What Exactly Goes Into Building a New Home?🏠

Over the years, we have built over 300 homes in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The majority of these homes were Spec Homes, where we assessed and purchased the land, decided on the style of house, and selected all of the finishes – cabinets, siding and roof colors, countertops, and flooring.

We have transitioned to Custom Home building, where our clients either already own or plan to purchase a piece of property and want to construct their new home.

One of the challenges we’ve found is that some homeowners design their dream house without consulting a builder early in the process. This often leads to budget overruns or design adjustments when the realities of land development and construction costs come into play. Engaging a builder early can help you avoid these pitfalls by ensuring that both the design and the construction budget align with the specifics of your property and your goals.

The cost of the house is generally the same as the footprint and square footage of the new house is the same no matter which town the home is to be built. There may be some variables, such as a sloped lot, where there is an opportunity to create a walkout basement.

Why Involving the Builder Early Matters

Involving the builder early provides critical insight into the feasibility of your design based on the property’s unique characteristics. Builders can assess the land, including the slope, soil quality, and ledge of the ground—factors that significantly influence construction costs and design options. For instance:

• Ground Ledge Considerations: The ledge, or exposed bedrock, can dramatically affect the cost and planning of a build. Excavating ledge can be expensive, requiring heavy equipment or even blasting. Identifying ledge early in the process allows the builder to recommend cost-effective solutions, such as adjusting the house placement or designing a foundation to work with the natural terrain.

• Sloped Lots: A sloped lot might present an opportunity for features like a walkout basement, but it also requires careful planning for drainage and grading.

• Site Development: Builders can advise on clearing trees, preparing driveways, and installing utilities in ways that reduce costs and maintain the property’s aesthetic appeal.

Land Development Costs to Consider

The cost of developing the land can vary drastically from lot to lot. Here are some of the major costs that factor into the planning:

• Area to be Developed: How much of the lot needs to be cleared for the driveway, house, and utilities? Removing trees, stumps, and unsuitable soils—sometimes requiring offsite disposal—can vary greatly.

• Trees: Are they 60’ pine or oak trees, or just ground vegetation? Larger trees require more significant equipment and labor.

• House Size and Garage Location: A side-loaded garage requires more space for a turnaround, adding to clearing and paving costs.

• Driveway Length and Material: Is the driveway 50’ or 200’? Will it be gravel or paved?

• Septic System or Town Sewer: Septic systems can add tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the soil and design.

• Well or Town Water: Drilling a well can cost up to three times more than connecting to town water.

• Landscaping: The more area cleared, the greater the need for loam, seeding, and plantings.

• Electric and Other Utilities: The distance from the house to the street might require additional poles or underground utility lines.

By involving Calyx early in the design process, you’ll benefit from our extensive experience in evaluating land and managing construction. Together, we’ll ensure your new home is as practical as it is beautiful—and fits your budget.

Call us today at 401-334-9110 or email us at Inquire@CalyxBuilds.com to schedule an appointment. Let’s turn your dream plans into your dream home!