If you’re thinking about building a custom home in North Idaho, chances are you’ve asked the golden question:
“What’s the cost per square foot?”
It seems like a simple, logical place to start. But when it comes to custom home building, the reality is this: price per square foot is not a one-size-fits-all number.
In this post, we’ll break down why that is, how custom homes differ from spec homes, and what you should really be asking if you want an accurate picture of what your dream home might cost.
Why “Cost Per Square Foot” Can Be Misleading
Price per square foot is often used in real estate and spec home development as a comparison tool. In those cases, it makes sense: the homes are built with nearly identical materials, finishes, and layouts. But custom homes? They’re a whole different ballgame.
In a custom build, we don’t just pull a home off the shelf. Every detail is tailored to your vision – which means the cost is, too.
Factors that dramatically affect cost per square foot:
- Ceiling heights and rooflines
- Exterior materials (masonry, fiber cement, composite wood, etc.)
- Window packages (quantity, size, quality)
- Flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and finish materials
- Specialty rooms (theater, gym, wine cellar, sauna)
- Structural complexity (engineering, retaining walls, etc.)
Two homes with the same square footage could vary by $100+/sf just based on design choices.
Living Space vs. Total Improved Square Footage
Here’s another curveball: not everyone calculates square footage the same way.
In production and spec homes, builders often price based on living space only, excluding garages, covered patios, and decks. But in high-end custom homes – especially here in North Idaho – garages are often oversized, and outdoor living spaces are a major feature.
So if you use only the “heated living space” to calculate cost per square foot, it skews the number unrealistically low.
At Onyx & Oak Homes, we calculate price based on total improved square footage (living + garage + decks + covered areas). It’s a more honest and accurate way to understand the true investment required to bring your vision to life.
So What Should You Be Asking Instead?
Rather than fixating on a per square foot number, here are some better questions to ask:
- What is the typical total investment range for your recent custom homes?
- What finishes and features are included in that range?
- How do you help clients stay on budget once we get into design?
When you’re building a home that’s uniquely yours, the goal shouldn’t be to hit a price-per-foot number — it should be to build something that fits your lifestyle, priorities, and budget.
Our Approach at Onyx & Oak Homes
We believe in clarity, not confusion. We don’t play games with numbers or throw out low per-foot costs just to get your attention.
Instead, we walk with you through a thoughtful process:
- Initial Consultation – We discuss your goals, vision, and budget.
- Design Phase – You collaborate with our team to design a home that reflects what matters to you.
- Budget Development – We build a detailed, line-item budget based on your actual plans and desired finishes.
If you’re ready to explore building a custom home in North Idaho, let’s start with a real conversation — not just about square footage, but about what you want your home to be.
Ready to get started? Schedule a Consultation or follow us on Instagram @onyxandoakhomes to see what we’re building.
At Onyx & Oak Homes, we don’t just build houses. We build intentional, beautiful, custom homes that reflect the people who live in them.
