Smart Budgeting for Your Custom Home Build

Most folks dream big when planning their custom home, but the reality check on costs hits hard. That’s where I come in. With over 2,000 homes built, I know helping customers budget smartly is key to turning dreams into walls and roofs without surprises.

Start by gauging costs per square foot. At S. Clements Homes, we build super solid houses for about $160 per square foot under roof. If you’re eyeing a 2,500-square-foot custom home, you’re looking at a base cost of $400,000. But don’t stop there.

When building on raw land, tack on an additional 10-15% for site work, utilities, and land preparation. These elements can shift your budget more than you’d expect. So, if you’re working off raw land, add around $40,000 to $60,000 to that estimate.

I keep a running spreadsheet of costs for you, tracking every dollar spent throughout the build. That transparency means no financial surprises—and peace of mind knowing exactly where you stand.

Honest budgeting starts with honest pricing, and I’m upfront with what things cost from day one. No markups on upgrades and no inflated estimates. That’s just honest pricing.

If you’re ready to get real about your custom home budget, give me a call. Let’s chat about what it takes to make your dream home a reality without unwelcome surprises. Ring me at (469) 853-7952 and let’s talk about your project goals.