FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Suggestions on a $400k Budget for Home Build

user-7036638 | Posted in General Discussion on January 10, 2021 07:00am

Hello everyone. I am looking for suggestions on how I can stay on budget during the build process for the ideal build I am seeking. Please provide any and all input, all is appreciated!

My wife and I are looking for advice on building a home on a piece of land we own. One thing we learned from
the previous homes we owned is that when we build, we want the layout to flow well, and for the home to be energy efficient. We are looking to build around a variation of a 3,000 square foot modern farmhouse, 2 story home in southern New Hampshire.  Some items already completed is that we own land, a driveway is installed and a well is drilled. We are looking to have a budget of around $400k to complete the build. Understanding this will be a post-Covid build I can anticipate a build will cost more than it would have pre-Covid due to the price increase of materials. 

Design: two story colonial 32×40, attached breezeway connecting to a three car garage with bonus room above. 
Below are detailed preferences for my build:  

Heating & cooling:  closed loop geothermal system. Duct work providing heating and cooling needs. 
Insulation: Blown cellulose and spray foam. 
As little copper pipes as possible, PEX is preferred coming off a distribution manifold so that full control of each line for isolation purposes. 
Natural lighting utilizing the southern exposure is preferred by other means rather than skylights (I have seen their problematic characteristics in the past and would like to avoid them). 
Metal Roofing 
Insulated concrete forums (ICF) 
Recessed slim LED lighting in all rooms 
200 amp panel
Hardwood floors. 

There are probably some things I left out, but essentially that is a snapshot of our desired build. Please let me know about any experiences with building a similar sized house with similar levels of efficiency.  I look forward to the input. Thank you! 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. 77carl | Jan 11, 2021 03:10pm | #1

    May want to check out this Netzero modular builder here in Belfast Maine–GeoLogic and their GoLogic Home series. I've been enamored with their work for some time. https://www.gologic.us/

  2. mattyd35 | Jan 15, 2021 08:32am | #2

    Yeah, with those specs, your cost is gonna be significantly higher than 400k. However, there is one way you can reduce your price below 400k, but it may not be convenient for everyone. You can cut the cost of labor by building and doing somethings yourself, but only if you're a DIYer and if you're willing to put in the work. Considering the specs of your house and the materials you want to use, I would trust the professionals to build your home for a better result, even though it is more expensive. However, that doesn't mean you can't do some things yourself to shave a few dollars off the final cost. The internet is a great resource to learn new things. Good luck with your build.

  3. greg_e | Jan 15, 2021 09:24am | #3

    I'm starting my own build this coming spring and had a very similar list to you when I started. I made some design changes to accommodate budget concerns and because with some research I felt certain things did not justify their price.

    Closed loop geothermal- I'm not sure what the coldest weather in NH is like but here in Oregon I decided to go with an air source heat pump. The efficiency of modern air source heat pumps IMHO make ground source obselete. There are several that supply full heating load to -5f and 70% to -14f. This one change could save you 10-15k. Use the savings to put some solar on the roof and you will be getting paid to save money.

    ICF- In most areas these are a solution looking for a problem. For less money you can have a 2x6 wall with exterior foam which will offer the same performance. If you are worried about fire use rockwool on the outside. The increased cost for ICF is not just the walls. Electrical, plumbing, and more will all cost extra because of the ICF.

    Good luck

    1. user-7036638 | Jan 16, 2021 07:15am | #4

      Thanks to all for sharing so far.
      Greg_E thanks for including that about the air source pumps. Those are becoming increasingly popular. Also, I should have clarified about the ICF, only for the foundation not the entire building. I am intending 2x6 framing from foundation up. I have seen first hand at how well the insulation works.

      Mattyd35: thanks for the honesty about my budget. If it needs to increase a little I would be ok with that. Some minor things I am ok with doing but I honestly don’t have the time with where I am in life right now so hiring everything out is a better option to ensure the house is move-in-ready during an appropriate timeframe.

      77Carl: Thank you for sending my that link, I did some exploring on their site, they make very efficient buildings.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data