Make sure you include the city fees and other non-construction costs in your cost model.
In San Diego, contractors will tell you “X per square foot” but that is to build once you get permits. I’m finding out in San Diego, architecture fees, city fees, utility fees and permitting fees for a new home can run $200K or more.
Also make sure you know “square feet of what” when you hear a cost per square foot. – is it square feet, excluding the garage ? useable square feet ? heated square feet ? square feet, including the garage ? yada yada.
Getting a clear, total cost from an architect or builder that includes everything is very tricky.
