Question about cost per square foot for building a custom home

[Boe Dillard]

I've never had a house built from scratch before.   I have found a ton of articles with wildly different cost per square foot to build a home but zero detail on what the covers.   I'm looking to build a home in Tennessee.   I found a lot I want to buy and build a home there.  I'm sure I need to ask the GC for the details to be sure but on average when discussing the cost per square foot, does that cover:

Architects

Permits

Excavation

Septic

Windows

electic -  wiring and panel

plumbing

insulation

heat pump

dump fee

kitchen cabinet

kitchen appliances

bathroom - showers, faucets, toilets

flooring & carpets

stair banisters

garage doors & openers

in ceiling lighting

inspections

pest treatment

radon control

driveway

deck

gutters

roof

lanscaping

major appliances - washing machines, cooktops, ovens, etc.

I have started getting estimates (based on research - not actually soliciting firm numbers) and picking out a ton of that stuff that I'd like so I know the prices on many things you can buy at home depot but zero on the contracts. I've also started gathering prices on average driveway construction, deck building etc of similar size and style that I want but may not need that if that sort of stuff is coveredy by most contractors. Again I have no idea and realize I'll have to review this when I go to bid but still would like to know what that cost per square foot covers on average.

[Theresa Harris]

@Boe Dillard  Look at a few of the websites from local builders.  I've found they have a FAQ page. You can also call and ask them or go to an open house.  Where I am there is a parade of homes that is free to attend and you can see different houses.  The cost will depend a number of factors including the finishes, type of home (1 level, two level, open concept, etc) and lot.