Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

Table of Contents

• How Much Does a Rochester Home Cost to Buy?
• Turnkey Homes and Design-Build Custom Homes: Finding the Right Fit
• How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in 2026?
• What Factors Affect Cost When Building a Custom Home in Rochester? 
• A Word About Change Orders
• Floor Plan Options for Your New Home Construction in Upstate New York 
• Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester Area Custom Home Costs
• Let's Build Your Home in the Finger Lakes Together!

We’re actually kind of glad when someone wants to dig into price upfront because anyone who jumps into the home-building process without considering the cost is probably headed for trouble. Talking about the cost of building a home is a reasonable and responsible thing to do, and we’re happy to do it. 

How Much Does a Rochester Home Cost to Buy?

While the market sets general expectations, individual property features play an important role in determining value. From a home’s age and layout to its location and lot size, several elements can significantly raise or lower the final price. The following considerations will give you a clearer picture of what drives home costs in the region.

• Home Age: Older homes may be priced lower because they require more maintenance. You’ll pay more for a newer home or an older home that’s been recently renovated.
• Home Size: Generally, the bigger the home, the more you’ll pay. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule. You may be able to get a big house for a low price if it requires lots of updating or repairs.
• The House's Floor Plan: The floor plan may also affect the price. Homes that have confusing layouts, or small kitchens and bathrooms, may be priced lower than neighboring houses that offer better flow from room to room and larger room sizes.
• Location of the Property: Location is one of the key factors in determining a home’s price. Homes in good school districts and well-maintained neighborhoods will be priced higher than comparable homes in neighborhoods with poorly performing schools and run-down houses. Other location factors may also affect the price. If a house is located close to stores and other services, you may pay more, while homes close to an airport or railroad tracks tend to sell for less.
• The Home's Lot Size: Larger lots offer increased privacy and space to install tennis courts, pools, gardens, and play equipment for the kids. Choosing a home with a large lot will increase the price and value of the property, especially once you factor in how much an acre of land costs in Upstate New York when planning your overall investment.
  

Turnkey Homes and Design-Build Custom Homes: Finding the Right Fit

Turnkey Homes

Turnkey homes are move-in-ready or under-construction properties built from proven Gerber floor plans in our established communities. They provide a straightforward path to new-home ownership with a shorter timeline and a fixed, transparent price. Buyers can often personalize minor details early in construction, but will not need to manage the design process.

This approach works well for families who want a new home soon, value predictability, or prefer the convenience of an existing community location.

Design-Build Homes

Design-build is a collaborative process in which Gerber Homes designs and builds your home from the ground up. It allows you to select or modify floor plans, personalize finishes, and make site-specific decisions while staying within a defined budget. Because pricing and design happen together, you see how every choice affects the overall cost before construction begins.

Choosing Between Them

Both options lead to the same outcome, a Gerber-built home crafted with care and local expertise. The best path depends on your priorities.

• Choose a turnkey home if you want a faster move-in timeline and the simplicity of a fixed price.

• Choose design-build if you want to shape every detail of your floor plan and finishes while managing cost as you design.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in 2026?

When you start planning your custom home, the first question is usually “What’s the cost per square foot?”
It’s a fair question, but without context, it can be misleading.

In the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, most Gerber clients planning a 2026 build can expect to spend well over $250 per square foot:

• Single-level ranches (like The Willow or The Haven): roughly $285–$325 per sq. ft.

• Mid-size two-stories (like The Andover or The Lansing): about $265–$310 per sq. ft.

• Larger or highly customized plans (like The Ridge): typically $295–$350+ per sq. ft., depending on finishes and site conditions.

These ranges reflect a complete, realistic build, not just framing or foundation. That includes your site prep, utilities, finishes, and builder management throughout the process, though it does not include the cost of your lot.

What Factors Affect Cost When Building a Custom Home in Rochester?

Why is there such a range? While several factors can affect a home’s cost, the difference in cost usually comes down to two main factors: the complexity of the home’s design and the materials used.

The Complexity and Layout of Your Home Building Plan

At the risk of oversimplifying things, simple designs are easier to construct. A basic rectangle takes less time and material to construct than something with a lot of angles. Fewer materials and less labor mean lower costs. While ranch homes provide convenience and a seamless layout, two-story homes are often better for maximizing value on smaller lots. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your priorities, whether it’s single-level living or staying within budget. The bottom line? Even if you have two homes that are 3,000 square feet in size, the home that is less complicated to build will cost less. 

Want more information about building your custom home? Our complimentary custom home guide is here for you!

The Materials Needed to Build the Home

Since the kitchen is one of the more expensive rooms to build in a house, let’s use it as an illustration. Granite countertops cost more than laminate countertops. Hardwood or stone flooring costs more than vinyl flooring. Solid wood cabinets cost considerably more than fiberboard cabinets. A natural stone sink will cost more than a basic stainless steel sink. But it’s not just the materials themselves that are more expensive. Some materials are harder to work with and require more expertise, influencing their ultimate cost.

A Word About Change Orders

One of the biggest factors that can cause homebuilding prices to vary is customer-requested changes. It’s not wrong to request changes after you've made your selections, and it doesn’t have to be overly expensive. But making a lot of changes, particularly after construction has started, can drive the cost of your home up.

Here’s a helpful article about how to control cost creep when building your home.

Floor Plan Options for Your New Home Construction in Upstate New York

When deciding between building a custom home and purchasing new construction, the key difference is flexibility. With a custom home, you have full control over the design, finishes, and layout to match your vision. For buyers seeking a quicker move-in, we also offer new homes for sale. All of our floor plans are fully customizable, allowing you to personalize every detail to fit your lifestyle while still enjoying a streamlined building process. Here are some of Gerber's fan-favorite floor plans. We'll show you around each one so that you can start to narrow down the elements you're after and learn how to evaluate the salient details in a proposed floor plan.

A Home for a Growing Family

If you’re looking for a home to accommodate your growing family, The Buchanan is an excellent choice. Pricing for the 2,583-square-foot home begins in the high $400Ks (plus fees for the lot and site work) and includes four bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The first floor features a large foyer, a spacious kitchen that opens to the great room and dining area, and a separate study. A generously sized master bedroom suite includes a huge master closet, luxurious bathroom, and comfortable sitting area.

Have you ever toured a new home and noticed that the primary bedroom suite ate up nearly all the space on the second floor? That’s certainly not the case with The Buchanan. Secondary bedrooms are 12’ by 12’ or larger, providing plenty of room for your kids or guests to spread out.

Floor Plans for Aging in Place

Are you planning on living in your new construction during your golden years? We offer a variety of single-floor homes that make it easy to remain in your home even if you face mobility challenges as you get older. The 1640-square-foot Boise is priced from the mid-$300s (plus lot and site fees) and offers a large open kitchen and dining room, impressive great room with a fireplace and tray ceiling, two-car garage, first-floor laundry room, master bedroom suite with twin sinks in the bathroom, two additional bedrooms, and a second bathroom.

A Floor Plan for Entertaining

The Tallahassee provides 2,440 square feet of living space, including a 590-square-foot in-law suite, and is priced in the high $400Ks. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester Area Custom Home Costs

How long does it take to build a home with Gerber Homes?

The total timeline depends on your home type and municipality, but most projects follow this general rhythm:

1. Design and pricing: 1–2 months for custom homes, shorter for turnkey.

2. Permitting and approvals: 1–3 months, depending on local review times.

3. Construction: 6–8 months on average, depending on weather and complexity.

Gerber Homes manages each step closely, providing updates throughout the process so you always know what’s next.

How can I prevent my custom home from going over budget?

The most effective way to avoid cost overruns is to involve your builder before design is finalized. Common strategies include:

• Establishing realistic allowances for cabinetry, flooring, and fixtures.

• Making finish selections early to prevent material price changes.

• Including a 10–15% contingency fund for unforeseen conditions.

• Reviewing detailed plans before construction begins to ensure alignment between design and cost.

What are the hidden or overlooked costs of building a new home?

Even with a complete build estimate, some items can surprise first-time builders. Examples include:

• Lot acquisition and closing costs

• Landscaping, decks, and outdoor features

• Window treatments or appliances beyond the builder’s scope

• Homeowner association fees (if applicable)

• Upgrades made after selections are finalized

Gerber’s detailed proposals outline what is included and what is not, so you have a complete picture from the start.

Is it better to start planning now for a 2026 build or wait?

Starting early almost always saves time and money. Planning in 2025 for a 2026 build allows you to:

• Secure preferred lots before they’re taken.

• Lock in designs and selections before material or labor costs change.

• Build a realistic timeline that accounts for permits and seasonal conditions.

• Avoid rushed decisions that can lead to redesigns or budget issues later.

Even if you’re 12–18 months from breaking ground, an early consultation helps you shape a practical roadmap to your new home.

Will material costs go down soon?

Construction material prices play a huge part in your overall cost. The price of construction materials is expected to rise at a slower, steadier pace than during the spikes we saw a few years ago, but costs for construction materials are not expected to fall at all. If you're waiting for a lower price on your materials, you may be waiting indefinitely.

Let's Build Your Home in the Finger Lakes Together!

When you're ready to start the conversation that ends in your dream home, we'd love to talk to you. Gerber's ready to put our decades of experience and impeccable skills to work for you. Let's create your dream home in Rochester, NY together!