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Click on the image that best answers the question.
Click on the image that best answers the question.
When it comes to designing your home, a critical decision is the general home’s shape. The most cost-effective home to build is in the shape of either a square or a rectangle. Many people, however, prefer the design & style flexibility afforded by an L-shaped, H-shaped, U-shaped T-shaped or irregular-shaped home.
As always there are trade-offs. A home’s shape is one of the single largest factors in the structural cost. The more basic & simple the shape, the more economical the home is to build. And, you guessed it, the more involved & complicated the shape, the more expensive the home is to build.
Click on the image that best reflects the general shape of the home you plan to build.
The Dream Home Calculator will adjust the cost of your home based on your locale. We update our pricing on a quarterly basis to keep our cost estimates current overall, and current for your specific area of the country.
If you have a basement but do not intend to finish any portion of it at this time, enter 0 into the field above.
Drag/slide the green indicator below to the desired value.
Your budget, current life situation, personality – all factors in what home-buying experience you are seeking.
Click on the image that best answers the question.
- Existing home; house design from stock plan in neighborhood where same plan with minor variations has been built frequently.
- No finish choices unless house purchased prior to completion; then, choices are limited to purely decorative ones.
- Large economies of scale since house has been built multiple times, so homes are very cost-effective.
- House design based on stock plan; some layout tweaks to the plan are allowed – typical design duration is 1 – 2 months.
- Finish choices are limited to a defined handful of options per finish category.
- Limited interaction with & time involvement from builder.
- Economies of scale since house has been built multiple times, so cost is typically lower.
- Timeframe to build is highly predictable since variation of home plan has been built multiple times.
- One-on-one with builder to choose lot, develop custom plan & select nearly every finish detail.
- Plan & design are unique, one-of-a-kind – start from blank canvas; typical design duration of 4+ months.
- Craftsmen with the skill to build a high-quality, unique product employed.
- Nearly unlimited choices for each of the home’s finishes.
- Changes allowed at virtually any stage.
- Since design has never been built before, higher cost.
- Typically longer build duration due to level of customization and complexity.
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- Stucco with basic finish
- Hardboard siding
- One feature area of manufactured stone
- Stucco with basic finish
- Engineered-wood or cement board siding & trim
- One feature area of stone or brick
- Most of front of house in stone or brick with stucco sides & back (stucco with integrated color & polymer finish)
- Engineered-wood or Cedar trim
- Whole house in stone or brick
- Where body of house is stucco, trim is also stucco
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- 3-tab (single layer) asphalt shingles, 30-year warranty
- Textured, double-layer composition roof, 40-year warranty
- Textured, multi-layer composition roof, 50-year warranty
- Concrete tile
- Painted metal standing seam
- Clay tile
- Slate
- Copper standing-seam
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- Aluminum-stamped, standard styles/designs
- Single door, single sidelites
- Standard-height (6’8”)
- Fiberglass, multiple style/design options
- Single door, dual sidelites, transom
- Standard-height (6’8”)
- Wood door (mahogany, fir, e.g.), tall
- Double door, sidelites & transom
- Custom heights
- Custom iron/steel doors
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- Vinyl
- 2 or 3 colors options
- Standard/stock sizes & styles
- Fiberglass
- Aluminum-wrapped wood
- Aluminum-clad, medium-gauge aluminum
- Quality, known window manufacturer
- Custom sizes, multiple colors, architectural styles
- Aluminum-clad, heavy-gauge aluminum
- Best-in-class window manufacturer
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- Steel
- 3 or 4 design options
- Non-insulated
- Single, chain-driven opener
- Steel or wood
- Standard, pre-defined design options & colors
- Insulated
- Pre-finished
- Chain or belt-driven opener
- Steel, wood or masonite
- Custom design, multiple color options
- Belt-driven or shaft-mounted openers
- One opener per door
- Glass-panel
- Completely custom design
- High-hatted tracks (so garage door tucked tight to ceiling when open)
Building Science is…
“…the study of how all systems of a structure function together to optimize building performance and prevent building failure. This includes the detailed analysis of energy and moisture flows, building materials, building envelopes and mechanical systems.”
So, what is behind the walls (and floors and ceilings) DOES matter. This includes things like your foundation, ground water management, lumber, framing practices, mechanical systems, insulation, etc. Ask your contractor about what they do to ensure quality and value in each of these areas.
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- Foundation damp-proofing
- 2×4 exterior walls & dimensional lumber for floor joists
- Standard-grade lumber
- Basic framing practices
- Insulation that meets building codes requirements
- 2×6 exterior walls
- Better-than-standard-grade lumber
- Improved framing practices resulting in straighter, more true walls
- Insulation that meets or exceeds building codes
- Waterproofing options for foundation
- Engineered-wood floor joist & sub-floor systems
- Engineered lumber for structural members
- More advanced framing practices, resulting in minimized drywall cracks, “nail pops” and floor squeaks
- Insulation that exceeds building codes
- Guarantee-backed waterproofing options
- Most advanced framing practices
- Most advanced insulation practices
Efficiency is measured as an AFUE rating for heating equipment and as a SEER rating for cooling equipment.
AFUE is a measure of how efficient the heater is at converting its fuel (gas, electrcity, etc.) to heat and is expressed as a percentage, up to 100% — the higher the better.
SEER measures cooling capacity relative to electricty used. Currently 13 SEER is the lowest residential efficiency, up to 25 SEER on the high end.
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- No heating and/or cooling (HVAC), depending on your locale
- HVAC equipment to meet local building codes
- Upgraded-efficiency HVAC equipment (higher AFUE & SEER ratings)
- Upgraded filters
- Humidification or dehumidification added
- Further-improved efficiency of HVAC equipment (still higher AFUE & SEER ratings)
- Use of heat pumps
- Introduction of energy recovery ventilators, which improve indoor air quality as well as system efficiency
- Highest-efficiency gas or electric HVAC equipment (e.g. highest AFUE & SEER ratings, adding variable-speed blowers and 2-stage air conditioners)
- Specialty HVAC equipment, like ground source heat pumps (geo-thermal), etc.
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- Standard fixtures (like available from big-box retailers) with standard finishes (chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze)
- Fiberglass showers & tubs
- Thinner-gauge stainless-steel kitchen sink
- Upgraded fixtures & finishes in kitchen, master & powder bathroom
- Standard fixtures & finishes in secondary bathrooms
- Fiberglass showers & steel tubs in secondary bathrooms
- Tile shower base in master
- Heavier-gauge stainless-steel or manufactured stone kitchen sink
- Upgraded fixtures (like available from a professional plumbing supply store) & upgraded finishes throughout
- Tile shower bases throughout
- Multiple shower heads & body sprays in master
- Apron-front (farm) or cast-iron sink
- Specialty fixtures & finishes in key locations, upgraded fixtures elsewhere
- Custom,, hammered-copper kitchen sink
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- Mostly recessed can lighting
- Decorative fixtures in kitchen, dining, master & front entry
- Decorative fixtures are standard (like available from big-box retailers)
- Mix of recessed can lighting and decorative fixtures in most rooms
- Decorative fixtures from professional lighting retailer
- Every room has combination of recessed cans and fixtures
- Lights in key locations are on dimmers
- Larger-scale decorative fixtures
- Accent lighting (wall sconces, art lights, up-lighting, etc.) in key locations
- Controlled lighting in key locations
- Architectural lighting
- Custom-made, decorative fixtures
- Accent lighting and controlled lighting throughout house
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- 36” cooktop with single oven or 30” range
- under-cabinet ventilation hood
- wall or countertop microwave
- standard-depth, 36”-wide freestanding refrigerator/ freezer
- dishwasher
- Brands such as Frigidaire, GE & Whirlpool
- double ovens
- wall-chimney ventilation hood
- built-in microwave
- under-counter beverage fridge
- washer & dryer
- Brands such as Jenn-air, Samsung, GE Café & LG
- 48” cooktop with double ovens or 48” range
- 48” built-in refrigerator/freezer
- options for quieter & more powerful ventilation
- built-in microwave drawer
- one or two additional appliance(s) in secondary location(s)
- a specialty appliance, like ice maker or wine refrigerator
- basic outdoor kitchen (grill, under-counter fridge, stainless steel storage doors)
- Brands such as Miele, Dacor, Kitchen Aid, Wolf/Sub-zero, Viking, Thermador
- second full kitchens
- numerous specialty appliances, like dishwasher drawers, refrigerator drawers, beverage centers, built-in steamers, induction cooktops
- specialty finishes, like custom enamels, custom wood panels, etc.
- full outdoor kitchens
- Best-of-breed brand approach rather than a package of appliances of the same brand
- Specialty brands like Bertazzoni and Gaggenau
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- Framed construction
- 3/4” solid wood for frames & drawer fronts
- Particle board box construction
- Nailed or stapled
- Stock sizes, big box store availability
- Partial-overlay doors & drawers
- Simple panel design (shaker or slab, e.g.)
- Paint-grade
- Framed or frameless construction
- Plywood box construction
- Screwed or stapled
- Some customization
- Full-overly doors & drawers in kitchen and partial-overlay elsewhere
- More panel design options
- Stain- or paint-grade
- Glass in some kitchen cabinet doors
- Extended-height upper cabinets
- Appliance panels
- Soft-close doors & drawers
- Some organizational features like utensil dividers and pull-out shelves
- 1” solid wood for frames & drawer fronts in kitchen & master, 3/4” elsewhere
- Pocket-screwed or dovetailed
- Full customization
- Flush inset doors & drawers in kitchen and full- or partial-overlay elsewhere
- Numerous panel design options
- Built-in cabinetry in a couple of key locations
- Large wood exhaust hood
- Additional features like dedicated spice racking, corner-cabinet organization or wine bottle storage
- Integrated lighting
- 1” solid wood for frames & drawer fronts throughout
- Flush inset doors & drawers throughout
- Full cabinetry (vs. site-built shelving) in pantry and master closet
- Additional built-in cabinetry throughout
Drag/slide the green indicator below to the desired value.
- Category 1 (simple, uniform designs w/standard colors) granite or quartz in kitchen & master bathroom
- Basic edge profiles
- Cultured marble or laminate in secondary bathrooms, laundry, etc.
- Rectangular shapes
- Category 2 – 3 (more color & design options) granite or quartz in kitchen, master bath & powder bathroom
- Category 1 in secondary areas
- Different finish options (honed, brushed, etc.) for granite or quartz in a single feature area
- Category 3 – 4 (deeper & richer colors; varied marking & veining options) granite or quartz in kitchen, master bath & powder bathroom
- Additional edge profiles
- Unique shapes (curved, angular, etc.)
- Other materials (marble, soapstone, stainless steel, concrete, etc.) as options for kitchen and/or master bathroom
- Categories 2 – 3 in secondary areas
- Different finish options (honed, brushed, etc.) for granite or quartz in some areas
- Category 5+ (exotic, rare colors, markings & veining) granite or quartz throughout
- Optional specialty materials, like Onyx, marble, precious stones, recycled materials, etc.
- Custom edge profiles
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- Coaxial & ethernet cabling run to a few locations
- Pre-wire for a couple of speakers
- Pre-wire for basic security
- Coaxial & ethernet to multiple locations
- A few zones of speakers
- Active, basic security system
- Basic temperature control
- Distributed audio/video system
- Security cameras added to security system
- Basic lighting control
- Home theater zone
- Standard interface that integrates and manages all smart home functions
- Control thru iPad, Smartphone, etc. & access system remotely
- Whole-house integrated lighting control system
- Water leak sensors
- Dedicated home theater
- Programmable interface that integrates and manages all smart home functions
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- 36” wide
- Simple, exposed frame
- Gas, woodburning or electric pre-built metal firebox
- Gas log lighter
- Wider size options, including linear designs
- Exposed frame
- Interior finish options (log style, refractory design, etc.)
- Larger overall openings
- Customizable options (frame finish, doors, screens, log style, refractory design, etc.)
- Façade material allowed right to opening, leaving no exposed frame
- Gas fireplaces give moderately efficient heat output
- Largest overall openings
- Programmable
- True masonry firebox & chimney for woodburning fireplaces
- Highest efficiency of heat output for gas fireplaces
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- Standard-profile, paint-grade baseboard & door/window casing; widths up to 4” for main areas of house and 2-½” widths in secondary areas
- Hollow-core, paint-grade interior doors
- Standard-profile paint-grade stair handrail, balusters & newel posts
- A single shelf and hanging rod per closet, simple shelving in master closet
- Increased profile options & widths to 5” for main areas of house for baseboard & door/window casing, including some stain-grade wood options
- Crown molding in two or three key rooms
- Semi-solid-core paint- or stain-grade interior doors
- Simple iron balusters in a standard profile & color
- Simple shelving extended to secondary closets and to pantry
- Simple ceiling details (beams, coffered, trayed, etc.) in two or three key rooms
- Numerous profiles & size options for baseboard & door/window casing; custom combinations in key rooms; stain- or paint-grade
- Crown molding in most rooms
- Solid-core paint-grade interior doors throughout, with solid wood stain-grade doors in key areas of main level
- More detailed baluster styles, iron newel posts, simple metal handrail
- Custom-designed master closet shelving
- Some level of ceiling detail in most rooms
- Two or three specialty trim details (hidden door, library-paneled room, wainscot, tongue-and-groove wood porch ceilings, interior columns, etc.)
- Custom combinations for baseboard, door/window casing & crown molding in most rooms
- Solid wood stain-grade doors throughout
- Custom iron stair system
- More elaborate, highly detailed ceiling detail
- Numerous specialty trim details
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- None
- One interior feature area (fireplace surround, etc.) using a manufactured stone
- One interior feature area (fireplace wall, etc.) of stone or brick
- A few interior features (fireplace wall, columns, bar/wine wall, etc.)
- Numerous interior locations for stone & brick (an entire wall, a hallway, cased openings, etc.)
Drag/slide the green indicator below to the desired value.
- Two or three interior wall colors and one paint color for trim/cabinetry
- One exterior paint color for body and trim, with one additional trim paint color for front of house
- Basic pre-paint prep (nail holes in trim filled)
- Four or five interior wall colors and two or three trim/cabinetry paint or stain colors
- Garage walls & ceiling painted
- One or two areas with a specialty faux/paint finish
- One exterior paint color for body and one paint color for trim for whole house
- Standard pre-paint prep (sand & prime to improve finish)
- Multiple wall and trim/cabinetry colors
- Moderate pre-paint prep that results in near-flawless finish on painted trim & cabinetry
- Sheen options (flat, satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, etc.)
- Three or four areas with a specialty faux/paint finish
- One or two additional exterior colors
- Extensive pre-paint prep that results in near-flawless finish on all surfaces
- Multiple areas with specialty faux/paint finishes throughout
- Epoxy-coated garage floors
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- Hardwood would be a pre-finished, laminated & engineered product less than ¾” thick
- Carpet would be medium- grade (6-12-year expected lifetime, fiber is polyester in medium density with lighter-construction backing)
- Tile would be porcelain, with basic colors & sizes, and basic lay patterns
- Hardwood would be solid wood in standard wood species, standard widths & finished on-site
- Carpet would be better grade
- More options in tile size, colors & lay patterns
- Additional wood species for hardwood, in wider planks (up to ~6”) and a special finish (distressing, handscraping or eased edges, e.g.)
- Carpet would lean toward higher grade (15-20-year expected lifetime, fiber either nylon or wool, higher fiber density & heavier-construction backing)
- Tile could be natural stone (travertine, marble, etc.) in a key location; lay patterns become more intricate; tile features, like a border pattern e.g., introduced in a key location or two
- Exotic wood species, widest planks and special finishing in multiple areas for hardwood
- Highest-grade carpet in all locations
- Exotic tile or natural stone in all locations; floor features in all locations
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- Grass from seed or small area to be sod
- Landscaping beds with some basic, hearty shrubs at front of house
- Sod for yard
- Standard-zoned, yard sprinkler system
- Larger beds in front of house, with increased shrub variety
- May include one or two small, young trees
- Basic low-voltage landscape lighting
- Specialty-zoned sprinkler system for watering particular landscaping beds
- Landscaping beds extended to outdoor patio, deck or living spaces
- Additional trees
- Specialty landscape items like water features, dry creek beds, etc.
- Extensive sod coverage & sprinkler system
- Landscaping beds around whole house
- Many trees
Your covered outdoor area could be a simple, open but covered space or an elaborate screened-in 3-season room. The next question after this one will allow you to specify the finish level of your covered outdoor area.
Select the depth and the width for your covered outdoor area. If you do not plan to have a covered outdoor area, select ‘None’ for each.
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- Ground-level
- Concrete floor
- No railing
- Roof with exposed rafters, no ceiling
- Level with first floor
- Wood decking floor
- Wood or powder-coated aluminum railing system
- Ceiling
- Enclosed with screens or vinyl windows – 3-season room
- Composite decking floor
- Grill, fireplace or similar feature
- Enclosed, 4-season room
- Heated & cooled
- Tile, stone, or similar floor
The next question after this one will allow you to specify the finish level of your uncovered deck.
If you do not plan to have an uncovered deck, select ‘None’ for each of the depth and width.
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- Ground-level or near ground-level
- Treated lumber decking and railing
- Rectangular in shape
- Standard-grade composite decking
- Powder-coated aluminum or similar railing system
- Deck over 6 ft but below 12 ft above grade
- High-grade composite decking
- 12 ft+ above grade
- Ornamental iron, stainless steel cable or similar railing system
Your outdoor patio could be a simple poured-concrete slab to house some lawn chairs and a table & chairs. Or it could be a multi-tiered area covered in flagstone, with an outdoor kitchen and firepit. The next question after this one will allow you to specify the finish level of your outdoor patio.
If you do not plan to have an outdoor patio, select ‘None’ for each of the depth and width.
Drag/slide the green indicator below to the desired value.
- Rectangular
- Concrete
- Stamped or stained concrete
- Some level of irregular shape
- Stamped and stained concrete
- Fire pit or similar feature
- Flagstone, tile or similar
- Free-form shape
- Built-in grill and stone fireplace with chimney
Generally a lot that has some elevation change away from where your home will sit is desired. This allows water to drain out and away from your home.
You also want to match lot terrain with your desired house design. For example, if you desire a walk-out basement, choosing a flat lot will require additional excavation and retaining walls to achieve a walk-out as opposed to choosing a lot that has appropriate elevation change to allow the walk-out to naturally occur.
Steep or heavily terrained lots make building more challenging, and thus more expensive, but can result in a spectacular, unique outcome.
Click on the image that best answers the question.
Typically, lot sizes in residential neighborhoods are such that a home’s driveway is somewhere between 40 and 75 feet long. If you plan to build on acreage or your lot is such that you will have a drive longer than 75 feet, answer “Yes”.
Enter 0 if you already own your lot and/or do not want lot price included in your Dream Home cost calculation.
Whether for aging in place or to accomplish handicap accessibility, there are numerous design features you can incorporate into your home to achieve your accessibility goals. Zero-entry access into your home & at your showers, wide walkways, 3-foot (or wider) doorways & passageways, lever-type doorknobs, grab bars & handrails, slip-resistant flooring, etc. are just a few of the many features available today.