THE PRACTICAL ANSWER
There is no reliable statewide all-in price. Compare complete parcel-specific scenarios, including land and the systems required to legally use it, with unknowns shown separately.
The asking price is only one line
Build a budget for land acquisition and closing; title and survey work; agency and design work; access, grading and drainage; an approved water supply; wastewater; power; and the actual dwelling and its installation. A low land price cannot tell you whether those other costs are feasible.
For improved property, investigate the condition, documentation and ownership of each existing system. An old well, tank or solar array may reduce future work, need replacement or introduce obligations.
Ask for comparable, written scope
Get site-specific estimates with exclusions, allowances, permits, utility work, delivery, taxes where applicable and expiration dates. Ask who pays for unforeseen excavation, deeper drilling, dry holes, access changes and extra inspections.
Compare the same home specification on the same site assumptions. A prefabricated unit price may exclude foundation, transportation, crane placement, utilities and occupancy approval.
Plan cash and ongoing ownership
Separate upfront cash from financed costs and recurring costs. Include property tax, insurance, road maintenance, fuel or delivered water where accepted, testing, septic service, communications and equipment replacement. Ask about any road association or other recorded obligations.
Add a contingency you can afford and explain what it covers. The planner's starting reserve percentage is an editable planning assumption, not an industry rule or a recommendation for every project.
Use the planner without disguising unknowns
Enter your own quotes or assumptions. A blank cost remains unknown; entering zero means you have intentionally budgeted zero. The tool reports both the entered subtotal and the number of unpriced categories. It does not produce a market valuation, contractor quote or loan approval.
Stress-test the items most likely to change your decision: water, road works, wastewater, power and the installed dwelling. Save the scenario and bring the unanswered questions to a property conversation.
Official sources & scope
Checked November 6, 2026. Sources support the general framework; they do not determine approval for an individual parcel. Ask the relevant authority about current rules and your specific proposal.
Researching an actual property?
Bring the APN, county and intended use to the conversation.
Discuss a parcel