Construction costs can vary by state, and these homes can be expensive to build. For Maryland buyers, expect to pay $200-$300 per sq. ft. For out-of-state home plan buyers, it is recommended to use 3 free cost-estimating websites and average the three to get a better idea of your costs. The 3 highly recommended websites are below:
Here are some tips to keep construction costs down.
1. Choose exterior veneer wisely. Although these homes do not have vinyl siding, one can save money by incorporating brick and stone in random areas of the exterior. Use stone on corners and brick on the main walls. Buy 3" stone veneer from your local quarry directly to save costs. Storybook Classic Homes' goal is to use exterior materials that are truly maintenance-free. We will not build homes with wood or vinyl siding. If the budget is still too tight, choose Dryvit for a stucco-and-Tudor-beam look. This look is favoured because it is not concrete stucco, which can crack and chip. The Tudor beams are formed within the dryvit, so there will be no wood that can rot or be damaged by termites.
2. Most buyers today prefer gas fireplaces for their convenience. Most tract builders today have "cheapened" their construction costs and design by omitting chimneys for their gas fireplace models. Their excuse for "green" building standards is that they have omitted chimneys from all of their models. New homes today lack the curbside charm seen in older homes. Storybook-style homes have chimneys with chimney pots. Although you may have gas fireplaces, you can create a "faux" chimney using a concrete block with a brick or stone veneer. It is important that the chimney is constructed with sturdy concrete, as some chimney pots weigh 650 lbs or more!
3. Spend the bulk of the construction costs on the exterior veneer and the above-grade square footage. The interior can always be upgraded in the years ahead. Changing the exterior veneer and adding additions will be too costly. Finishing the basement can be a project for the future when the budget permits. Be on the lookout for salvaged antique materials such as windows, light fixtures, hardware, and architectural embellishments. These will only enhance the old-world look of these homes.
4. Kitchens are the most important rooms for resale. This room should not have builder-grade material such as oak cabinets and laminate/Corian countertops. If the budget is still too tight, spend the money on the cabinets. Golden Oak cabinets and white laminate cabinets are considered an "under improvement" in the construction quality of these homes. Stone countertops on builder-grade cabinets will give the appearance of pearl buttons on a burlap bag. Future homebuyers will notice this faux pas. Appliances can always be upgraded in the years to come.
