use the recent purchase price or current value, and add 2/3 of that amount for house...that will make the land worth 60% of the total. That is if the OP wants a true real estate investment, and not an investment in depreciating building materials. In 30-50 years, what was built now, may be irrelevant.