Q. How much does it cost per square foot to build a house?

A. In one form or another, this question is one of the most frequent requests we receive from our visitors. Unfortunately, it is also one of the few questions that we simply cannot answer very specifically.  Labor and material costs can vary substantially based upon the time of the year, complexity or uniqueness of the project, good or bad economic times, jobsite conditions, regional markets, the unemployment rate, local building codes, construction moratoriums, zoning laws, covenants and restrictions, availability of supplies and workers, weather conditions, natural disasters, public or private water and sewer, and several hundred other factors. And, to make matters worse, there really isn't any uniform method of measuring square footage or defining what is included in those numbers. Is your builder or realtor using exterior dimensions or interior dimensions? Have they included the garage or basement in their calculations? What about decks or covered porches? Is the land included in the square foot costs? What about building permits, utility connections, landscaping, paving...

In order for us to give you and accurate quote we must see your house plans and we must discuss the details of your requirements.

Q. Will you provide the contract specifications?

A. YES. First of all, consider hiring a lawyer to review the contract documents before you sign them. You might be surprised how many people don't consult an attorney when making a new home purchase - until after things go wrong. By then, a buyer's options may be severely limited.

 Construction specifications should absolutely be an integral part of every construction agreement. How are you supposed to know what you are buying if you do not see it in writing and it is not part of your contract? Do you get vinyl siding everywhere or brick veneer on certain walls? Does the refrigerator shown in the model come with your home? How about the icemaker, double bowl sink, granite island countertop? Who pays to have the driveway paved, the utilities connected to the house, the septic system installed? Will your heat pump be a high efficiency model? How many coats of finish will be applied to your hardwood floor? What if you want more than one color paint in your house, extra electrical outlets, more phone jacks, wires for a sound system...? There is almost no limit to the things that can and do go wrong when clearly written specifications are not included in a homebuilding agreement.

Q. Do I require a building permit?

A. Not in Sorrento, at this time but they are required in most other areas.  If a licensed builder is constructing the entire house they will be responsible for any necessary permits, however, if you are acting as your own builder you must apply to the Home Owner Protection office for a Homeowner's Exemption Permit before you place your footings.

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Q. What kind of work does not require a permit?

A.

• Retrofitted insulation
• Concrete slabs/driveways
• Masonry repair
• Painting
• Interior wall, ceiling or floor coverings
• Gutters & downspouts
• Shelving & cabinet work
• Replacing or repairing siding that is not required to be fire resistant
• Plastic glazed storm windows
• Retaining wall not over four feet in height