We have built many different styles of custom homes in Tampa and St Petersburg over the years. Mediterranean style homes are pretty popular but many people are surprised that they cost more to build than other styles of homes.
When compared to colonial, bungalow, and other styles, the driver for the higher costs of Mediterranean fall into five categories.
- Roof: With the exception of metal roofs, the barrel tile roofs needed for a Mediterranean style home are the most expensive. They are typically three times the cost of a shingle roof.
- Exterior Trim: In this area we are talking about the cast stone and EPS trim around windows and doors. Additionally, Mediterranean style homes incorporate columns and iron work on balconies and patios that can add up.
- Interior Trim: There are many items in this category, but the primary cost drivers are interior columns, stairs and fireplaces. None of these are unique to Mediterranean homes, but their finish cost is typically more costly than other styles. For example, the stairs use decorative iron railing, compared to wood. The fireplaces use stone products vs. wood on the mantels and hearths.
- Flooring: When it comes to flooring, it's not unusual to use travertine as compared to ceramic and porcelain tile. That can be a two-fold increase in price due to both the material cost and the higher labor to install stone vs tile.
- Fixtures: Whether it's the plumbing, lighting or even door knobs, Mediterranean style homes often kick it up a bit. For example, chrome and brushed nickel finishes found on other style homes are less expensive than oil rubbed bronze or black, which is more typical in a Mediterranean.
Although you may say that some of these categories are decisions made due to an owner's taste and not the Mediterranean style, I'd say that many of the more costly categories are “must haves” for this style home, like the roof, stairs and exterior trim. What I think we can both agree on is that mediterranean style homes in Tampa and St. Petersburg fit well in our climate and geography, so if this is the style you love, be prepared for the additional costs.
Jon Solomon
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