In an ideal world, money wouldn’t be a factor when it comes to building your dream home. In reality, most of us have to work within a budget. Whether that budget is $400,000 or $2,500,000, you will need to make choices that fit your finances.
When it comes to building a home, there are some styles that are less expensive to build. Generally, the simpler and smaller the house is, the less it will cost to build. Large houses with complex designs will be far more expensive. A good home builder will be able to work with you to help you design a custom or semi-custom house that fits within your budget.
At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, we take pride in building beautiful homes at a range of price points. Each of our builds comes with high-quality materials standard, along with the finest craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. To learn more or to talk to a member of our team about our custom home options, reach out today.
Have questions about building a home or making home renovations? Sometimes talking directly to an expert is easier than reading a post. Speak with a builder at Carl Deputy & Son Builders > (302) 284-3041
What House Styles Are the Most and Least Expensive?
There is a common misconception that building your own house, especially a custom home, is outrageously expensive. In reality, building a custom home can be less expensive than buying an existing home. The cost to build a custom home in Delaware truly comes down to the choices that you make, from the style of house to the features and finishes that you choose.
There are some styles of house that are simply pricier to build. This is typically due to the size and complexity of the build. Below, we break down some popular styles of houses and where they typically fall on the affordability scale for homeowners.
The Most Expensive Styles of Homes to Build
One of the biggest factors that influences the cost of building a home is the square footage. Simply put, a house that is 10,000 square feet will require more labor and materials than a house that is 1,500 square feet. The style of the home also plays a role in its overall cost.
Some of the more expensive styles of houses to build include:
- Mediterranean: Popularized in the 1920s and 1940s, this style of home features arches, high vaulted ceilings, stucco exteriors, and gorgeous tile roofing. The more intricate and unusual architectural features and materials can make it far more expensive to build than other types of homes.
- Storybook: A storybook-style house is known for its Tudor and Gothic elements, creating a charming cottage-style dwelling. These homes tend to have features that are more complicated to build, such as gables and points on the roof, rounded windows and doors, and asymmetrical frames.
- Georgian: The Georgian style is known for being large, imposing, and square or rectangular in shape. They are typically made out of brick, which is a more expensive building material. The combination of brick, large size, and large windows that are characteristic of these homes makes them pricier to build.
- Spanish: This style of home is similar to a Mediterranean style, but with sharper lines and fewer elaborate features. Spanish-style homes have stucco walls and clay-tiled roofs, plus exposed wooden support beams and small, arched windows. The materials and techniques used to build these homes can make them more expensive.
- Contemporary: These homes tend to be minimalistic in terms of design, with large, open floor plans. They are often built with natural, eco-friendly materials and more visually interesting designs. Contemporary-style homes often require more complicated frameworks and foundations for their unique style.
- Queen Anne: Originating in the late 1800s, the Queen Anne style of home may also be considered Victorian. These houses are characterized by tall, irregularly-shaped turrets and towers, bay windows, gingerbread-like spindles, and large wrap-around porches. All of these features take a significant amount of skill and time, which makes them more expensive to build.
Of course, if you fall in love with a particular style of house, the fact that it may be more expensive to build might not matter much to you. But if you are on a budget, our designers can work with you to develop a plan for your custom house that matches both your dreams and your finances.
The Least Expensive Styles of Homes to Build
On the flip side, there are certain types of houses that are a lot less expensive to build. Generally, these houses tend to be smaller with a more streamlined design. In many cases, these houses can be built for $75 to $275 per square foot, making them much more affordable than other house styles.
Some of the most cost-effective house styles include:
- Barndominium: A combination of a barn and a condominium, the “barndo” uses the more economical construction of a barn to create a home with open living spaces, simple rooflines, and plenty of windows. Homeowners can order barndominium kits or work with a home builder to design and construct a more customized home.
- Modular: A modular home consists of sections (modules) that are built in a factory before being transported to your property to be assembled. This type of home minimizes construction costs significantly because most of the work is done at a factory rather than on-site. There are options for both pre-designed houses and custom homes with a modular style.
- A-frame: This style of home is often associated with cabins or ski chalets. With a roofline resembling the letter A, this is a smaller home that still provides a fair amount of living space.
- Cape Cod: This style of home has a steep, gabled roof, dormer windows, and a boxy layout. It tends to be smaller in size and has a simple design, which makes it a less expensive option.
- Shipping container: Using repurposed shipping containers allows contractors to build a low-cost home. The steel boxes can be stacked and modified to add windows, doors, and utilities.
- Craftsman: This style of house tends to be smaller, with an emphasis on wide porches, exposed beams, and craftsmanship. Because this style of house typically has a relatively simple design and a lower square footage, it is often less expensive to build.
- Tiny: A tiny house is very affordable to build because of its size of under 400 square feet. Many people choose this style as a first home because it is so affordable.
- Ranch: A one-story ranch home is a great option both in terms of price and long-term planning. These houses tend to have a simple box shape, low-pitched roofs, and no stairs. Because it just has one floor, a ranch house is often much less expensive to build than a 2 or 3-story house.
Regardless of the style of house that you choose, it is possible to save money when building a house by making smart choices. This includes selecting a more streamlined style of house, building a smaller home, and avoiding high-end finishes. Our design team can work with you to help you plan a custom or semi-custom house that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Finally, keep in mind that a particular house style may be more or less expensive to build and maintain based on your location. For example, if you have a small lot, then it makes more sense to build a 2-story home than a ranch. Your builder can talk to you about different home styles that would work both for your budget and your property when you consult with them about the design.
Work With Carl Deputy and Son Builders To Build A Home That Fits Within Your Budget
For more than 40 years, Carl Deputy and Son Builders has built homes in Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We offer a full range of residential construction services, including custom homes, semi-custom homes, and renovations. We can build on your lot or on one of our properties based on your needs.
Our commitment to customer service extends to an understanding that our clients should build a home that works for their finances. We work with homeowners to help them design homes that are absolutely stunning and expertly crafted – and that they can afford. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a member of our team, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
