Typical price per square foot
Price per square foot is the fastest gut-check, but it hides a lot. As a 2026 planning range for SC:
- Builder-grade / production home: ~$140–$170 / sq ft
- Standard custom: ~$170–$210 / sq ft
- High-end custom & coastal: ~$210–$300+ / sq ft
Total cost by home size
Applying a ~$160–$210/sq ft mid-range to common sizes (heated area, excluding land and major site work):
- 1,500 sq ft: ~$240,000 – $315,000
- 2,000 sq ft: ~$320,000 – $420,000
- 2,500 sq ft: ~$400,000 – $525,000
- 3,000 sq ft: ~$480,000 – $630,000
What actually drives the cost
A price-per-foot number can be off by tens of thousands. The real budget is driven by:
- Finish level — flooring, cabinets, counters, trim, and fixtures swing the number most
- Foundation & site — slab vs. crawlspace vs. basement, grading, and lot conditions
- Roof and exterior complexity — more corners, dormers, and brick/stone cost more
- Mechanical systems — HVAC tonnage, plumbing fixture count, and electrical scope
- Region & timing — coastal codes and labor availability shift pricing
From a price-per-foot guess to a real budget
A per-square-foot estimate is fine for a first pass, but you can't build (or get financing, or check a builder's bid) on it. A real budget is itemized by cost code — material and labor for every division, priced to your ZIP, with a low / expected / high range.
That's exactly what Build 360 produces: upload your plan set and get a complete itemized budget, a material takeoff, and a schedule in minutes — no estimating software or per-seat subscription.