How Much Does it Cost to Build a Custom Home?

0:00
0:19 Introduction
1:01 Site Work
3:41 Foundation
4:00 Design
6:57 Bathrooms and Kitchens
8:31 Windows and Doors
9:57 Interior Finishes
14:19 Pre Construction
17:50 Conclusion
20:31 Solar Opportunity

How much does it cost to build a custom home? There's a reason it's not a simple answer you can just find anywhere! Casey breaks it down from the perspective of building in Ottawa, Ontario Canada, to help you feel prepared when budgeting and going into discussions with your contractor!

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Videos produced by The Conscious Builder Inc. are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify residential construction projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are continually changing, The Conscious Builder Inc cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, The Conscious Builder will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubts in regards to the element of a plan, please consult with a licensed professional.

[ZylkaLeftridge]

This was very informative! We have just starting our design for our house here in Ottawa! Can't wait to break ground :)

[breannegibson]

Thank-you so much Casey for this video, exactly what I needed right now.

[joshdillingham]

As someone who is 2 years into a self build of a passive house(ish), doing 95% of the work as a one man crew, I love this video! The next time my wife gets frustrated with how long it's taking and asks why we can't just pay someone I'll throw out this $400 /sqft number and let her know our 2000 sqft house would have cost $800k instead of the $110k we are on pace to spend (not including well, septic, land and site work.)

[ericscott]

Very well put together breakout on building costs, sets expectations and considerations very well. That said, when you said $400 sqft would be what you described as the starting point (excluding any site prep work or costs, that pretty much kills it for most people ever being able to build custom. It is what it is.

[latitudedesign]

Great video, Casey. I can say through my experience working on projects throughout BC that $400 a square foot is a common starting number. Of course, there are so many variables at play. In certain municipalities, let's say without bare land where you need to buy a tear down, you can easily spend $200-300k in planning, demo, permits, and site services before you even build anything. Deconstruction bylaws (recycling old homes) are becoming more commonplace and carry a big price tag.

[bryjbry]

$145/ sq ft here in AZ before Covid, $200+ now

[danydufort]

Another great edition of the conscious builder, well done ! Don't know where you find the time and energy to get these done, but I salute your commitment. What kind of building envelop is the 400$/ sq ft. based on.

[SSSlayShrek]

I really like your approach and your style of presentation. I will be working on a custom home project a year from now. I hope i can use your expertise when that time comes.

[dangelocharlton]

Great channel. This is awesome and I'm watching all the videos now. Is there a password on the estimating spreadsheet?

[MrBaconis]

What would you say about multi unit builds? 5 plex and up.

[JB-ejqy]

What are you drinking? The Kool aid is not that expensive. Base model 150-200 sq ft 😮😂