How to for Building a House in South Carolina

With its stunning beaches, first-rate golf courses, and luxurious lifestyle, South Carolina is an ideal place for building a house. It’s a haven for everyone from young families to retirees.

Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

Before diving into those exciting plans, let’s take a moment to understand the specifics. Sure, it’s easy to get carried away with the excitement. However, trust us, you’ll want to be prepared to meet with builders, designers, and lenders with confidence.

Planning and Budgeting for Building a House in South Carolina

Start with a solid plan, writing down your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Don’t lean into that second list until you’ve got room in the budget for a little splurge.  Sticking to your budget early on will make everything go smoothly later.

Tips for Building Your South Carolina Home

Climate Considerations

We all know how hot South Carolina summers can get. When building a house, think about adding a sunroom or glass porch to enjoy that sunshine without the sometimes-oppressive humidity. And remember that we’re also known for our stormy weather. Investing in storm protection such as hurricane windows or shields will be well worth it. At Icon Construction, we know the all the specs to meet South Carolina state codes.

Expected Cost

According to Houzeo, building a new home in South Carolina in 2023 will cost (on average) between $260,000 and $390,000. Of course, those numbers are depending on the type of construction, the market, the construction area, and your choices.

Building costs can increase based on rising material costs, labor, and supply chain issues.  Unfortunately, the industry is still being plagued by supply chain issues.

Select A Reputable Builder

When it comes to choosing a reputable builder in South Carolina, we believe Icon Construction stands out as a top choice. With years of experience in building custom homes tailored to each client’s unique requests and needs, we have a proven track record of satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a coastal retreat or a city dwelling, our team of skilled professionals is committed to helping you move into the home of your dreams. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we try to ensure a seamless process, making us not just a builder but a trusted partner. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward building the home you’ve always wanted.

Building Your Home, Step by Step

1. Buy Land

Whether it’s raw land or a suburban lot, start by finding your perfect slice of South Carolina. Prices vary, so work with a realtor who knows the area.  An experienced Realtor will help you check local zoning ordinances and possible building restrictions. In addition to consulting your agent, you may want to  call your local municipality to discover what you can build on the parcel, and also find out if the property has access to utilities, including electricity, water, and cellular and Wi-Fi access.

2. Permits and Paperwork

Meet with your contractor early on to sort out building permits. Building permits are required to begin any construction. Every jurisdiction – including states, counties, cities, or towns – have different requirements for issuing permits, along with different building codes and fees associated with the permits.  Sorting this out early can avoid delays down the road.

3. Site Prep and Foundation

According to Today’s Homeowner, site preparation typically adds 3-8% to the total project cost, depending on the size and characteristics of the project. For example, building a home on a sloped hill with lots of rocks and boulders will cost more than building a home on flat land. Preparing to spend at least $3.34 per square foot to at most $13.35 per square foot is a good rule of thumb for this phase of home building.

4. Framing and Exterior Elements

This framing stage gives your house its shape. It’s the skeleton of the home.  And though it’s a significant expense at an average of 10-20% of the total project cost, it’s exciting to see it come together.  Other exterior elements, such as the roof, exterior siding, windows and doors are on average 15-20% of the total project cost.

5. Major Systems and Finishing Features

With the framing complete, it’s time for the vital plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Believe it or not, the largest expense in the overall budget will be those interior finishing touches like drywall, painting, trim, cabinetry, countertops and flooring.  This is the phase that really makes the new house build feel like home.

Some Extra Tips for Our South Carolina Friends

Closing Cost Incentives

Look into programs that might save you money upfront. A bit of research can really pay off.

General Timeline

Seven to twelve months is a general timeline for building your new South Carolina home.  It’s a process, and it’s well worth the wait!

Build Your South Carolina Home

Building your dream home can seem overwhelming, and we’re confident that you’ll find the process rewarding. With more than a decade in the home building industry here in South Carolina, we’ve seen firsthand how fulfilling it can be. If you follow these insights and work with the right professionals, you’ll be well on your way to living in the home you’ve always wanted. Good luck, enjoy the journey, and we hope to be invited to the house warming.