Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

Building a new home is an excellent choice if you’re ready to live in a house that feels completely like home. New homes offer excellent value for your money; they don’t require repairs and renovations and include the latest features and amenities. Exploring the cost of creating your dream home is an important step to making it real. As expert home-builders in the Finger Lakes area, we want you to have the information you need to feel empowered at every step of your home construction journey. We've compiled current and local information about the cost of building a home in Rochester, NY.

What Can I Expect to Pay for My New Home Near Lake Ontario?

When prospective homeowners ask about the cost of building a new home, many of them do so in terms of the cost per square foot. The national median for building a home (aside from the lot itself) is $436,700, but it depends heavily on your customizations. Our pricing at Gerber runs approximately from $250 per square foot. In association with site development, this is extra and can range from $30,000-$60,000 or more if you're building on raw land that must be developed.

Taking a look at a few of our floor plans can help you determine the ideal size for your new home and decide which features you can’t live without. These are just a few of the options available. Of course, every floor plan is customizable so you get exactly what you're after in your new home.

• The Harrison:

  The Harrison offers 1,167 square feet of living space starting in the mid-$200Ks. The open floor plan includes a spacious dining area and great room and a 10’8” x 11’ foot kitchen. The two-bedroom home offers a primary bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet and a smaller second bedroom and bathroom. This home illustrates the lowest end of the price range for building a new home in the Finger Lakes.

• The Augusta:

  The two-story, 1,674-square-foot Augusta is priced in the low-300Ks. While you’re in the kitchen, it’s easy to talk to your guests in the dining area or keep an eye on the kids in the great room, thanks to this home’s open layout. Upstairs are a master bedroom suite, two additional bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a 303-square-foot bonus room. The home also features a two-car garage, first-floor laundry room, powder room, and storage area behind the garage.

• The Northfield

  Starting in the mid-$300Ks, the Northfield is a good option if you prefer one-floor living. The generously sized 1,858 square-foot floor plan includes a large kitchen and breakfast area with an island, a great room with a coffered ceiling, a side-entry garage, a laundry room, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms, including a spacious master bedroom suite with a large, walk-in closet.
  

• The Tallahassee

  The Tallahassee provides 2,440 square feet of living space, including a 590-square-foot in-law suite, and is priced in the high $300Ks. The main part of the house features an open plan kitchen and breakfast area, expansive great room, powder room, and laundry room. Upstairs are two guest rooms and a large master bedroom suite with tray ceilings. The in-law suite located behind the garage includes a fully-equipped kitchen, living/dining room, and private bedroom and bath. When building a home in the Finger Lakes, an investment of over $300,000 for construction will get you the best combination of features and space in your home!

What Factors in Rochester, NY, Influence New Home Prices?

New home prices in Rochester, NY, are influenced by various factors that can significantly impact the cost of building a custom home. Understanding these elements can help you better anticipate the average cost and plan your budget accordingly.

Location of Your New Home

The location of your new home is one of the most critical factors affecting its price. Homes situated in popular neighborhoods or within excellent school districts typically command higher prices. The cost of building a custom home in these desirable areas reflects the premium on land and the higher demand for housing. For example, new home construction in Pittsford or Brighton, known for their top-rated schools and community amenities, will likely be more expensive than one in a less sought-after location. 

The Floor Plan Chosen for Your Home

Your chosen floor plan’s complexity plays a substantial role in determining the cost of custom home building. Basic floor plans with straightforward designs are generally less expensive to construct. However, if you opt for a floor plan that includes angled walls, varying rooflines, or other custom features, the cost will increase. Custom home building costs in Rochester, NY, can vary significantly based on these design choices. 

Square Footage of New Homes

While larger homes often come with higher price tags, this is not always the case. A 2,500-square-foot home with a simple design could be less expensive than a 2,000-square-foot home with numerous custom features. The cost to build a 2,000-square-foot house in upstate NY, for instance, can vary widely based on the complexity of the design and the quality of materials used. When budgeting for your custom home, consider both the size and the level of customization.

Materials Used When Building in Rochester

Your material selections significantly impact the cost of building a custom home. Many buyers prefer to upgrade several features in their new homes. Upgrading from stock cabinets to semi-custom ones, choosing hardwood flooring throughout the house, selecting high-end appliances, or finishing basements or bonus rooms will increase material and labor costs. Since the cost of building materials has a direct effect on the overall price, these choices should be considered carefully when planning your budget.

The Lot for the New Home

Lot prices and the potential for additional expenses, such as site preparation and landscaping, must be considered when calculating the cost of building a custom home in Rochester, NY. Land prices can vary based on size and location. Lots that offer more privacy, such as those backing onto wooded areas, waterfront property, or larger plots, will likely be more expensive. The costs associated with the land can also influence your overall budget. 

Want more insider details about building your dream home in Rochester? Our complimentary custom home guide gives you the information you need.

Ready to Start Your Search?

If you are ready to start your path to your new home, contact us for information on our communities in the Finger Lake region. We can help you navigate the process and understand the costs associated with building your dream home in Rochester, NY. Reach out to Gerber Homes today. It would be our pleasure to help you every step of the way.