TRUCKEE build costs

[Elisse Glasco]

Looking to build in Truckee, what are current market construction costs? Architects and builders in the area are quoting 2000 per square foot, but I am seeing new construction builds in Martis camp selling for 4 million for 4000 square feet, just wondering why I am being quoted double what other builds are being sold for. They must have some moderate buffer in those builds to make them some sort of profit. Any explanation? Any contractors in that area that can build for around 600 per square foot? 

[Matt Fine]

Hi Elisse,

I'm probably not the contractor for you.  We specialize in remodels in the North Lake Tahoe area and rarely take on projects in Truckee.  But to touch on some of your points:

-Costs to build are probably some of the highest in the nation, other than maybe Telluride or other vacation destinations.  The main reason is labor, and the cost to live around this area is not cheap, so skilled labor demands high wages and benefits.  (The current labor rate for my apprentice carpenter with 1 yr experience is $117/hr.  Plumbers, electricians and other trades can easily charge well over $180/hr).

-I don't work in Martis, but I have subcontractors who do.  Some of those houses are poorly built, though they initially look great.  Many Martis buyers are interested in form over function and the builds can reflect that, with more $ spent on adding square footage and finishes than the details that aren't seen (insulation, ventilation, water management, etc).  As such, there's a wide range of quality in Martis and probably a range in $/sf.  

-$600/sf houses (or even $400/sf) are definitely not out of the equation.  But there are tradeoffs.  Complicated rooflines, modern details that require a bunch of steel framing, excessively large great rooms, spa-like bathrooms, etc would push you into the $1,000-2,000 range.  

Your best option for a builder is probably not the large builders in the area.  The small companies may be better at working within your budget.  Some of the small companies may also have better architects who have more favorable rate structures.  The high initial ballpark ranges might also be a way to buffer against future increases in labor and material costs.  

Hope this helps a bit.  Have you considered areas outside of Martis? Another option is to find a nice existing home and do a remodel to make it "yours".  Existing homes may not have fire sprinklers (another current cost of new homes that could be avoided).

Good Luck