Construction-Cost Estimator - Free
“How Much Will It Cost to Build?”
It’s the almost first question when contemplating building a house - and for good reason. Budgeting for a custom build is a big deal, and understanding the potential cost upfront is critical.
As a designer, I hear this question at least once a week: “How much do you think it will cost?” The answer, of course, depends on some key factors, and is impossible to ‘ballpark’ without properly taking into account those key pieces of information. But, knowing what a realistic budget is for their project is important to know early in the planning process.
Here’s where I emphasize the word realistic.
One of the most common frustrations I hear from skilled contractors is that homeowners often come in with unrealistic cost expectations. Their numbers might be based on articles they’ve read, advice from friends about older projects, or comparisons to builds in entirely different locations. Unfortunately, these sources rarely reflect the actual cost of their unique project. And every project is entirely unique.
Experienced designers and builders know that no two projects are the same. Even homes that seem similar on the surface can vary significantly in cost due to design complexity, site conditions, and personal preferences. Making accurate comparisons without expert guidance is tricky—and often misleading.
To make this process smoother, I’ve created a checklist featuring 24 key factors that influence construction costs. By filling it out, you’ll gain a realistic ballpark square-footage price for your project, and insights into the impact of your choices in finishes. This tool is designed to take the guesswork out of early budgeting, giving you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
If you’re ready to turn your vision into reality, let’s start by building a clear picture of what it will take to make it happen.
Easy to download and use. For non-commercial purposes only.
Let me know if you have any questions!
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The following is for informational purposes only.
How much your cabin will cost to build depends on where you build, who builds it, and your choices of finishing details (high-end, modest, or low-end). All of our designs offer flexibility during planning and during construction to use windows, doors, and interior & exterior finishes that suit your budget and preferences. In the US or Canada, per square foot costs for materials range between US$100 and $250, with professional labour another US$100 to $250 per square foot.
To get up-to-date, locally relevant pricing for the materials that will be required to build your cabin, take your set of plans, no matter where you purchased them, to a building materials supplier to receive a ‘materials takeoff’ and price for everything that they are able to supply. If you are building your cabin yourself, *this* amount, plus another 15% for contingency, is your ballpark cost to build, plus your time.
Complete and even more accurate building budget calculations can be made by a local, experienced builder who has considered all your unique requirements and the building site’s unique characteristics. It can be worth paying a small consultation fee to gain their real-life insights into building costs in your particular area.