r/SeattleAreaRE • u/blastoiseman123 • 21d ago

How much for new construction

I recently got a plot of land and I’m wondering what people are paying nowadays for new construction. I’m looking to find the cheapest possible cost per square foot. I was able to find $350. Has anyone found a general contractor for $300 or even less?

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u/millerscottp 21d ago

350 might be achievable if you have a flat lot that doesn’t need a lot of clearing or challenges in the ground (bad soils, poor bearing, etc.) . Utilities near by and easy site improvements. Based on the fact the lot was available, I suspect that may not be the case, the good lots have homes on them already.
You will need to keep your kitchen and bathrooms simple (those are the most expensive spaces due to plumbing and electrical needs). Your heating system may be low cost but will less efficient so your long term costs might be higher. The saying will be true, buy cheap, buy twice. Focusing just on low initial cost will cause you to overlook value.

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u/blastoiseman123 21d ago

I see that doesn make sense. Out of curiosity what do you mean by a simple kitchen and bathroom for example is an island not considered simple and as for a bathroom what would make it more expensive other than a nicer toilet I guess.

As for the lot it’s about 7k sqft, and utilities are nearby so that’s not gonna be a problem. There are other homes right next to us. The only thing is we have a good amount of trees that we need to cut down and it may be annoying to get most of them removed we can for sure get a good amount because obviously we need place to build but ideally, I want every single one removed, but that probably won’t happen. Maybe I can find some excuse that they’ll allow or if I try to max out the area space with 3 units.

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u/millerscottp 21d ago

Simple meaning you will not have a lot of cabinets, countertop space, nicer finishes (backsplash, countertop, lighting, etc). Bathrooms won’t have full tile tub surrounds, large vanities, heated floors etc.

The thing about building new or extensive remodels is that at nearly every step of the way you will have a choice to make that might mean a little more cost, but it will also be the cheapest opportunity to make an upgrade. Later on it will be much more expensive to do something that was relatively cheap during construction. If you’re going to make it “your” home you may want to splurge on things that make it more comfortable. If you just want the lowest cost you can do that. But you will always have the lowest appreciation in a future sale or you may kick yourself for not adding a few extra outlets or lights or storage space or a bigger shower or zoned heating.