Not sure I understand how you can see it both as a "needed correction" as I do, and a "hole to climb out of." Isn't it one or the other?
xtn
Home construction prices in Canada...what the heck is going on?
- Thread starter MotorSeven
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Not sure I understand how you can see it both as a "needed correction" as I do, and a "hole to climb out of." Isn't it one or the other?
xtn
OP
MotorSeven
Elite Member
Since the "needed correction", home values have continued to plummet to put us further down in this hole. Either way it ain't good.
pjb09
Bronze Member
Hi eveyone,
Just joined and read this thread.
I finished building my house a year ago in Nova Scotia and found the discussion on building prices interesting.
Having just completed building I have a good feel for pricing on new home construction in my area.
many of the sq. Ft. Prices seem very high. My house is 6000 sq. Ft on a 4acre lake lot, ICF, stucco, geothermal heat and AC. I was the GC. Total construction cost including lot, well and septic was approx 900K making the sq ft cost all in at 150. I have a granite counter top business and therefore work with many general contractors and builders. In talking to them it appears that a figure of approximately 110 to 115 (without lot) will cover most average homes.
Concrete ran about $130/yd plus pumping costs.
My electrical (no fixtures) with underground service was $25k
Plumbing (no fixtures, 2 kitchens, 5 baths) $12k
If I had hired a GC it would have cost 10 to 15% more perhaps. Took me 15 months to complete.
Still working on the landscaping, that's what the BX25 is for. Having a great time. 138 hrs in first 5 months. Can't wait for the snow to melt so I an get going again.
Just joined and read this thread.
I finished building my house a year ago in Nova Scotia and found the discussion on building prices interesting.
Having just completed building I have a good feel for pricing on new home construction in my area.
many of the sq. Ft. Prices seem very high. My house is 6000 sq. Ft on a 4acre lake lot, ICF, stucco, geothermal heat and AC. I was the GC. Total construction cost including lot, well and septic was approx 900K making the sq ft cost all in at 150. I have a granite counter top business and therefore work with many general contractors and builders. In talking to them it appears that a figure of approximately 110 to 115 (without lot) will cover most average homes.
Concrete ran about $130/yd plus pumping costs.
My electrical (no fixtures) with underground service was $25k
Plumbing (no fixtures, 2 kitchens, 5 baths) $12k
If I had hired a GC it would have cost 10 to 15% more perhaps. Took me 15 months to complete.
Still working on the landscaping, that's what the BX25 is for. Having a great time. 138 hrs in first 5 months. Can't wait for the snow to melt so I an get going again.
OP
MotorSeven
Elite Member
Pj, the "bungalow" in question is complete and came in just under half a million dollars. The owners are happy, so I guess it's all a matter of perspective
yelbike
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Keep in mind the cost per square feet go down as the square feet go up. Typically only one kitchen, yes it gets bigger but not proportionately. One septic system, one driveway and so on.
pjb09
Bronze Member
Yelbike,
I agree that the per sq ft price can be a little lower when size goes up especially if a multi story home with 3 floors. Foundation size and roof size are smaller for a larger living space, but mine is a bungalow. We have two wells, one 500' (water) and one 600' (geothermal). The driveway is about 500' long (more than average house). The house has 12 to 14 ft ceilings.
It just amazes me that prices can be 2 - 3 times as much for new construction in other parts of the country. This means materials and labour have to be the same amount higher, or profit margins are excessive or there are factors beyond my comprehension or a combination of all three.
I agree that the per sq ft price can be a little lower when size goes up especially if a multi story home with 3 floors. Foundation size and roof size are smaller for a larger living space, but mine is a bungalow. We have two wells, one 500' (water) and one 600' (geothermal). The driveway is about 500' long (more than average house). The house has 12 to 14 ft ceilings.
It just amazes me that prices can be 2 - 3 times as much for new construction in other parts of the country. This means materials and labour have to be the same amount higher, or profit margins are excessive or there are factors beyond my comprehension or a combination of all three.
The prices for general labor, special trades labor and professional services will usually be higher in high-cost-of-living areas. A carpenter, electrician and architect in Anywhere, North Dakota will probably not have as high rates as they would in LA, California for example, because their own rent/mortgage/insurance/dental repair/lunch/ etc cost less. Materials will cost more in higher-cost0of0living areas too, in general, because even if a comodity price is basically the same, the lumber yard and the plumbing supply house have to make more money to pay their more expensive employees/rent/insurance/etc.
xtn
xtn