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Minnesota Home Building FAQs

Everything you need to know about building a home with Price Homes, from pricing and floor plans to financing, land, timelines, and the building process. 

New Construction Frequently Asked Questions

Building a new home should be exciting, not overwhelming. That's why we've gathered answers to the questions we hear most often from Minnesota home buyers. At Price Homes, we build for every stage of life, from homes starting in the $300,000s to fully custom homes valued at more than $5 million. Whether you're exploring your options, comparing floor plans, or preparing to break ground, you'll find helpful information below to guide you through every step of the journey. 

 

Getting Started

What should I expect after I pick out my lot and floor plan?
Once you've selected your lot and floor plan, the next step is to secure your financing(if needed) and complete your purchase agreement. Once those items are finalized, your home enters the pre-construction phase, here we'll prepare your plans, confirm selections, obtain necessary approvals, and get everything ready for construction to begin. Your New Home Specialist will guide you through each step and keep you informed along the way.
How soon can I get onto Price Homes' build schedule?
We typically don't have a waiting period for new construction. Once your pre-construction process is complete and your building permit has been issued, we're ready to begin construction.
Where do your prices start?
Our floor plans start at $299,900, and our homes range all the way up to fully custom estates of $5 million. Wherever you land on that spectrum, you get the same builder, the same craftsmanship, and the same attention to detail. That starting price reflects a brand-new move-in ready home with quality standard features, not a stripped-down shell, while our custom capabilities give move-up luxury buyers the freedom to design something truly one-of-a-kind. Your final investment depends on the plan you choose, the homesite you build on, and the finishes and options you select to make your home your own. 

Pricing & What's Included

What is included in the base price?
The base price includes everything it takes to build the home itself, complete with our list of standard features, from the foundation to the finishes. The only things not covered in the base price are the lot (homesite) and the site-specific costs that come with preparing that particular piece of land. We build the baSe price to be honest and complete, so you always know exactly what you're getting. 
What's not included in the base price?

Two categories fall outside the base price: optional upgrades beyond our standard features, and lot-related costs. Because every homesite is different, lot costs are quoted separately and can include: 

  • The cost to purchase the lot or homesite
  • Tree removal and clearing
  • Building permits
  • City sewer and water connection
  • Well (on rural or acreage sites)
  • Septic system (on rural or acreage sites)
  • Extended driveway beyond 50 feet
  • Extended utility runs beyond 50 feet
  • Fill hauled in or hauled out
  • Landscaping and retaining walls

Separating these costs keeps your base price transparent and ensures you only pay for what your specific homesite actually requires. 

Are lot premiums included in the price?

No. Lot costs and lot premiums are quoted separately from the base price, because the homesite you choose has a major impact on your total investment. We're happy to walk you through available lots and their costs during your consultation. 

How much do buyers typically spend above the base price?

This varies widely and comes down to your needs, wants, and budget. Some buyers build entirely with our standard features and add nothing; others fully customize to create a high-end, one-of-a-kind home. To give you a realistic picture, here are the upgrades our buyers most commonly choose: 

Popular Structural Options 

  • Adding a sunroom 

  • Adding a 4th-stall garage

Popular Exterior Options

  • Black Windows

  • LP Siding on sides and rear

Popular Interior Options

  • Fireplace

  • Ceiling vaults
  • Built-in benches and lockers
  • Insulated garage

Landscaping

  • A typical landscaping allowance of $20,000 covers irrigation, rock, edging, and sod

 

Are permits, utility connections, and site costs included?

Because these costs vary widely from one homesite to the next, they are site-specific and not included in the base price. Quoting them separately means your estimate reflects the real conditions of your land, not a one-size-fits-all guess. 

Are appliances included?

Yes. Kitchen appliances come standard with every Price Homes home, so your kitchen is ready to use from day one. Washer and dryer are handled a little differently depending on your plan series. On our Rockwood homes, a washer and dryer are not included. On our Classic plans, we typically don't include a washer and dryer in our model homes, but we do provide a $5,000 appliance allowance and when you select our standard appliances along with a standard washer and dryer, they comfortably fit within the allowance. 

Is landscaping included?

Landscaping isn't built into the base price because every homesite and every homeowner's vision is different. We give buyers who prefer the flexibility to handle landscaping themselves or hire a landscaper directly, working hand-in-hand on the design while avoiding general-contractor markup. Whichever route fits you best, we'll make sure you end up with a finished, move-in ready home. Just let us know your preference and we'll build a plan around it. 

Is a sprinkler system included?

A sprinkler (irrigation) system isn't included, but it's an option we'd encourage you to consider, even on acreage properties, to keep your new sod or seed consistently watered so it takes root and thrives.

One important planning note: if you'd like irrigation, we need to know early, during the plumbing rough-in stage, so we can stub an irrigation line from the house. We then install a vacuum breaker at the plumbing final. These are two add-on options, $450 to stub the irrigation line from the house, and $550 to install the vacuum breaker. Letting us know up front ensures everything is in place and ready when you add your system. 

Is the garage finished, insulated, or heated?

Our garages are sheetrocked to fire code as a standard feature. To clear up a common question: code does not require us to tape or fire-tape the joints as long as there are no large gaps, your garage fully meets code, adding a "fire tape" coat of mud on the sheetrock prevents a nice finish to the garage if you decide to insulate the garage at a later date. Base pricing does not include an insulated, heated, or fully finished garage, but insulating the garage walls and ceiling is one the most popular upgrades our homeowners choose, and we're happy to include it. 

Is a deck or patio included?

On walkout basement plans, we include a 6x6 concrete pad at the basement patio door. Decks are not a standard feature, but they're a popular option we're glad to add to your build. 

Are window coverings or blinds included?

No, window coverings and blinds are not included. This gives you the freedom to choose the style that fits your taste after move-in. 

Is a finished basement included?

We offer three foundation options on our house plans: a slab-on-grade foundation, an unfinished basement, and a finished basement. Finishing the basement during construction is the most cost-effective way to add finished living space to your home, a smart move for growing families and future resale value. 

Customization & Upgrades

What items are considered upgrades?

Upgrades are any options you choose above and beyond our standard features, the personal touches that tailor the home to your tase and lifestyle. You're never required to add a single upgrade; our standard homes are beautiful and move-in ready on their own. 

Can we get pricing for options before committing?

Absolutely. We provide itemized option pricing before you ever put down a deposit. We believe you should be able to build your budget with full transparency  and zero pressure, so you can make a confident decision that's right for your family. There's no commitment required to sit down and price out the home you have in mind. 

During Construction

Can the price change during construction?

The price of your home does not change during construction unless you choose to make changes yourself. The only other variables are unknown lot conditions that can't be fully predicted until work begins, such as the actual depth of a well versus the estimate, or unexpected soil conditions. We're upfront about these possibilities from the start so there are no surprises. 

What happens if material or labor costs increase?

Once your Purchase Agreement is signed, your pre-construction meeting is complete, selections are picked, plans are signed off, and permit is approved, any increases in material or labor costs are absorbed by Price Homes, not passed on to you. That commitment gives you price certainty and peace of mind from the moment you're ready to build. 

Still have questions? 

Every home and every buyer is different. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, our team is happy to help.

Ready to Start Building?

Building a new home should be exciting, not confusing. The Price Homes team will walk you through pricing, lots, options, and the entire process at your pace, with no pressure. Whether you're building a $300,000 first home, or a $5 million custom estate, and whether you're just starting to explore or ready to break ground, we'd be honored to help you build.