Find the Best Home Builders in Buffalo, NY

How to find a home builder in Buffalo

Word of mouth is often a good place to start when searching for a home builder. Ask friends, relatives and co-workers if they have worked with local builders. Searching online also yields a list of popular builders in Buffalo. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a reputable builder should provide the buyer with:

• Names of previous customers
• Permanent business location
• The number of years it’s been in business
• Proof of license in the City of Buffalo
• Proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• A portfolio of completed and ongoing home builds
• A clearly and completely written contract
• A copy of the home warranty

How much does it cost to build a house in Buffalo?

A custom-built home in Buffalo, on average, costs $95 to $150 per square foot to construct. That means building a 1,500 square-foot-home ranges in cost from $142,500 to $225,000. Suburbs like Orchard Park, Amherst and Williamsville are popular sites for custom-built homes. The cost to build is generally higher than the cost to buy; the median home price in Buffalo is about $105,000, according to Zillow.

It’s up to each consumer to decide whether building a home or buying an existing one is the right choice. A buyer should research all elements before deciding. If you do choose to build a home, get bids from multiple home builders in Buffalo before selecting one. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection recommends getting at least three estimates.

Types of home builders and homes in Buffalo

From estates around Delaware Park to new builds in Orchard Park to tiny homes and “barndominiums,” homebuyers can find just about any type of dwelling in the Buffalo area.

Home builders in Buffalo may specialize in constructing one type of home or multiple types of homes. These may include:

• Custom homes
• Luxury homes
• Site-built homes
• Tract homes
• Prefab homes (e.g., modular, paneled)
• Manufactured homes
• Tiny homes

Buffalo home builders FAQ

How much does it cost to build a house?

Most Buffalo residents pay between $150,000 and $300,000 for a custom-built home. Tiny houses in Buffalo cost as little as $10,000. At the other end, one can spend millions of dollars on a custom-built mansion.

Is it cheaper to buy an existing house or build a new one?

In general, it’s cheaper upfront to buy an existing home, though there are typically fewer maintenance expenses and other ongoing costs associated with building a new home.

What is the cheapest type of house to build?

Tiny homes, which range in size from under 100 square feet to 400 square feet, are the cheapest type of house to build. Most tiny houses cost between $30,000 and $60,000.

How much does it cost to build a tiny home?

Tiny houses can cost as little as $10,000 and as much as $150,000. The average cost is between $30,000 and $60,000.

How much does it cost to add a second story to a house?

Adding a second story to a house costs between $100 and $300 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor. The overall cost is usually between $100,000 and $200,000.