“Hello, I would like to know about how much I’m looking at $ wise to build a 2 bedroom home in LA County, California.
I already have the land.
Are permits usually included in the total cost?
If not, what is an approx cost for permits?
Cynthia”
Hi Cynthia,
Yes, permits, and fees, are included in the cost to build for all homes in all states. The cost of permits and fees will vary widely from state to state and from locale to locale within any given state.
The cost of permits and fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
A phone call to your local building inspection department can give you a run down on what permits you will need and the approximate cost of permits and fees.
Permits are usually required for building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, well, septic, driveways, grading, etc.
Fees are required for water and/or sewer tap-ins, and any other services provided by third parties.
I did a cost estimate for this 4 bedroom house in San Bernardino, CA, back in March of 2008. (The cost to build this house today in 2009 should actually be less!)
You’ll see a “Breakdown of Building Costs for this house on “Cost to Build a House in California”
The cost of permits and utilities was $1,941.
Use the “Cost to Build Calculator” (It’s free!) found on my “Getting Started” page and play around with different house sizes and qualities.
Just as a useful tip, you’ll find it doesn’t cost much more to build an extra bedroom or two.
You will also find that it is easier to get financing on a 3 or 4 bedroom than a 2 bedroom house.
A 2 bedroom home will “take a licking” on the appraisal your lender will order.Always build for “resale”. Lenders are always looking at resale value, you should too.
Good luck,
Carl