Cost per square foot to build a house?

[swamp snorkler]

Originally Posted by fishinpox

it varies , the smallest is usually around 3000 sqft living area and up from there . right now i have a 3100, 3400, 4000, 8000, 4800 sqft. one thing that makes our houses more / foot is the amount of non appraisable sqft ( 3-4 car garages , huge porches/ outdoor kitchens that have 15$/sqft stone flooring on them etc) its a huge contributor . i find the smaller homes usually cost more/ sqft than the larger ones since they still have the same appliances a larger one has and same number of baths etc... ( the expensive parts of the house) just less sqft to divide it into thus making the cost per foot higher

Serious Question,

How does the final appraisal cost of these homes factor into your build cost? For example, I know 2 people here recently who have built beautiful custom homes in Lafourche Parish and have both had to come up with a substantial amount of out of pocket money to pay the contractor because the bank would not loan them the final amount based on final appraisal. Are you seeing this in the Baton Rouge area?


Also, my nephew got out of HS last year.... he doesn't know what he wants to do for a living. I told him go to work for a General Contractor building homes and learn the business, in 15 year start your own company....... do you think that's a wise career choice?