Custom Home Costs: What Londonderry Building Includes (and What's Not)

Understanding the Value Behind the Square Foot Price

If you’re researching the cost of building a custom home in Southern Vermont, you’ve likely noticed big differences in what builders quote. Estimates range widely—from $400 to $1000+ per square foot—depending on scope, style and what’s included. The key question is: what are you actually getting for that price?

At Londonderry Building Company (LBC), most of our custom homes fall in the $400-$600 per square foot range for the home itself. Below, we break down what that covers, what it doesn’t and the kinds of upgrades that can affect your final number.

Typical Cost Breakdown for a Custom Home

Our base price includes the full structure of your home: framing, finishes, mechanical systems and interior fit-out. Additional items to plan for include:

• Sitework and utilities: Excavation, septic, well, driveway and underground power typically add $100,000-$150,000 depending on your property.

• Landscaping: Costs vary widely. Grading, plantings, stonework and exterior lighting are priced separately based on scope.

This clarity helps you compare apples to apples when evaluating builders.

Standard Features in a Londonderry Building Company Home

One reason our homes average $400-$600 per square foot is that we include features many builders treat as upgrades.

Exterior & Structural

Durability and efficiency come standard. We use

• Zip System® exterior sheathing for better air sealing
• 2x6 framing for strength
• closed-cell spray foam insulation for energy savings and sound control

Roofs are finished with a mix of standing seam metal and architectural shingles, and exterior trim and siding are crafted from real wood for a timeless Vermont look.

Interior Finishes

Every home includes allowances designed for custom quality, not builder-basic. That means $100,000 toward cabinetry and countertops, plus $25,000 for built-ins, perfect for mudrooms, living areas or offices. Flooring is engineered wood and tile throughout, bathrooms feature tiled showers with frameless glass and electric radiant heat floors add comfort in bathrooms and mudrooms.

Fireplace & Focal Points

Vermont homes are built around the hearth. That’s why we include a $50,000 fireplace allowance, giving you freedom to choose a custom stone, wood-burning or gas feature so you won’t be blindsided by extra charges later.

Mechanical & Electrical Systems

Behind the walls, every LBC home includes a dual-fuel HVAC system, HRV ventilation for indoor air quality, a 400-amp electrical service with 22kW whole-house generator and solar-ready infrastructure. We also rough in for an EV charger so you’re prepared for the future.

Costs Not Included in Our Base Pricing

While our base package is comprehensive, some items always fall outside the $400-$600/sq. ft. figure:

• Sitework and utilities
• Landscaping
• Specialty upgrades (see below)

Common Upgrades Clients Add

Every client has a vision, and many choose to personalize their home further. Popular enhancements include:

• Masonry fireplaces or full chimneys
• Scenic sliding or folding glass doors
• Timber framing and custom wood elements
• Natural stone exterior accents
• Premium window packages (e.g., Marvin Ultimate or comparable)
• Geothermal heating and cooling
• Smart home systems (lighting, security, automation)

These upgrades aren’t required, but they can add significant customization—and cost.

Factors That Influence Home Building Costs

Your final price depends on more than just square footage. Key variables include:

• Lot conditions: Slope, ledge or long driveways can increase sitework costs.
• Design complexity: Complex rooflines or heavy timber detailing raise material and labor needs.
• Mechanical systems: Standard HVAC vs. geothermal or full radiant systems.
• Selections: Finish choices from cabinetry to stonework.

Londonderry Building Company’s Transparent Building Process

Cost isn’t just about materials—it’s about predictability.

“We use a structured pre-construction process, transparent allowances, and collaborative budgeting to ensure there are no surprises.”

We use Monday.com, our centralized project management platform, to track every detail of your project—selections, schedules, documents, and progress photos. This way, you’re never in the dark, even if you’re miles away.

Transparency is only valuable if what you see is reliable. That’s why we also work exclusively with vetted trade partners and trusted designers. That means smoother coordination, faster decisions and fewer delays or do-overs. It’s not just more professional—it’s more predictable.

Want a Clear Breakdown of Custom Home Costs in Southern Vermont?

Building a custom home is a major investment. Knowing exactly what’s included—and what’s not—gives you the confidence to make informed choices.

Ready to see what your dream home might cost?

We’re always happy to price these enhancements during the pre-construction phase and work with you to explore the best options for your design goals and budget.

It’s all part of making the process more professional, more predictable and ultimately, more rewarding.

Explore our process to see how we approach each phase of the build—or reach out if you’re ready to start shaping your own.