How Much Does It Cost to Design a Custom Home or Renovation?

One of the first questions clients ask when starting a project is: “How much will it cost?” It’s an important question — and the answer has a few layers. While no two homes or renovations are exactly alike, we can give you a high-level picture of where your money goes and what to expect when working with an architect like Mon.Archi. So lets talk money!!

The Two Big Buckets: Design and Construction

When you’re planning a new home or renovation, your costs will generally fall into two main categories:

1. Design Fees – The professional services that shape your project and make it buildable.

2. Construction Costs – The labor, materials, and installation that bring the design to life.

Both are essential. A thoughtful design process ensures your home is beautiful, functional, and code-compliant, while construction is where those drawings become reality.

Design Fees: What’s Included

At Mon.Archi, our design process is broken into clear stages:

• Pre-Design (Needs and Options Review): An upfront study to clarify goals, priorities, and budget before committing to full design services.

• Concept Design: Exploring layouts, style, and flow.

• Detailed Drawings: Construction documents with all the technical information builders need.

• Submittals & Permits: Coordinating with your city or county for approvals.

• Construction Administration: Supporting you and your builder during the build so the project stays aligned with the design.

Architectural Fee Ranges

Architectural fees are often calculated as a percentage of the construction cost with nuance related to program, site complexity (steep site, flood zone, etc), and finish level, but a typical project will fall within the following:

• New Construction: 10–12%

  
  

  • Example: A $600,000 custom home → $60,000–$72,000 in design services.

  
  

• Renovations: 12–15%

  
  

  • Example: A $200,000 renovation → $24,000–$30,000 in design services.

  
  

Why more for renovations? Existing homes require additional steps like documenting the current structure (“as-builts”) and addressing unforeseen issues hidden behind walls, floors, and ceilings. Renovations often involve more coordination and creative problem-solving than starting fresh.

Specialized Trades & Consultants

Architecture is collaborative. Depending on your project, we may recommend or coordinate with:

• Structural Engineers – Required for most builds and renovations.

• MEP Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) – Often needed for complex systems.

• Landscape Designers – Strongly recommended. A great landscape design enhances how your home feels, inside and out.

• Interior Designers – For specialized finishes, furnishings, and lighting.

These consultants’ fees are usually billed separately but are critical to achieving a well-rounded project.

Construction Costs: What to Expect

Construction is where budgets can vary the most. Factors include size, finishes, complexity, and contractor pricing. As a broad guideline:

• New Custom Homes in Houston: $200–$350+ per square foot, depending on quality and customization.

• Full Renovations: $150–$250+ per square foot, especially if walls are moved or systems are upgraded.

• Targeted Renovations (like kitchens or baths): Typically $75,000–$150,000 each, depending on finishes and scope.

Where does the money go?

• Labor: Skilled trades like framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishing.

• Materials: From structural steel to stone countertops.

• Systems: HVAC, insulation, windows, and waterproofing — all invisible but essential.

• Finishes: Cabinets, flooring, tile, lighting, and paint.

A Real-World Example: 3,500 sq. ft. Home in Rural North Texas

Let’s put all of this into context. Say you’re planning a 3,500 sq. ft. custom home on 10 acres of rural land in North Texas. Here’s how the numbers could break down:

Construction Costs

• Base Construction: $250 per sq. ft. × 3,500 sq. ft. = $875,000

• Upgraded Finishes (stone countertops, custom cabinetry, energy-efficient windows, etc.): add $50–$100 per sq. ft. = $175,000–$350,000

• Total Construction Range: $875,000–$1.2 million+

Architectural Design Fees

• 10–12% of construction cost = $87,500–$144,000

• Includes pre-design, full-service design, construction drawings, coordination, submittals, and construction administration.

Specialized Professionals

• Structural Engineer: $5,000–$10,000

• MEP Engineer: $10,000–$20,000 (depending on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical complexity)

• Landscape Designer: $5,000–$15,000 (highly recommended to integrate outdoor living with your acreage)

• Interior Designer (optional): $15,000–$30,000+ depending on scope and furnishing.

Permits, Submittals & Site-Specific Needs

• County/City Permits: $5,000–$10,000 (rural counties often lower, but utilities tie-ins or special approvals can add cost).

• Septic System: $15,000–$25,000 (common in rural areas without city sewer).

• Water Well (if needed): $20,000–$40,000 depending on depth.

• Driveway/Utilities Extension: $20,000–$50,000 depending on distance from the road.

Putting It All Together

• Low Range (efficient finishes, minimal extras): ~$1.05 million total

• High Range (custom finishes, full landscaping, full consultant team): ~$1.5 million+ total

This range shows how construction is only part of the equation. Specialized consultants, permits, and site infrastructure often add 10–20% beyond the core build cost, and it’s important to plan for them from the start.

Why Transparent Planning Matters

Being realistic early on avoids frustration later. That’s why Mon.Archi emphasizes open conversations about cost at every stage. Our role is not just to design — it’s to guide you through decisions so your investment makes sense, aligns with your goals, and maximizes value.

Final Thoughts

A custom home or renovation is a major investment. Design fees typically account for 10–12% of the total project cost for new homes and 12–15% for renovations, but they shape 100% of the outcome. Pairing thoughtful architecture with the right consultants and an experienced builder ensures that your project is both beautiful and buildable.

If you’re considering a project and want clarity around what it could cost, let’s start the conversation. The earlier you plan, the smoother the journey will be.

Disclaimer: Construction costs can vary drastically depending on site conditions, type of construction, economic influence on labor and materials, finish levels, and builder pricing. There are always ways to adjust scope or approach to achieve similar goals at different price points. This post is intended to show average ranges and help you plan realistically, not to provide a fixed quote.