Best Seller! Cost-Estimating Worksheet

“What Will It Cost to Build?”
It’s almost the first question when you’re 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 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 your project is important to understand 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 costs 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 in finishes. Making accurate comparisons without expert guidance is tricky—and often misleading.

To make this process smoother, I 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. Take the guesswork out of early budgeting, and get the clarity and confidence to move forward.

Designed to work with any house design, from any designer or architect. Easy to download and use. Let me know if you have any questions.
-Pete

For non-commercial purposes only.