What is the Cost Of Building A House On Your Own Land?

Building a traditional-style house on your land can be a very costly endeavor. There are many factors to consider when budgeting for such a project. The cost of the land itself, the cost of materials, the cost of labor, and the cost of permits and inspections can all add up quickly. With careful planning and a realistic budget, however, building your dream home can be an achievable goal. In this article, I can share the cost of building a house on your own land.

Building On A Raw Land Versus On A Developed Land

When starting a building construction project, the cost and type of land is the first factor to consider. While there are several other types of land, raw land, and developed land are the major types of land.

Raw land hasn’t had any form of improvement or modifications carried out on it. It is a property in its natural or virgin state with no improvements like sewage, water, pre-defined building site, or any home-related utilities on it. Furthermore, raw lands are way cheaper when compared to developed land.

Developed or Improved lands, on the other hand, typically have electricity, sewage, and water facilities and are connected to a telephone service. While developed lands may cost way more than raw land, you won’t have to pay to install the necessary utilities on your land.

Some major advantages of building on raw land over developed land are that it offers ample building space, flexibility to build to your taste, and potential profit. However, building on raw land will cost you more money and time.

Steps To Building Your House On A Raw Land

Building your house on raw land may seem like an expensive and tedious project, but be assured that your dream home can be constructed on your land, notwithstanding your budget. Below are some steps to help you get the process started.

1. Choose a Starting Point

Building a custom home on raw land consist of several processes. You can start your new home construction in any of these four places.

With Your Land

If you already have land of your own, you are one step closer to achieving your dream of a personal house. Depending on your location, you may have to spend $3k to $10k per acre. The type, quality, and location of the land you choose will play a role in determining the cost of the construction.

With an Architect

Depending on the type of home you want to build or your desired customizations, you will need to work with a professional Architect to help you translate your ideas into a blueprint. Building your home on raw land will have total control over the floor plan design, layout, and finishes. You should discuss the square footage, stories, layout, and the number of rooms (bedroom & bathroom) with your architect to help you get the best floor plan that suits your building goals.

With a Floor Plan

The advent of the internet has made it easy for individuals to purchase floor plans over the internet for a little over a thousand dollars. Floor plans are excellent if you are not looking to build a custom house. However, they do not offer builders enough information to build a house. Since you are building your home on raw land, you should work with a local architect to bring your dreams to reality.

With a Builder

What is a custom building project without a builder? It is simply a merry-go-round adventure. When looking to build your house on your land, you should reach out to a local builder to guide you through the process. Most custom home builders in the US charge an average of $200-$500 per square foot. Before drawing up a blueprint for your potential house, you should discuss your plans with your builder.

2. Study Your Land and the Local Building Codes

If you have created your building blueprint and hired a local builder, the next step is to thoroughly analyze your land given the local building regulations. Since you are building on raw land with no utilities or existing amenities, you will need to devise a plan on how to access or have these utilities installed on your land. You or your builder will need to work with a civil engineer to ensure your building construction is in line with the local building regulations.

3. Get a License and Permits

Once you have surveyed the property and ensured that your building plan is in line with the building regulations in the jurisdiction where your land is located, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. In most states in the US, building permits are issued by the county upon confirmation that your building structure is in line with its code.

Typically, before a permit or license is issued, the local building authorities may have to inspect the location before a certificate of occupancy physically is issued. On average, you may spend between $1000- $7,500, depending on your location.

4. Find Out Building Construction Timeline

Upon receipt of the necessary licenses and permits, the next step is to determine how long the building will take to complete. On average, building a house on improved land using a ready floor plan may take between 4 and 6 months.

However, if you plan to build your house on raw land, it may take longer. It is important that you discuss any adjustments or changes to the floor plan with your builder before the start of the construction. If you have a specific timeline for moving, it is advisable that you stick to a semi-custom-designed home instead of a fully custom-designed home.

5. Find Out How Much It Will Cost To Build on Your Land

The cost of building your house on land largely depends on its size, type, materials, and the builder you choose. However, the more customizations you carry out, the more the overall cost of your building construction will go up.

Before you start building on your land, you should find out the cost of each of the materials, finishes, and cost per square foot. If you are building a custom home for the first time, it is advisable that you reach out to several builders to get a broader cost analysis. Don’t just opt for the least price because you may spend more on upgrades in the long run.

If you are set to start building your dream home on your land, your chosen local builder will be able to introduce you to several local lenders with experience in construction loans. If you are opting for a construction loan to finance your building project, some lenders may require that you have a good credit score and put down a certain amount of money.

Final Point

The cost of building a house on your own land can be very expensive. When budgeting for your project, it is important to factor in the cost of materials, labor, and permits. With careful planning and a realistic budget, you can build the home of your dreams. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can build a beautiful home that you can be proud of. With a little research and patience, you can find the perfect piece of land to build your dream home.

Frequently Asked Question

How much does it cost to build a house on your own land?

The average cost of building a house on your own land is $200,000. This number can vary depending on the size and location of the house.

What are some benefits of building a house on your own land?

 Building a house on your own land gives you complete control over the design and construction of your home. You can also save money by doing some or all of the work.

What are some challenges of building a house on your own land?

One challenge of building a house on your own land is finding financing. Getting a loan for a property that doesn't already have a home can be difficult. Another challenge is ensuring all the required permits are obtained before beginning construction.

More To Read: 

• What Makes Contemporary House Style Unique?
• Building Your House: Hiring a Builder Vs Building Yourself
• All About Country House Style - What To Consider Or Avoid?
• Everything You Need To Know About the Craftsman House Plan
• What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A Modern Home Style?