Custom home construction in Georgia and Florida ranges from $200 to $400+ per square foot depending on complexity, materials, and location. A 2,500 square foot custom home in Metro Atlanta typically costs $500,000–$750,000. In Central Florida, expect $525,000–$800,000 for comparable specification. Luxury builds with premium finishes, complex rooflines, and high-end systems regularly exceed $400/sqft.
These numbers include everything from foundation to final landscaping — site preparation, permits, all structural and mechanical systems, interior finishes, appliances, and driveway. They do not include land cost, which varies dramatically by location. An acre in Forsyth County runs $150,000–$300,000 while equivalent land in rural Georgia might be $20,000–$50,000.
| Phase | % of Total | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Site Work & Foundation | 10–15% | Clearing, grading, utilities, foundation (slab, crawlspace, or full basement) |
| Framing & Exterior | 20–25% | Structural framing, roofing, windows, exterior cladding, garage |
| Mechanical Systems | 15–20% | HVAC, plumbing, electrical, low-voltage, fire protection |
| Interior Finishes | 30–40% | Drywall, paint, cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures, hardware |
| Exterior Finishes | 5–10% | Driveway, landscaping, irrigation, outdoor lighting, mailbox, final grading |
This is where most of your decisions happen. Lot evaluation includes soil testing, topographic survey, utility availability, and zoning verification. If building on your own land, your builder should assess buildability before you invest in architectural plans. Design development with an architect typically involves 3–5 rounds of revisions. Your builder should participate in design meetings to provide real-time cost feedback — preventing the common problem of designing a $900,000 house when your budget is $600,000.
Construction documents include structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) plans, energy calculations, and site plans. Permitting in Metro Atlanta counties typically takes 2–4 weeks. Florida jurisdictions run 3–6 weeks, with South Florida on the longer end. Your builder submits for permits, but the timeline is controlled by the jurisdiction.
A 2,500–3,500 sqft custom home with standard complexity takes 10–14 months. Larger homes, complex sites, or extensive custom details extend to 14–18 months. Weekly builder-owner meetings are standard practice. Expect 15–20 required inspections throughout construction depending on your jurisdiction.
Final inspections, certificate of occupancy, punch list walk-through, and warranty documentation. A thorough punch list review catches cosmetic issues before move-in. Reputable builders provide 1–2 year workmanship warranties and pass through manufacturer warranties on all major systems and products.
| Feature | Custom | Semi-Custom | Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Plan | Designed from scratch for your lot and needs | Modified from builder’s portfolio | Fixed plan, no changes |
| Finish Selections | Unlimited choices | Selection from builder’s preferred vendors | Pre-selected by builder |
| Cost/SqFt | $200–$400+ | $175–$275 | $150–$225 |
| Timeline | 12–18 months | 8–12 months | Already built or 6–9 months |
| Best For | Specific vision, unique lots, long-term home | Want quality with some flexibility | Need to move quickly |
Building on owner-supplied land is common in Georgia, especially in Forsyth, Cherokee, and Hall counties where larger lots are available. Critical due diligence before purchasing land: confirm zoning allows residential construction, verify septic feasibility if no sewer (perc test required), check for easements and setback restrictions, assess slope and drainage, and confirm utility access — running power or water a quarter mile to a rural lot can cost $20,000–$50,000. The National Association of Home Builders provides land development resources for prospective custom home builders.
Georgia offers lower construction costs, more available land, and simpler permitting in most jurisdictions. Basement construction is common in North Georgia, adding valuable square footage. Florida construction costs run 10–15% higher due to stricter building codes, hurricane requirements (impact-rated windows, enhanced roof connections), and higher insurance costs. Slab-on-grade is standard in Florida — basements are virtually nonexistent due to the water table. Both states require licensed general contractors for residential construction.
Bowser Construction Group builds custom homes from concept to completion across Georgia and Florida. Site evaluation, architect coordination, and full construction management with transparent, milestone-based billing.
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