At what point in the property buying or home building process should we start talking to industry experts?

It depends on your situation. If you’re buying a lot with plans to build or renovate, it’s wise to understand the local building codes early on. Some buyers discover after purchasing that their property is grandfathered or subject to Floor Area Ratio (FAR) ordinances, limiting what they can build. How soon you consult an expert depends on how much research you’re comfortable doing yourself versus wanting professional guidance. An industry expert can assess your needs and wants, helping you navigate regulations and plan effectively from the start.

How long does the process take to buy property and build or renovate a home?

The timeline varies by jurisdiction and project scope. Permitting departments might take anywhere from 10 weeks to 10 months, and special hearings could be required for project approval. Material availability also plays a role—custom-ordered high-end materials can delay things, while in-stock luxury items speed up the process. As a rough guide: luxury renovations typically take 3-6 months, remodels range from 3-12 months, and new home construction usually spans 8-16 months.

How much does it cost to build or renovate a home?

Costs depend heavily on location and project type. In the U.S., higher-end luxury homes generally range from $300-$600 per square foot. In Hawaii, expect to add $100 per square foot due to unique challenges. International projects vary widely—logistics can increase costs, but labor and land prices are often lower than in the U.S. For state-of-the-art homes, prices can climb to $600-$1,400 per square foot or more.

We use a cost-plus formula to project expenses, ensuring project pricing is very transparent.

Normally our projects have the following breakdowns of expenses:

- Material & Labor Costs (40-50%)
- Project Management Expenses (2-8%)
- Permitting Expenses (0-5%)
- Business Overhead (12-18%)
- Company Profit Margin (20-40%)
- Architecture & Engineering Fees (0-20%)
- Interior & Exterior Design Expenses (5-12.5%)

** These are obviously different on every project and could be different than listed above depending on project specifics **

Below is the formula we apply, along with an example for clarity: