Today the national average cost per sq. ft. to build from scratch is $84.00 per sq, ft. Materital costs are relatively equal in all areas of the country, especially if you buy a large enough package of materials to build. So, thet leave us with a lage descrepency in builders charges in the SB area, Which is changeing rapidly. If you general contract yourself, you should be able to build quality construction ( not hight end but very nice) for $150.00 per foot. Anyone telling you different has been brainwashed by local contractors or just don'r knos what they are talking about.

Rick White with AmeriSpec (805-644-3623) may be a good resource. http://www.amerispec.net/Home.aspx?LNU=40446

Linda

I don't think you can get much cheaper than $200/sqft these days within the Santa Barbara area. Most "normal construction" is in the $300-$450/ sq ft. and as Daniel said, you can go up to $700 and even $1000 per sqft here depending on your needs/choices.

Let me know if I can be of further help.

take care
kevin schmidtchen
Sotheby's Int'l Realty

Daniel makes a good point for a very general question. Prices can be extremely different depending on your choices.

Granite or laminate counters?

Sub Zero or Wal-Mart refrigerator?

Tile or vinyl floor?

Clay tile or comp shingle roof?

Casement, single hung or sliding windows?

Good afternoon Linda,

That's a great question. Like most areas, construciton costs are going to vary dramatically depending on the service provider and teh level of quality and finish. That said, as a broad range you'll be looking at $250/sf on the low end, all the way up to $600-700k/sf on the higher end in Montecito for the luxury estates. Most "affordable" cosntruction with reasonable quality will be in the $300-400/SF range.

I hope that helps Linda. Are you considering remodeling your home, or are you considering building a custom home? I'd be happy to assist you, as well as put you in touch with some local contractors with good reputations for quality and a range of prices.

Have a good afternoon.

Regards,

Daniel Zia, Broker-Associate & Realtor®
Prudential California Realty
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