When you are searching for a home, you may wonder if it is better to build or buy a house in Port St. Lucie. You know what you want. You know where you are willing to compromise – and where you are not. You know that you want a house that is energy- and cost-efficient. But you may not know whether the best option is to build or buy a house in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It is a multi-faceted decision, and not one that anyone takes lightly. What makes sense for you? Should you build a house in Port St. Lucie or buy an existing home? Let’s dig into it.
Buy or Build a House In Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is located on Florida’s famed Treasure Coast. Just an hour north of Palm Beach, this area offers a charming mix of beaches, rivers, environmental preserves, spring training (Go, NY Mets!), world-class golf courses, and wonderful dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Its warm climate, relatively low cost of living, great schools, and abundant services make it a terrific place to call home.
But what does “home” mean to you? Buy or build?
How Much Does It Cost to Buy or Build a House In Port St. Lucie?
This is a big question on the minds of home buyers: what’s it going to cost? According to the National Association of REALTORs, the median cost of an existing home was $353,900 as of late 2021. The average cost to build was $283,130. This is a difference of $70,770.
Keep in mind that these are median averages, so the range can be quite large. It is also important to know that the average price for building reflected here did not include custom finishes or other upgrades that drive-up price.
Price is not the only consideration, of course, but it is a big one. That said, what’s involved with building a home? Generally, you’re looking at:
- Land: $3000 – $150,000
- Land Preparation/Clearing: $1500 – $5000
- Foundation: $4000 – $25,000
- Roofing: $5600 – $11,500
- Framing: $20,000 – $50,000
- Plumbing: $7000 – $15,000
- Electrical: $20,000 – $30,000
- HVAC: $ $1500 – $13,000
- Windows: $3000 – $9300
- Interior Finishing: $50,000 – $175,000
- Exterior Painting: $1800 – $4400
Are there ways to reduce expenses when it comes to building a house in Port St. Lucie? Yes. One option is to choose a model home instead of a full custom. This benefits you from a cost standpoint in a few ways: the builder will have a selection of models that they routinely build. They’ve done it before, and they have the process down. They can gain significant efficiencies as they are not having to reinvent the wheel at each turn.
You can also cost engineer by being selective about the finishes and upgrades you choose. A chef’s kitchen may be most important to you, so you opt for high-end finishes here while going with less expensive (but still great quality) in other rooms. Your builder will be able to advise you as to your options and the best fit for your home, lifestyle, needs, and budget.
Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs. A newly built home will not need major repairs or improvements for years to come. When you buy an existing home, you are “inheriting” all of the issues from the previous owners. Will you need a roof in a year or two? Will you have to upgrade your windows, fix cracks in the foundation, or address outdated appliances?
Ongoing costs also include utilities. A newly built, high-performance homes allow you to cut your energy usage and costs significantly – month after month, year after year.
There are a number of benefits to building. What about buying?
Here, too, there are benefits. You may see a quicker move-in time than with a new build (though that is not necessarily the case with model homes). You also have more leverage in terms of the asking price. If the roof needs to be replaced in the next few years, for example, you can try to negotiate the price down.
What’s the Right Move?
What’s better for you: buying or building a house in Port St. Lucie? It depends! Factors such as your budget, your timeline, your willingness (or unwillingness) to compromise on certain features, your demands around energy efficiency, and more play a role.
There are pros and cons to both options. The best step now is to weigh them and decide what will work for you, your household members, and your lifestyle. Start by reaching out to Synergy Homes for a free consultation to discuss your goals, as well as learn more about your options and the process.
Port St. Lucie is a wonderful place to call home. Let’s get started on making it a reality. Contact us today!
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