--- title: Can I Afford to Build a House? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself description: Many people assume that building a house is more expensive than buying. The question most people ask is, can I afford to build a house? We break it down. image: https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/caniaffordahouse-1170x0-c-center.jpg --- [![custom-homes](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/CarolinaCustomHomes%20-June2017/images/Carolina_Custom_Homes_logo-WHITE-web.png "Carolina_Custom_Homes_logo-BLACK-web.png")](https://www.nccustommodulars.com/) [(336) 226-9066](tel:(336)%20226-9066) ##### **[CHECK TO SEE IF WE SERVE YOUR AREA](https://www.nccustommodulars.com/zip-code-checker/)** ##### ##### #### [tel://(336)%20226-9066](tel://(336)%20226-9066)[(336) 226-9066](tel://(336)%20226-9066) | | [![16x16x1](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/Icons/cch-facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/NCCustomModulars) |   | [![16x16x2](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/Icons/google_symbol.png)](https://www.google.com/search?q=carolina+custom+homes&) |   | [![16x16x3](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/Icons/linkedin-logo-button.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/carolina-custom-homes) |   | [![16x16x4](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/Icons/pinterest-logo-button.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/NCCustomHomes/) |   | [![16x16x4](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/Icons/twitter-logo-button.png)](https://twitter.com/NCCustomHomes) |   | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | [![logo_cch](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/logo_cch.svg)](https://www.nccustommodulars.com/)   - [Why Modulars](https://nccustommodulars.com/custom-homes-north-carolina/) - [Our Advantage](https://nccustommodulars.com/custom-homes-north-carolina/) - [Our Building Process](https://nccustommodulars.com/carolina-custom-homes-building-process/) - [New to Modular Home Buying? Start Here!](https://nccustommodulars.com/new-to-home-buying-with-carolina-custom-homes/) - [Modular vs Traditional](https://nccustommodulars.com/modular-vs-traditional-homes/) - [Energy Efficiency](https://nccustommodulars.com/energy-efficient-homes/) - [Affordable Custom Built Modular Homes](https://nccustommodulars.com/custom-modular-homes-nc-home-builders/) - [Carolina Custom Home’s Modular Home Construction Timeline](https://nccustommodulars.com/modular-home-construction/) - [Virtual Tours](https://nccustommodulars.com/virtual-home-tours/) - [Floor Plans](https://nccustommodulars.com/properties/) - [Buying Guides](https://nccustommodulars.com/ebooks-and-fact-sheets/) - [Ebooks & Fact Sheets](https://nccustommodulars.com/ebooks-and-fact-sheets/) - [Free Webinar Modulars 101: Your Guide to Customization](https://nccustommodulars.com/webinar/) - [FAQs](https://nccustommodulars.com/faqs/) - [Blog](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/) - [About](https://nccustommodulars.com/about/) - [Contact](https://nccustommodulars.com/contact/) [![Carolina_Custom_Homes_logo-BLACK-web](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Carolina_Custom_Homes_logo-BLACK-web.webp?width=250&height=74&name=Carolina_Custom_Homes_logo-BLACK-web.webp "Carolina_Custom_Homes_logo-BLACK-web")](https://www.nccustommodulars.com/) - [Why Modulars](https://nccustommodulars.com/custom-homes-north-carolina/) - [Our Advantage](https://nccustommodulars.com/custom-homes-north-carolina/) - [Our Building Process](https://nccustommodulars.com/carolina-custom-homes-building-process/) - [New to Modular Home Buying? Start Here!](https://nccustommodulars.com/new-to-home-buying-with-carolina-custom-homes/) - [Modular vs Traditional](https://nccustommodulars.com/modular-vs-traditional-homes/) - [Energy Efficiency](https://nccustommodulars.com/energy-efficient-homes/) - [Affordable Custom Built Modular Homes](https://nccustommodulars.com/custom-modular-homes-nc-home-builders/) - [Carolina Custom Home’s Modular Home Construction Timeline](https://nccustommodulars.com/modular-home-construction/) - [Virtual Tours](https://nccustommodulars.com/virtual-home-tours/) - [Floor Plans](https://nccustommodulars.com/properties/) - [Buying Guides](https://nccustommodulars.com/ebooks-and-fact-sheets/) - [Ebooks & Fact Sheets](https://nccustommodulars.com/ebooks-and-fact-sheets/) - [Free Webinar Modulars 101: Your Guide to Customization](https://nccustommodulars.com/webinar/) - [FAQs](https://nccustommodulars.com/faqs/) - [Blog](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/) - [About](https://nccustommodulars.com/about/) - [Contact](https://nccustommodulars.com/contact/) Dec**08** [No Comments](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/can-i-afford-to-build-a-custom-house#comments-listing) # [Can I Afford to Build a House? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/can-i-afford-to-build-a-custom-house) ![](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/caniaffordahouse-1170x0-c-center.jpg)   Whether you’re a first-time home buyer who wants to get the most out of your purchase, or a homeowner looking for the perfect new home for your family, building a house is a great option. Many people assume that building a house is more expensive than buying, but that isn’t actually the case. The cost of building a house is comparable to buying, but you’ll get much more for your money. #### Building a house is more affordable than you think! #### When calculating how much house you can afford to build, ask yourself these five questions:   ## 1. How much down payment can I provide? The cost of building a house will largely depend on your down payment. Before you talk to your bank, decide on the amount you can afford. The higher your down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage fees will be.   ## 2. What’s my monthly budget? Your bank or lender will pre-qualify you for a home loan based on your income, your credit, your down payment, and other factors for you and your spouse. The amount may be higher than you expect, but remember that what you qualify for might not necessarily be what you can afford!   ## 3. How much will it cost to buy land? Land purchase is a unique cost of building a house. Be sure to factor the cost of your property into your overall budget. To learn more about [buying land for your home build](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/how-to-buy-land-and-build-a-home), click here to check out our free land buying guide and checklist!   ## 4. What upgrades can I afford? Are you hoping for a house with wall-to-wall hardwood floors or maybe an updated spa-like master bathroom? Your builder will work with you to make adjustments and upgrades to your house plan. Keep in mind that the cost of upgrades can add up quickly. It’s a good idea to sit down and make a “must-have” and a “want” list so you can prioritize the most important upgrades.  Learn more about our endless customization options and more by viewing our **FREE** webinar, **[Modulars 101: Your Guide to Customization!](https://resources.nccustommodulars.com/customizations-webinar-custom-modular-home)**   ## 5. Will I have other costs? Permits, taxes, utility connections, homeowner’s association fees, and other costs can bite into your monthly budget. Be sure to research your property before you buy to learn about costs associated with the land. Your builder will be able to tell you what permits and other fees need to be taken care of before you build   [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3441673/89681ad4-da0f-4f14-9eb6-dd82dd77c990.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3441673/89681ad4-da0f-4f14-9eb6-dd82dd77c990) ![Carolina Custom Homes](https://nccustommodulars.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo_black.png) ### Written by [Carolina Custom Homes](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/author/carolina-custom-homes) Carolina Custom Homes of Burlington was founded with a mission to provide customers with an alternative, greener way to build. We partner with North Carolina’s top manufacturers to create both practical and luxurious designs for your home. We maintain a low operating overhead, which means that more of your money goes towards designing and building your perfect home. We provide you with high quality, custom modular homes at an unbeatable value. ### Categories - [Tips and Tricks (16)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/tips-and-tricks) - [Modular Homes (15)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/modular-homes) - [Home Building Process (11)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/home-building-process) - [First Time Homebuyer (6)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/first-time-homebuyer) - [Free Resources (5)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/free-resources) - [Home Builders (5)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/home-builders) - [Custom Homes (4)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/custom-homes) - [Home Decor (1)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/home-decor) - [Home Maintenance (1)](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/tag/home-maintenance) ### Recent Posts [Modular Home Construction Timeline: What to Expect from Start to Finish](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/construction-timeline) Fri - 01 Nov - 11:21 AM Building a new home is an exciting adventure, especially for families looking to create a space,... [Read more](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/construction-timeline) [How to Choose the Right Location for Your Modular Home](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/how-to-choose-the-right-location-for-your-modular-home) Wed - 16 Oct - 09:20 AM The allure of modular homes has skyrocketed, offering aspiring homeowners a tantalizing blend of,... [Read more](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/how-to-choose-the-right-location-for-your-modular-home) [Real Customer Stories: Building Dreams with Carolina Custom Homes](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/real-customer-stories-building-dreams-with-carolina-custom-homes) Mon - 30 Sep - 10:04 AM Imagine a home perfectly tailored to your desires, a space that reflects your personality and meets,... [Read more](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/real-customer-stories-building-dreams-with-carolina-custom-homes) [Customizing Your Modular Home: Top Features and Add-Ons to Consider](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/about-modular-homes/addressing-common-myths-about-modular-homes) Thu - 22 Aug - 08:54 AM Have you ever dreamed of a home that perfectly reflects your style and meets your needs? With,... [Read more](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/about-modular-homes/addressing-common-myths-about-modular-homes) [Addressing Common Myths About Modular Homes](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/addressing-common-myths-about-modular-homes) Wed - 31 Jul - 01:55 PM Choosing a place to call home is one of the most significant decisions you can make. For many,,... [Read more](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/the-home-building-process/addressing-common-myths-about-modular-homes) ## About Us Carolina Custom Homes of Burlington was founded with the concept of providing customers an alternative, greener way to build. Partnering with North Carolina’s top manufacturers and maintaining a low operating overhead allows us to provide unmatched custom modular homes at an unbeatable value. With 40+ years of home building experience on our team we are confident we will deliver the most professional, experienced service available in the customized modular home industry today! Read More --- ![All_White-01---200x60](https://blog.nccustommodulars.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_White-01---200x60.png?width=200&height=60&name=All_White-01---200x60.png)   ### Recent Posts ## Contact Information **Address:** [2450 N. Church St. Burlington, NC 27217](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2450+N+Church+St,+Burlington,+NC+27217/@36.0923306,-79.3924156,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88532b286394266d:0x68188cead828c7de!8m2!3d36.0923263!4d-79.3902269) **Phone:** [336-226-9066](tel://336-226-9066) **Email:** [Info@NCCustomModulars.com](mailto:Info@NCCustomModulars.com) **Office Hours:** M – F: 9 am – 6 pm Sat: 9 am – 4pm Sun: Closed \*Other times available by appointment ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1557886427622102&ev=PageView&noscript=1)