When you decide to build a custom home in Southern Arizona, one of the first things you’ll need to do is set a realistic budget. But the truth is- this can be easier said than done!

I’m here to help you break down the financial side of building a custom home, what things change the price, and why knowing your budget and priorities ahead of time can make the whole process smoother!

What Drives the Cost of a Custom Home?

When you build a custom home, you’re creating a prototype. There’s no blueprint to copy and no pre-priced model to replicate. That means pricing is fluid, not fixed. There’s no single factor that determines how much it will cost to build a custom home. It’s the sum of all the choices—big and small—that shape the final number.

Before we ever talk about pricing, I spend time getting to know my clients. How will you live in the home? Is it a hub for teenagers and friends with a basketball court out back? A serene retreat for two with desert views and quiet mornings? A space designed for dinner parties and poolside entertaining? Every lifestyle leads to different dream home design choices—from lot selection and overall footprint to layout and finishes. And every choice impacts the final numbers.

Why I Don’t Believe in “Per Square Foot” Pricing

Many semi-custom builders in the home building industry advertise a per-square-foot price with a list of basic inclusions. But once you veer outside that box, they start tacking on charges—for everything.

Not at Sanctuary. We build true custom homes, and that means pricing starts with a walk-through of your land and a real conversation about your goals.

I offer broad, realistic estimates based on your custom home design vision—even before the architectural plans are in place—so you can understand what’s feasible from the very beginning.

Our pricing is all-inclusive. The only exceptions are architectural and engineering reports, which are handled through separate contracts—but I help facilitate those, too!

Here’s what’s covered in our process:

Permits and utility hookups
Excavation and grading
Retaining walls and landscaping
Pools and outdoor spaces
Interior finishes (lighting, cabinetry, flooring, tile, etc.)
Mechanical startup and systems check

It’s a white-glove, turnkey experience, from point A to Z—and beyond. My relationship with clients often extends long after the warranty ends!

Common Budget Misconceptions

Clients who’ve previously owned luxury homes usually have a sense of what things cost. But if you’re stepping into the luxury market for the first time, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly decisions add up.

For example: A $1.5M custom home can be very realistic— if there's a smaller square footage (say, 2,400 square feet) on a simple site, with premium materials in a compact footprint. We recently worked with empty-nesters building exactly that kind of home. But if you want 6,000 square feet, top-end finishes, a pool, a slope, and lots of customization—$1.5M won’t get you there.

If you’re a first-time custom home builder, check out this blog for everything you need to know!

How We Keep Projects On Budget

I’m with you every step of the way throughout the entire building process. From the first design meeting to architectural planning and beyond, I sit in on every conversation. If something is added that affects the budget, we hit pause, talk it through, and help you decide—in real time—whether to move forward or adjust.

My job isn’t to make decisions for you. It’s to guide you with expert advice so that your final choices reflect your priorities!

What’s Worth the Investment—And What’s Not?

That depends on you! For some, outdoor living spaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens and entertaining is everything. For others, a dream home needs high-end kitchen appliances, flexible living spaces, or spa-like bathrooms. I can help you identify your top priorities, weigh the cost implications, and make the best call for your family and legacy.

At the end of the day, I want your home to be a blessing—not a burden.

Let’s Talk About Money—Up Front

Talking about budget early isn’t uncomfortable. It’s responsible.

Some clients are hesitant to reveal their budget up front, worried it might be used against them. But if your home builder isn’t trustworthy enough to talk numbers with, they’re not the right partner for a project of this scale. Transparency builds trust!

Ready to Build A Custom Home?

Let’s talk! I’d love to help you explore the possibilities, understand the real costs, and guide you every step of the way—with honesty, care, and attention to detail.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a Custom Home in Southern Arizona?