Cost to Build a House in Santa Barbara, California ()
The cost to build a house in Santa Barbara, California ranges from $140 to $260 per square foot depending on the grade of construction you choose (not including the cost of sitework or land). To get a more accurate cost for your home building project, request a quote. Please note that if you use our matching service, we may be compensated.
Topics Covered in this Guide: Cost to Build a House | Cost to Build a House Factors | Frequently Asked Questions | Related Cost Guides | Find Home Builders | Cost to Build a House in Your Area
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How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Santa Barbara, CA?
The cost to build a house in Santa Barbara, California ranges from $140 to $260 per square foot depending on the grade of construction you choose (not including the cost of sitework or land).
This guide is intended to provide you an approximate cost to build a house in Santa Barbara, CA. To get a more accurate quote for your specific project, request a free estimate. Our research, although general in nature, does include feedback provided by home builders and research conducted by the HomeBlue staff.
Cost to build a house in Santa Barbara:
- The cost to build a house in Santa Barbara, California ranges from $140 to $260 per square foot depending on the grade of construction you choose (not including the cost of sitework or land).
Home building cost based on the grade of construction you choose:
- Home building cost (standard grade construction): $140 to $170 per square foot.
- Home building cost (premium grade construction): $170 to $210 per square foot.
- Home building cost (luxury grade construction): $210 to $260 per square foot.
- To get a more accurate cost for your home building project, request a quote.
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Factors that Influence Home Building Cost in Santa Barbara
When custom home builders come to your house to provide you an estimate, they will consider a number of factors that can increase or decrease the cost of your project. Pricing for your home building project will vary based the height, condition and accessibility of the tree. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you get quotes from new home builders:
Your prices may be higher when:
- The house is multiple stories.
- The roof is complex with many ridges and valleys.
- You want a deck, pool, or patio.
- The lot is difficult to build on (ie: odd shape or steep lot).
- The property is in a high cost city.
- Local builders have a significant backlog of work.
- You choose high end finishes and materials.
- The house is custom designed.
- Local building requirements are more strict.
Your prices may be lower when:
- You want to build a one story house.
- The roof is a simple gable or hip roof.
- The property located in a lower cost city.
- You choose standard building materials.
- You use a pre-designed plan and request minimal changes.
- The lot is easy to build (ie: it is rectangular or flat).
- Local building ordinances are less strict.
- The builder is building multiple houses in the same neighborhood.
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Home Building FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions related to home building:
We are not aware of any jurisdiction that does not require a permit to build a house. Thus, it is highly likely that a permit is required in Santa Barbara. The contractor or builder you select should be familiar with the permit process. You can also hire a permit expediter to help move the process along.
The short answer is no. You could hire a local builder that has pre-existing models (with full plans already prepared). These models can be utilized as-is or customized to suit your lot and preferences. However, if you desire a distinct design and have specific requirements for your new home, engaging an architect is likely the way to go.
In our view, chosing a local builder and selecting from their preset plans offers the simplest route to building a new house. Hiring a builder provides access to their array of established plans, streamlining the process for several reasons: firstly, it eliminates the need to hire an architect, saving both time and money; secondly, the builder's familiarity with previous projects often results in greater cost efficiency.
Related Cost Guides
We have researched several other closely related projects. If one of these projects better represents the type of project you are undertaking, please check out the appropriate guide:
- How much does a sunroom cost? Sunroom Cost Guide for Santa Barbara
- How much does a home addition cost? Home Addition Cost Guide for Santa Barbara
- How much does it cost to finish a basement? Basement Finishing Cost Guide for Santa Barbara
- Need to remodel your kitchen? Kitchen Remodeling Cost Guide for Santa Barbara
- How much to remodel a bathroom? Bathroom Remodeling Cost Guide for Santa Barbara
- How much to build a deck? Deck Building Cost Guide for Santa Barbara
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Local Home Builders Near Santa Barbara, CA
The following are a few contractors in your area. Note that these companies have not been screened or vetted by HomeBlue. Please conduct proper due diligence prior to hiring these or any other company you may select.
Spieler Construction Inc Spieler Construction is family owned, award-winning, and nationally recognized. Our mission is multifaceted -- we aim to build high quality, high performance homes and spaces that meld the dreams of our clients with reality, to improve our local communities and our global environment, and to leave our clients with a memorable building experience. We take great pride in creating healthier, safer, more energy efficient spaces that inspire and we do so by hiring the best craftsmen and women, and utilizing the best quality materials to accomplish the job.
Lynch Construction Lynch Construction is a Santa Barbara award winning builder experienced in all aspects of construction including new home, remodeling, additions & commercial work. Lynch Construction has proudly served Santa Barbara county for 30 years. Brian Lynch, owner and founder, is a 4th generation Californian whose family owned and operated a family lumber company for many years. Brian moved to Santa Barbara to attend USCB, fell in love with the area and never left. Brian founded Lynch Construction in 1989, launching his career in commercial building on projects for the Santa Barbara School District, Santa Barbara Housing Authority, Our Lady of Sorrows, San Roque and Mount Carmel Catholic Church, as well as projects on Vandenberg Air Force Base via Brown & Root. Brian's goal is to deliver a home that is aesthetically appealing and sound, while meeting his client’s budget and time frame. His team of employees and subcontractors are the finest craftsmen in Santa Barbara. Brian's passion is building fine homes which will last for generations, bring joy and comfort to the owners, and will blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Brian and his team would be honored to assist you with your building project.
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Find Cost to Build a House in Your Area
Home building cost varies from area to area. We have developed several cost to build a house guides to help you identify the home construction cost near you.
- How to Get Home Building Price Quotes
- How to Get Matched to Home Builders
- Search for Cost to Build a House in Your City
- Cost to Build a House Guide (National Averages)
- Cost to Build a House in Santa Clara, CA