FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In Mid-Michigan, a custom home typically starts around $280–$350 per square foot. At IRD Homes, a good starting point for a turnkey custom build is around $300 per square foot. Final pricing depends on the home's design, size, finishes, garage, foundation and site conditions.

At around $300 per square foot, a 2,000-square-foot turnkey home would start around $600,000. The final cost can vary based on the floor plan, finishes, garage, foundation, site work and other project details.

A good starting point is around $300 per square foot for a turnkey custom home. You will also need to consider costs outside of the house itself, such as land, site preparation, driveway, well, septic, permits and other property-specific expenses.

There is no one answer for every situation. Buying an existing home may have a lower upfront cost, but you may need to make renovations or live with a layout that does not fit your needs. Building allows you to design the home around your lifestyle from the beginning.

A typical custom home takes about 8–12 months to build. The timeline can vary based on the size and complexity of the home, permitting, material availability, selections, weather and site conditions

Start with your budget, property and wish list. From there, the process typically includes reviewing the property, creating a design, establishing the budget, working through selections and permits, and setting a construction schedule. See the attached "Before You Build" help sheet.

Yes. If you already own property, the first step is determining whether the property is suitable for the home you want to build. Zoning, setbacks, access, drainage, utilities, soil conditions and well and septic requirements all need to be considered.

A property needs to meet local zoning and building requirements. We look at things such as setbacks, access, drainage, utilities, soil conditions, septic requirements and where the home can physically be placed on the property.

Look beyond the property itself. Check zoning, road access, setbacks, drainage, soil conditions, utilities and whether a well and septic system will be needed. It is also important to determine where the house, driveway and other structures can be located.

The house is only part of the cost. Acreage may require additional clearing, excavation, site preparation, driveway work, well, septic, utility work and other site-specific improvements.

Common additional costs include land, site preparation, excavation, driveway, well, septic, utility connections, permits, landscaping and other exterior improvements. These costs vary from property to property.

Turnkey means the home is finished and ready to move into. At IRD Homes, a turnkey home includes the major construction, interior finishes, flooring, cabinets, countertops, plumbing, electrical and more. The exact scope is determined for each project.

The cost depends on the project, but a turnkey IRD Homes build includes the major construction and interior finishes such as flooring, cabinets, countertops, plumbing and electrical. The exact scope, selections and allowances are established before construction begins.

There is no standard price because basement costs depend on the size of the basement, foundation, site conditions and whether you are finishing the space. A basement can provide additional living and storage space and may be a valuable part of a new home. If the basement will be finished as livable space, the square footage is included in the cost of the home.

There is no set price. Well and septic costs depend on the property, soil conditions, system requirements, location and local health department requirements. These items should be considered early when planning a new home.

Barndominium costs vary widely depending on the size, design, foundation, site work and level of finish. The best way to compare prices is to look at the total cost of a completed home rather than just the price of the shell. At IRD Homes, barndominiums are pricing similar to a standard new build at $300 per square foot.

Sometimes, but not always. A barndominium shell may look less expensive, but the finished home still needs a foundation, insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior walls, flooring, cabinets, bathrooms and other finishes.

There is no single price for a 2,000-square-foot barndominium. The final cost depends on the design, foundation, site work, interior layout, finishes, utilities and whether the building includes additional garage or shop space. At IRD Homes, it's safe to plan on approximately $300 per square foot.

That depends on the project. A shell may start as simply a pole barn with walls, roof, and foundation. Each project is unique based on the customer's goals and house plans.

Finishing a barndominium can be a significant part of the overall project cost. The price depends on the amount of living space, number of bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, cabinetry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, windows, doors and finish selections.

Some costs that can be overlooked include the foundation, site work, driveway, well, septic, insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior walls, flooring, cabinets, countertops, bathrooms, permits and finish work.

Potentially, yes. The property still needs to meet local zoning and building requirements. Before starting, check setbacks, access, utilities, septic requirements and whether the local municipality allows the type of structure you want to build.

Yes. Acreage can be a great fit for a barndominium, especially when you want both living space and a larger garage or shop. The property still needs to meet zoning, access, building and septic requirements.

Yes. Barndominiums can be customized to fit how you plan to use the space. The layout can include living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, shops and other spaces based on your needs and the property.

Not necessarily. The shell may cost less than what you would expect for a traditional home, but the completed project includes much more than the shell. When comparing costs, look at the total finished price, including the foundation, site work, utilities, insulation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and interior finishes.

Building out is often more straightforward if you have enough property and the site allows for an addition. Building up may make sense when property space is limited, but it can involve additional structural work, changes to the roof and other construction requirements. The best option depends on the existing home and property.