New & Custom Home Builders in Orange County, CA
Build your custom home in Orange County, CA
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Home in Orange County, CA?
Building a home in Orange County, CA, can be a significant investment, with costs varying based on location, size, and the type of materials used. On average, construction costs in the region typically start from a range of $400 to $500 per square foot. For a 3,000-square-foot home, this means the total cost could fall between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, depending on the complexity and finishes. Land costs can also vary widely, with prices ranging from $300,000 to over $1 million for smaller plots, depending on proximity to desirable areas like coastal communities or high-demand neighborhoods. Custom homes with high-end features or complex designs may push costs to the upper end of the range, while more modest builds can be more affordable. As with any custom home project, working with local professionals will provide a more accurate estimate based on specific plans and locations.
Financing and loans are essential for building a custom home in Orange County. A common option is a construction loan, which is a short-term loan that covers the cost of building, including land, materials, and labor. These loans are disbursed in phases as the project progresses. Once construction is finished, the loan can be converted into a permanent mortgage, known as a “construction-to-permanent” loan. This streamlines the financing process by combining the construction and mortgage loans into one. Typically, a down payment is required, and loan terms and interest rates vary depending on the lender and the project. These financing options help make the custom home building process more manageable by spreading out the costs.
How Much Does Land Cost in Orange County, CA?
Land prices in Orange County, CA, vary widely depending on the location, size, and zoning of the property. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300,000 to over $1 million for land, with prices generally higher in desirable areas such as coastal regions, near popular cities like Irvine or Newport Beach. Smaller, less developed lots or those further inland can be more affordable, ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 for smaller parcels, while larger, prime lots closer to the coast or in upscale neighborhoods can cost $1 million or more. In highly sought-after areas, such as those near the beach or in upscale residential communities, land prices can significantly exceed these ranges, reaching several million dollars for larger properties. Ultimately, the cost of land depends heavily on the location and the specific market conditions at the time.
If you would like an estimate for your project, use our Land/Build Calculator.
Why Choose Orange County for a Custom Home Build?
Choosing Orange County for a custom home build offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive option for those looking to create their dream home. The region is known for its exceptional climate, with mild, sunny weather year-round, perfect for outdoor living and a range of architectural styles. Whether you're interested in coastal views or suburban tranquility, Orange County offers diverse locations to suit different lifestyles, from beachfront properties in Laguna Beach to more inland areas like Irvine and Tustin.
In addition to its beautiful climate and scenery, Orange County is home to top-tier schools, renowned healthcare facilities, and a strong job market, particularly in industries like technology, entertainment, and tourism. The region also offers easy access to world-class amenities such as shopping centers, dining, entertainment, and recreational options, making it a desirable place to live. Moreover, Orange County boasts a strong real estate market with a history of property value appreciation, making it a potentially sound investment.
What’s the Process to Build a Custom Home in Orange County, CA?
Building a custom home in Orange County, CA, involves several key steps, each requiring careful planning and coordination. The following are key steps in the process and where Buildable can help.
Locate Phase
During the locate phase, we will be finding the perfect location for your dream home. Our real estate team will provide you with a shortlist of options right for the project.
There are more properties than what you see on the web. Through Buildable’s proprietary Active Search process, we reach out to vacant landowners to create off-market opportunities. At any given time we may have 5-10 of these Buildable exclusive lots.
Once in contract, we will perform due diligence on the property to reduce risk and identify challenges. This includes the creation of a Land Report, which contains a 26-point audit to ensure you have all the relevant information to proceed with confidence. This step will also inform the land negotiation process.
Design Phase
During the design phase, we will procure the right designer and customize the home around all of your must-haves. We will identify the home requirements and develop a thorough plan and estimate to ensure we stay within the budget and on time.
There are many options when designing a home, and you don’t always need an Architect. We will help develop a strategy that fits your needs.
Build Phase
We will be building your dream home to your exact specifications. The building process is straightforward but will require decisions at key times during the journey. Buildable aims to make the process smooth, easy, and adaptable to the level of effort and attention you desire.
How to Choose the Best Custom Home Builder in Orange County, CA
Choosing the best custom home builder in Orange County, CA, is a critical step in ensuring your dream home is built to your specifications, on time, and within budget. Here’s how to make an informed decision:
Set budget: Determine your budget and the type of home you want to build. This will help you narrow down your search for a builder who specializes in the type of home you want.
Research potential builders online: Check out their websites, social media profiles, and online reviews to get a sense of their reputation and the quality of their work.
Review portfolios: Look for a builder with a portfolio of work that matches your vision for your home. This will give you a sense of their design style, attention to detail, and ability to work with your unique needs.
Confirm licenses: Check the builder's credentials, such as licenses, insurance, and certifications. Make sure they are up-to-date and valid.
Interview potential builders: Get a sense of their communication style, work process, and approach to problem-solving. Make sure they are willing to collaborate with you and are committed to delivering a high-quality product. Communication is so important given the longevity of the process, so you want to ensure you get along well with the potential builder.
Check references: Ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them to get an idea of their experience working with the builder. Ask about the quality of the work, timeliness, communication, and any issues that arose during the building process.
Understand warranty: Check if the builder offers a warranty or after-sales service to ensure that any issues that arise after the completion of the project are addressed promptly and professionally.
Confirm fit: Make sure that the builder is someone you feel comfortable working with. Building a custom home is a significant investment and a long-term commitment, so it's important to work with someone who you trust and who understands your vision for your dream home. Build your home with Buildable
Building a home in Orange County takes an immense amount of time and effort, and can appear overwhelming to those who start the journey alone. However, building a home can be straightforward when you approach the process with experts by your side who can guide you through every step.
At Buildable, all of the people you need to have a stress-free home build will work with you to create the home of your dreams. Read about our team, talk to us, and get the answers to questions you may have about starting the custom home building process in Orange County.
How is Buildable different from other custom home builders?
Buildable manages the process from start-to-finish. First, we help you locate and purchase the land ensuring that it’s capable of supporting your vision. Second, we help you design your home through a variety of cost-effective options. The most important part is having our experienced engineering team guiding you through the design process to ensure a cost-effective balance to meet your goals. Third, we bring your dream home to life by assembling quality craftsman/women to build your vision.
We pioneered this approach — no other builder offers a fully guided process from start to finish.