Summary: By using cost estimating software you can determine the approximate cost to build a house for almost any area of the country.
Carl, my husband and I are wanting to build our first house in Cookeville, TN and we have purchased the land already.
Can we realistically build (turn key) a 1,200 - 1,400 sq. ft. house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, for $100,000 to $110,000, or is this wishful thinking.
Can you give us your thoughts and opinion?
Thank you, Diane
Hi Diane,
It appears that if you are frugal and vigilantly watch your costs, you should be able to build an approximately 1,300 sq ft house in the Cookeville, TN area.
I selected this attractive 1297 sq ft, 2 story house, with 3 bedrooms and 2 1⁄2 baths, from familyhomeplans.com - House Plan 66715.
To keep the cost to build this house low, I used a 4 corner slab foundation and a simple 2 story design that allows for an attractive 126 sq. ft. front porch. The porch utilizes the foundation slab as its’ own floor.
The following specifications also keep the cost down:
- No garage
- No fireplace
- No A/C
All these items can be added later or as the house nears completion. I would advise framing the hole for the fireplace during the house framing phase.
The estimated cost to build this attractive home in 2019 is $99,017, including a general contractor markup of $11,304.
Land, local government fees and impact fees, if any, are not included in my estimates.
Good luck,
Carl Heldmann
