
Homebuyers often ask us to tell them the price per square foot in our homes. When you’re faced with so many options, it’s tempting to use this seemingly equitable comparison.
Unfortunately, this approach rarely compares "apples to apples," and you may end up making an uninformed decision. A quick conversation will help you determine the true "value per square foot" of your new home.
Building Materials vs. Design: How well balanced are the building materials to the overall design of the home? This will be your home for some time, it should reflect your personal style both inside and out.
Interior Finishes: How is the trim painted? How long are sheetrock nail pops warranted? Is crown molding included or an upgrade? Are the types of flooring an upgrade or standard? What grades of windows are in the home? Are windows energy-efficient?
Mechanicals: How long is the home warranted? How many lights are included in the home? What type of light switches are included?
Energy-Efficiency: Is the home EarthCraft? Is the home a certified "green" home? What is the quality of the air in the home? Is the home quiet? How high are the utility bills?
Location: Does your home have a community feel? Is it close to schools, entertainment, grocery stores, and the places you need and want to visit? Can you walk within your community? Do you feel "safe" at home?
In order to get the accurate answer, a home buyer must question their builder on all these aspects of a new home. It is inevitable that this conversation will lead to more questions and further discovery. Your builder should welcome this conversation! It is part of the overall VALUE of your new home.
Price per square foot appears to be a simple calculation, but the VALUE of the home should be the main focus of your decision to buy.