How to Build a New Construction Home on a Budget in Kansas City?

Building a new construction home is one of the most exciting and significant investments you’ll ever make. At Comerio Homes, we believe your journey to homeownership should be empowering, transparent, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re building your first home or your forever home, understanding how new homes are priced gives you more control and confidence throughout the process.

In this updated guide, we’ll explain:

What factors influence the price of a new home
How to compare builders effectively
How to save money when building a custom or semi-custom home
How to stick to your budget without sacrificing your vision

This article includes key insights from our New Home Pricing Guide and links to resources that can help you build smart.

Why New Construction?

There are many reasons Kansas City families choose to build new with Comerio Homes:

Modern, energy-efficient layouts
Customization that suits your lifestyle
No hidden maintenance costs from previous owners
Warranties and peace of mind

But one of the greatest benefits? Cost control. When you understand how pricing works, you can build a home that fits your needs and your budget.

The 5 Key Cost Variables of Building a New Home

Unlike resale homes, which are priced based on comparable market sales, new construction homes are built from the ground up. This means builders calculate costs based on the actual expenses of designing and constructing your home.

According to our Pricing Guide, new home prices are influenced by five key variables:

Material Costs

This includes everything from lumber, concrete, and roofing to insulation, drywall, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, appliances, and landscaping. Material prices fluctuate based on supply chain dynamics and regional demand.

Labor Costs

Labor makes up approximately 30% to 60% of total project costs. From framing to roofing, plumbing to painting, each specialized trade contributes to your home’s build. Labor costs vary by the complexity of the home and the Kansas City job market.

Soft Costs

These are behind-the-scenes but essential. They include:

- Permits
- Insurance
- Interest on construction loans
- Real estate taxes
- Marketing and sales costs

Think of soft costs as the glue that holds your project together legally and operationally.

Homesite and Site Costs

The homesite is more than just land, it’s the foundation for everything. Costs depend on:

- Community
- Lot size and slope
- Soil conditions
- Site access
- Utility hookups

In Kansas City and surrounding areas, homesite and site costs typically account for around 20% of your total home budget.

Sales & Marketing / Builder Profit

Reputable builders include a reasonable margin to ensure business sustainability and to cover the time, energy, and liability involved in delivering your dream home.

What Is “Base Price”?

The base price is the starting cost of a home plan, before you select your homesite or any upgrades. At Comerio Homes, our base prices include high-quality standard features like:

9′ basements
3-car garages
Granite countertops
Tile flooring in the master bath

Other builders might charge extra for these, so always compare included features when reviewing pricing.

👉 View our included features list for a full breakdown.

Understanding “Price Per Square Foot”

“Price per square foot” is a common but sometimes misleading metric in new construction. It’s calculated by dividing the base price by the total livable square footage, excluding the homesite or premium upgrades.

Different floor plans yield different efficiencies. Here’s how Comerio Homes floor plans stack up:

Plan Type	Build Efficiency
2-Story	Most efficient – vertical build, lower cost/sq ft
Reverse 1.5 Story	Efficient – basement space is less expensive to finish
Ranch	Less efficient – large footprint = more cost/sq ft
1.5 Story	Least efficient – large main floor, high cost/sq ft

🏡 See all floor plans and pricing insights in our Pricing Guide.

How to Save Money on Your New Home

There are smart ways to reduce costs without cutting quality. Here’s how:

Choose an Efficient Floor Plan

A 2-story home might offer more space for less cost compared to a ranch. Reverse 1.5 story homes can offer budget flexibility by keeping most living areas above and finishing less expensive basement areas later.

Pick a Budget-Friendly Homesite

Flat lots are typically more affordable than lots that require extensive excavation for walk-out or daylight basements.

Know Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Popular buyer-selected upgrades include:

- Covered decks
- Walk-out basements
- Sprinkler systems
- Finished lower levels

Our data shows that on average our buyers usually spend about 10% of their Base Price + Homesite Cost on upgraded options.

📥 Download the Pricing Guide to see detailed estimates by floor plan and upgrade.

Review Community Upgrade Packages (CUPs)

Some communities require landscaping for added curb appeal or exterior design features that enhance the community

How to Stay on Budget

Use our New Home Pricing Worksheet (included in the Pricing Guide ) to plan each component of your build:

Base Price
Homesite Cost
Community Upgrade Package (CUP)
Buyer-Selected Options
Site Cost Allowances

💡 Tip: Budget extra for site costs: unexpected expenses like rock removal or foundation reinforcements can arise depending on your homesite.

Comparing Builders the Right Way

When comparing builders:

Look beyond base price, check included features
Ask about warranty programs, communication process, and past buyer experiences

At Comerio Homes, we’re proud to provide premium materials, detailed pricing transparency, and a fun, collaborative experience. Don’t just compare square footage—compare the value behind the build.

🔍 Learn more about our process.

Start Building Smarter with Comerio Homes

Comerio Homes is proud to build new homes across Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas, including our Build On Your Land opportunities throughout the Kansas City metro.

Let us help you build a home that reflects your style, your priorities, and your budget.