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Planning a Home in South Carolina? Get the Latest Cost Breakdown

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Real Estate Agent with House Stories

Whether you are looking for a coastal retreat, a mountain getaway, or a suburban oasis, South Carolina has something for everyone. But do you have any idea how much it cost to build a home in South Carolina? And what factors change the price of your dream house? Today, we will answer these questions and more. Also, we will provide a detailed cost breakdown of building a home in South Carolina based on the latest data and trends. Don’t miss the secret tips on minimizing your home-building expenses and maximizing your value.

Why Build a Home in South Carolina?

You should consider building a home in South Carolina for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits of living in the Palmetto State:

Affordable Living

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, South Carolina has a lower cost of living than the national average. The state also has low property taxes and no state income tax on Social Security benefits.

Mild Climate

South Carolina enjoys a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 64°F, and the average annual precipitation is 49 inches. You can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, from golfing and fishing to hiking and skiing.

Diverse Culture

South Carolina has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its Native American, African American, European, and Hispanic heritage. You can explore the state's history and art at museums, historic sites, and festivals. You can also savor the state's cuisine, which features seafood, barbecue, grits, and peach cobbler.

Quality Education

South Carolina has a robust education system, with many public and private schools to choose from. The state also has several colleges and universities, including Clemson University, University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, and Furman University.

How Much Does It Cost ?
Cost Considerations

The cost of building a home in South Carolina depends on many factors, such as your house's size, style, location, and features. However, based on the latest data from popular sources, the average cost to build a home in South Carolina is $379,000, or $120 per square foot. This means that for a typical 2,000-square-foot house, you would pay about $240,000 for construction costs alone. However, this does not include other expenses that are involved in building a home, such as land costs, permit fees, utility connections, landscaping, appliances, furniture, etc.

 

To get a more accurate estimate of how much it costs to build in South Carolina, you need to consider the following factors:

Land Costs

Land costs vary widely depending on the location, quality, size, and availability of the land. According to Zillow, the median price of land for sale in South Carolina is $361 per acre. However, this can range from as low as $3 per acre for rural land to as high as $199 per acre for suburban development lots. The location of your land also affects other costs related to building your home. For example, if you build on raw land far from utilities and roads, you must pay extra for site preparation and utility connections. On the other hand, if you choose to build on developed land that is close to amenities and services, you will save on these costs but may have to pay higher taxes and fees.

Design Costs

The layout of your home is another consideration when estimating construction costs in South Carolina. The sum total of all design expenses will include those for architects, engineers, and blueprints. Fees paid to an architect or designer for their services in developing a building's blueprints and structural elements. The price you pay for an architect depends on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your home, the architectural style you choose, and the architect's or designer's expertise and reputation. HomeAdvisor reports that the median cost of an architect in South Carolina for a project of any size (house, addition, etc.) is $5 per square foot, or $10,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

 

Engineering costs are the money you spend to have an engineer check that your home is built safely and in accordance with local ordinances. The cost of engineering services such soil testing, foundation design, structural analysis, etc., may range widely. According to HomeAdvisor, a 2,000-square-foot home in South Carolina would cost about $6,000 in engineering fees.

 

Paying a draftsperson or printer to create precise drawings and blueprints of your home costs money. The cost of blueprints is proportional to the size, complexity, and delivery method of the client's request. The average cost of a set of blueprints in South Carolina is $2,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

Construction Costs

Construction Cost

Labor Cost

The wages you pay to the workers who build your house. Labor costs vary depending on the type and skill level of the workers, the duration and difficulty of the work, and the local labor market conditions. According to HomeAdvisor, the average labor cost for residential projects in South Carolina is $45 per hour, or $90,000 for a 2,000-square-foot house that takes 1,000 hours to build.

Material costs 

Material costs vary depending on the quality, quantity, and type of materials required, as well as the availability and demand of the materials in the market. According to HomeAdvisor, some of the major material costs for residential projects in South Carolina are: 

(All of the below measurements are for a 2000 sqft house)

- Framing: $33 per square foot, or $66,000 in total

- Roofing: $10 per square foot, or $20,000 in total

- Siding: $8 per square foot, or $16,000 in total

- Windows: $6 per square foot, or $12,000 in total

- Doors: $5 per square foot, or $10,000 all together

Contractor Fees

Contractor fees are the fees that you pay to a general contractor who oversees and manages the entire construction process. Contractor fees vary depending on the project's scope and complexity, the contractor's quality and reputation, and the contract terms and conditions. HomeAdvisor says the average contractor fee for residential projects in South Carolina is 10% to 20% of the total construction cost, or $24,000 to $48,000 for a 2,000-square-foot house.

Finishing Costs

The fourth factor affecting the cost of building a home in South Carolina is finishing your house. Finishing costs include flooring costs, drywall costs, insulation costs, plumbing costs, electrical costs, HVAC costs, cabinets costs, countertops costs, painting costs, lighting costs, and appliances.

Flooring costs 

Flooring costs vary depending on the type, quality, and quantity of flooring materials required, as well as the difficulty and time of installation. Some of the common flooring materials and their average costs for residential projects in South Carolina are:

- Hardwood: $10 per square foot

- Laminate: $6 per square foot

- Tile: $5 per square foot

Drywall costs 

Drywall costs vary depending on the thickness, quality and quantity of drywall panels required, as well as the difficulty and time of installation and finishing. the average drywall cost for residential projects in South Carolina is $3 per square foot or $6,000 for a 2,000-square-foot house.

Other finishing costs will vary on what system you install and its capacity.

Final thoughts

Building a home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. It requires careful consideration of your budget, priorities, and long-term goals. Remember, the cost breakdown provided in this blog serves as a general framework to help you estimate expenses. So, take a deep breath, envision your dream home in the beautiful landscapes of South Carolina, and dive into the planning process armed with knowledge and enthusiasm. With careful consideration of the cost breakdown, attention to detail, and the guidance of experienced professionals, you'll soon be turning the key to your own slice of heaven in the Palmetto State.

Happy building!

 

Show All Comments Sort:
KAREN SANCHEZ
Reputable Realty - Apple Valley, CA
...Marketing your home like no one else will.

I like how you broke down the items by cost.  

Jul 10, 2023 10:51 PM
Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker
Salina Group - Salina, KS
Love To Help People

Excellent post.Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day and a blessed week

Jul 11, 2023 02:33 AM