Custom Home Cost Calculator: Build Your Dream Home Budget

Custom Home Construction Costs in San Diego

Building a custom home in San Diego costs $350 to $600+ per square foot, putting a 2,000 sq ft home at $700,000-$1,200,000 for construction alone (excluding land). Standard custom: $350-$450/sq ft. Premium custom: $450-$550/sq ft. Luxury custom: $550-$700+/sq ft. These ranges include foundation, framing, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), finishes, landscaping, and all permits. Land costs vary wildly — $200,000 in East County to $2,000,000+ in coastal areas.

Cost Breakdown for Building a Custom Home

Site prep and foundation: 10-15% ($70K-$180K). Framing and structure: 15-20% ($105K-$240K). Electrical: 5-8% ($35K-$96K). Plumbing: 5-8% ($35K-$96K). HVAC: 3-5% ($21K-$60K). Interior finishes: 25-35% ($175K-$420K). Exterior and landscaping: 5-10% ($35K-$120K). Permits and fees: 5-8% ($35K-$96K). San Diego development impact fees alone run $30,000-$60,000 for new residential construction.

Timeline and Planning

A custom home build in San Diego takes 12-24 months from plans to move-in. Planning and permits: 3-6 months. Foundation and framing: 2-4 months. Systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC): 2-3 months. Finishes: 3-6 months. Landscaping: 1-2 months. Weather delays are rare in San Diego but supply chain issues can add 2-4 months. Hiring an experienced project manager ($5,000-$15,000) can save 10-20% by preventing costly mistakes and delays.

Saving Money on Custom Home Construction

1. Simplify the footprint — rectangular homes cost 15-25% less than complex shapes. 2. Go up, not out — two stories on a smaller foundation saves $20,000-$50,000. 3. Standardize windows and doors — custom sizes cost 2-3x more. 4. Choose engineered materials — engineered hardwood, quartz counters, and fiber cement siding offer luxury looks at lower costs. 5. Owner-source fixtures — buy appliances, lighting, and hardware yourself to save contractor markup.