Evaluation construction estimates

[Tracy134]

I have a purchased a lot and I'm at the early stages of working with a builder (no contract yet). I really have liked working with them so far. The manager I've been working with has been very direct/open and has been very responsive to questions.

We have a draft of a plan, and the builder worked up a cost estimate for the base price for the house. The plan is for a 32x33 2-story house (so it's approx 2100 sq ft), 4BR, 2 1/2 baths, unfinished basement, 1 car garage in the basement. The estimate is about $100/sq ft (more for a gabled roof).

The builder has told me that their's is not the cheapest shop in town, but that they emphasize quality more than some other builders. This is a local builder that works only in-state. They build within developments and also do custom houses of all different sizes (even some commercial buildings--they just built the Starbucks in town . I have seen some of their models in the developments and they are very nice. The builder has a good reputation locally.

Can anyone advise me on how to research whether the base price estimate is reasonable? I am willing to pay for quality, but don't want to overpay for it. I just want to ensure the price is in the right ballpark.

Thanks in advance.

[csintexas]

Hi Tracy,
I think you could try to find other new homes in your area that are similar in quality and design and compare.