Considering Your Overall Budget

The key questions are always the same:
• How much will it cost?
• Can you afford to do what you want to do?
At Trillium Architects, we are your partners in navigating these concerns. Your financial priorities are an integral part of our process. We make sure your resources are handled efficiently and effectively, helping you put a plan in place that aligns with your goals.
We believe it is essential—no matter how big or small the project—to begin with a master plan. Whether you build in phases or all at once, a master plan ensures your time and investment are used wisely.
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Your Overall Budget Will Include
1. The Cost of Construction*
This is the core of your budget and includes:
• Materials
• Labor
• General Contractor oversight and management (typically 15–20% of the above costs)
2. Additional Professional Fees (Necessary)
• Architect’s Fee: ~15% of Cost of Construction
• Structural Engineer: 2–3%
• Surveyor: 0.5–1%
• Town/Permit Fees: 1–1.5%
3. Other Possible Fees (As Needed)
• Civil Engineer (site drainage, septic, well, driveway): 2–3%
• Mechanical Engineer (HVAC + energy modeling): 1–2%
o We strongly recommend this for new homes and major renovations to properly design HVAC and predict energy use.
• Solar Integration: All our homes are designed to accommodate PV solar arrays (and often battery backup).
• Landscape Designer: Discretionary
• Interior Designer: Discretionary
• Security & Home Management Systems: Discretionary
• Legal Fees: Only if required (e.g., land use attorneys for permits or variances)
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Certifications
If you seek LEED for Homes, Passive House, or HERS certification, you’ll need to budget for provider services and ratings.
• Estimated cost: $5,000–$10,000 per certification
• These fees are often offset by rebates and incentives tied to certification.
See our Resources page for more on these programs.
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Local Construction Costs (as of September 2025)
In the NYC Tri-State Area (Fairfield, Westchester, and Litchfield Counties):
• New Construction: $600–$800 per square foot
• Renovations: $450–$600 per square foot
⚠️ Reminder:
The Cost of Construction includes materials, labor, and GC management.
It does not include the additional professional and optional costs listed above.