Ultimate guide to Everything You Need to Know About Custom Home Construction Costs in Myrtle Beach, SC (2025)

Building a custom home in Myrtle Beach, SC, is an exciting journey, but it’s crucial to understand the full range of costs involved. This detailed guide breaks down every expense you might encounter, ensuring you have a clear picture of your investment.

1. Land Purchase Costs

Overview: The cost of land is the first step in your custom home journey. Prices can vary widely based on location, size, and zoning regulations, making it essential to conduct thorough research.

Purchasing land is not just about finding a plot; it’s about understanding the community, access to amenities, and future development plans that may impact your property. Additionally, investing in land in a desirable location can yield significant returns in the future, making it a crucial decision in the home-building process.

Cost Breakdown:

• Average Lot Price:$100,000 – $500,000
  • Prices fluctuate based on proximity to the beach and local amenities. Lots in prime locations with ocean views can command higher prices. Realtor.com: Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market
• Closing Costs:$3,000 – $7,000
  • This includes title insurance, attorney fees, and recording fees. It’s vital to factor in these costs as they can add significantly to your initial budget. Bankrate: Closing Costs
• Land Surveying Fees:$1,000 – $2,500
  • A land survey is essential for establishing property boundaries. This process can prevent costly disputes later on. American Land Title Association
• Environmental Assessments:$1,500 – $3,000
  • Required in some cases to evaluate potential wetlands or endangered species habitats. EPA: Environmental Site Assessments

Key Considerations:

• Location Matters: Properties closer to the beach or in established neighborhoods typically command higher prices.
• Zoning Regulations: Always check with the Horry County Planning Department for zoning requirements that may affect your building options.

2. Permitting Fees

Overview: Before construction can commence, various permits must be obtained. The costs associated with these permits can add up, depending on the complexity of your home.

Obtaining the necessary permits is a critical step in the home-building process. Not only do permits ensure that your construction complies with local regulations, but they also help protect your investment and the safety of future occupants. It’s wise to start this process early to avoid delays once construction begins.

Cost Breakdown:

• Building Permit:$2,000 – $5,000
  • Required for all new constructions and ensures compliance with local codes. Horry County Building Department
• Electrical Permit:$300 – $800
  • Necessary for electrical work to ensure safety standards are met. National Electrical Code
• Plumbing Permit:$300 – $800
  • Required for plumbing installations to ensure local code compliance. American Society of Plumbing Engineers
• Site Plan Review Fee:$500 – $1,200
  • May be necessary for complex designs. Horry County Planning
• Impact Fees:$1,000 – $2,500
  • Charged by the county for infrastructure improvements. National Association of Counties

3. Site Preparation Costs

Overview: Site preparation is crucial for ensuring a solid foundation for your home. This phase includes various tasks like clearing, grading, and excavation.

Proper site preparation sets the stage for a successful construction project. It involves not only clearing the land but also ensuring that the ground is stable and properly graded for drainage. This stage can impact the longevity of your home, making it an essential investment for future security.

Cost Breakdown:

• Land Clearing:$5,000 – $35,000
  • Involves the removal of trees, brush, and debris to prepare your site. HomeAdvisor: Land Clearing Costs
• Grading:$3,000 – $8,000
  • Proper grading ensures adequate drainage and a level foundation. American Society of Civil Engineers
• Excavation:$3,000 – $8,000
  • This involves digging for foundations, basements, or utilities. The Balance: Excavation Costs
• Soil Testing:$600 – $1,500
  • Essential for determining soil stability and composition. USDA: Soil Testing
• Erosion Control Measures:$500 – $1,500
  • Necessary to prevent soil erosion during construction. EPA: Erosion Control
• Architectural Fees:$5,000 – $20,000
  • Costs for hiring an architect to design your custom home, including plans and consultations. American Institute of Architects
• Engineering Fees:$3,000 – $10,000
  • Fees for structural engineering services to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. National Society of Professional Engineers

4. Construction Costs

Overview: Construction is the most significant expense in building a custom home, covering labor, materials, and system installations.

The construction phase is where your vision comes to life, but it also represents the largest portion of your budget. Understanding the various elements that contribute to construction costs allows you to make informed decisions, prioritize essential features, and identify areas where you can potentially save.

Cost Breakdown:

• Foundation:$30,000 – $80,000
  • Costs vary based on foundation type (slab vs. crawl space). HomeAdvisor: Foundation Costs
• Framing:$50,000 – $100,000
  • This includes structural components like walls and roof framing. National Association of Home Builders
• Roofing:$15,000 – $40,000
  • The choice of materials (asphalt shingles, metal, tile) significantly affects this cost. HomeAdvisor: Roofing Costs
• Exterior Finishing:$30,000 – $80,000
  • Covers siding, windows, doors, and trim. CostHelper: Siding Costs
• Interior Finishing:$50,000 – $150,000
  • Encompasses drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and painting. HomeAdvisor: Interior Finishing Costs
• HVAC System:$10,000 – $25,000
  • Includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Energy Star: HVAC Systems
• Electrical Systems:$8,000 – $20,000
  • Covers wiring, outlets, lighting fixtures, and panel installation. National Electrical Contractors Association
• Plumbing Systems:$5,000 – $15,000
  • Covers pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and installation. HomeAdvisor: Plumbing Costs

5. Finishing Touches

Overview: Finishing touches enhance your home’s aesthetic and functional appeal, including everything from paint to landscaping.

The finishing touches are what make a house feel like a home. This phase allows for personal expression and customization, turning your space into a reflection of your style and preferences. Investing in quality finishes can also improve your home’s resale value, making it a crucial consideration.

Cost Breakdown:

• Flooring:$10,000 – $30,000
  • Options include hardwood, tile, and carpet. HomeAdvisor: Flooring Costs
• Kitchen Appliances:$5,000 – $15,000
  • Includes refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, oven fan, microwave, etc. Consumer Reports: Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide
• Bathroom Fixtures:$3,000 – $10,000
  • Sinks, toilets, and showers; quality affects pricing. HomeAdvisor: Bathroom Fixture Costs
• Lighting Fixtures:$1,000 – $5,000
  • Pendant lights, chandeliers, and recessed lighting add both functionality and style. HGTV: Lighting Costs
• Landscaping:$5,000 – $15,000
  • Trees, shrubs, and sod enhance curb appeal and create a welcoming environment. HomeAdvisor: Landscaping Costs
• Driveway and Walkways:$5,000 – $12,000
  • Paving and concrete work are essential for functionality and aesthetics. HomeAdvisor: Driveway Costs

6. Price Per Square Foot

Price Per Square Foot – Custom Home Build

When building a custom home in Myrtle Beach, SC, understanding the price per square foot is essential for budgeting and evaluating your investment. The average cost to build a home in this region typically ranges from $150 to $300 per square foot, depending on various factors such as design complexity, materials, and finishes. For instance, a basic home with standard finishes may cost around $150 to $200 per square foot, while a more luxurious design with high-end materials and custom features could reach $250 to $300 per square foot or even higher.

It’s important to factor in that additional expenses, such as permits, site preparation, and utilities, can add to the overall cost. Therefore, a thorough understanding of your desired specifications and the market can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises. Consulting with builders and real estate professionals familiar with the Myrtle Beach area can provide valuable insights into current trends and help you optimize your budget based on the latest local data.

This price range also reflects the ongoing fluctuations in material costs and labor availability, which can vary due to market conditions. To ensure that your investment aligns with your budget and expectations, consider getting multiple estimates and exploring various builders in the area.

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7. Total Estimated Cost Summary

Here’s a comprehensive summary of estimated costs associated with building a custom home in Myrtle Beach:

Conclusion

Building a custom home in Myrtle Beach requires careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the associated costs. This breakdown not only helps in budgeting effectively but also empowers you to make informed decisions throughout the building process. Each phase brings its unique considerations and opportunities for customization, ultimately leading to a home that reflects your vision and lifestyle.

Professional Photography and Drone Services

In addition to the building process, Estate 360 provides invaluable photography and drone services that enhance the construction and property survey stages, allowing you to view perspective properties in a whole other light. Their expertise in capturing detailed measurements and high-quality images allows homeowners and builders to monitor the progress of construction effectively. By documenting each phase with aerial views and precise photographs, everyone involved can stay aligned on project goals and timelines. This thorough documentation not only facilitates communication among contractors and homeowners but also serves as a valuable record for future reference.

Local Real Estate Expertise

If you’re interested in purchasing land or property to build a custom home, consider checking out Vansant Realty Group. As local realtors, they possess extensive knowledge of the Myrtle Beach area and have a variety of available lots listed on their website. Their expertise can guide you in finding the perfect piece of land that meets your needs and aligns with your vision for a custom home. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to invest, their dedicated team is here to help you navigate the local real estate market.

Why Choose Stroudswood Construction?

At Stroudswood Construction, we are a licensed home builder in South Carolina committed to turning your dream home into reality. Our extensive experience in the Myrtle Beach area means we understand local building codes and regulations, ensuring that your project complies with all necessary standards.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, guiding you through every step of the home-building process. From initial design consultations to the final touches, we focus on your unique needs and vision. Our dedication to sustainability allows us to incorporate energy-efficient solutions and eco-friendly materials, enhancing both the beauty and efficiency of your home.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to renovate, Stroudswood Construction is here to provide expert guidance and support. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you build a beautiful, functional custom home in Myrtle Beach!