You are not alone who dreams of building a house in Georgia. Many saved for their life to bring this thought of owning a home into reality. However, building a home in Georgia is not easy, as it requires patience and an experienced team to manage things efficiently.
To know what it takes to build your home in Georgia, keep reading as we will discuss the process from cost to completion, and tell why building your own home is the smart choice. Let’s get started.
Understanding the Cost to Build a House in Georgia
There are many factors involved, but some of them are as follows:
- Building a house in Georgia costs between $150 and $350 per square foot. This cost range is dependant on location, materials, and design complexity. As of recent, the median listing price per square foot in Georgia is $189.
- Example estimate: A 2,500-square-foot home may cost from $375,000 to $875,000, excluding the cost of land.
- Land costs vary depending on your location. Near Atlanta or Savannah, you might pay hundreds of thousands for a single lot. But if you head to rural counties, prices can go down sharply.
- The cost to build doesn’t stop with materials. There are site preparation fees, permits, and other factors as well.
- Additional costs are also there, like site preparation, permits, and other related construction expenses.
If your dream home feels out of budget, you can consider building a craftsman-style bungalow. It is cheaper to build because of their straightforward design and efficient use of materials. No matter the type of house, the steps required to construct it are as follows:
Finding the Right Land
When building a house in Georgia, look for any county requirements. It often includes minimum lot sizes or zoning restrictions. Other than that, check for utilities too because a proper water and electricity system is required to live there. These are obvious things that many buyers overlook when finalizing a plot for their dream home.
Choosing Your Home Builder
After you purchase a land, your next big decision is who to choose for building. You can either choose production builders who use preset layouts or custom home builders in Georgia who start from scratch.
If you prefer personal touches, working with a custom builder is worth it because they offer flexibility in layout, materials, and finishes.
For convenience, you can also use an experienced new home addition service because it’s your dream home, and you want it to be built with everything good.
Understanding Building Codes and Permits
Checking building codes may look old school, but it is necessary because it is the backbone. Each county in Georgia has its own version of the International Residential Code (IRC). It means that your home must meet certain standards for foundation strength, insulation, electrical systems, and more.
And that is why it is crucial to only work with a reliable new construction home service that knows about these regulations and complies with them accordingly.
Design and Construction
Once your plans are approved, the work starts with installing the framework, and then slowly things begin to take place. On average, building a home in Georgia takes about 6-8 months, but it can take longer if things happen like material changes, rain, regulation changes, or more. Simpler structures like craftsman bungalows typically move faster with timelines.
During construction, we recommend staying involved by visiting the site regularly, asking questions, and making sure the progress matches the contract. But if you are someone who doesn’t have time but still wants the best result, then hiring a luxury home remodeling service is what you can do to not compromise on the end result.
The Final Walkthrough
When construction is in the last stages, you have to do a final walkthrough with your builder to ensure everything meets expectations. This is your chance to spot any issues and fix them before closing the project.
Build or Buy? Which Makes Sense for You?
The big question many people face is whether to build or buy a house. You should know that buying an existing home is faster and often a cheaper option. But building a house in Georgia gives you the freedom to choose your location and design it as per your liking. If you’re planning to stay long-term in the state, building can be a better decision.
FAQs
1. What is cheaper to buy or build a house in Georgia?
It’s cheaper to buy a house because new construction involves material, labor, and permitting costs. However, a building allows full customization and long-term value if you plan to live in Georgia for many years.
2. Can I legally build my own house in Georgia?
Yes, you can be a general contractor without holding a professional license. However, you must follow local building codes, get approval for all required permits, and pass inspections. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to hire a professional home construction service like GBHBS.
3. How long does it take to build a house in Georgia?
Most new homes take around seven months from start to finish. But if your area is large and floor plans are highly customized, then it may take a year.
Final Thoughts
Building a house in Georgia is about crafting a lifestyle that fits you perfectly. From choosing the land to finalizing the finishes, every step offers a sense of ownership.
At GBHBS, we have seen how the right guidance can turn stress into excitement. Whether you are starting from scratch, planning a new addition, or transforming your current space, we’re here to help bring your dream home to life because, in the end, your home should feel like more than a structure. It should feel like you.
