10/16/2026
One of the biggest surprises for us while building our dream house? How much the lot itself can change your budget.
Moving our house farther down toward the water would have added at least another $20,000 just in foundation and site work. For us, that money felt much better spent inside the house.
It really comes down to priorities. Do you want the closest possible water view? The old-growth trees? More budget for finishes?
Our biggest advice: talk through the actual lot, foundation options, and house placement with your builder before getting too attached to one idea. A small shift on the site could save you tens of thousands.