Find the Best Home Builders in Tucson, AZ

How to choose a home builder in Tucson

The trick to finding a good home builder in Tucson is knowing where you want to live and what you want in your new home. Then, search for developers that specialize in those areas.

Some custom home builders create neighborhoods or subdivisions while others partner with multiple developers to create master-planned communities, such as Dove Mountain and La Paloma. There are also home builders that design and build custom homes in any community, as long as the land meets Pima County zoning guidelines.

Consider whether a custom home builder can deliver the house of your dreams. If you have your heart set on a gas stove, make sure the developer can give you access to a gas line. If you want solar panels, make sure the construction company works with solar energy subcontractors and has experiencing funneling solar energy into the home.

In Tucson, you may also want to ensure that the builder uses energy-efficient windows and insulation to reduce energy consumption and keep your new home cool.

If you want your own private oasis with a swimming pool in the backyard, check if your lot will accommodate building a pool and the mandated pool fence. Also, see if you can work the pool construction into your home build to make financing easier.

Other things to consider when planning a custom home are the:

• Budget
• Warranty
• Construction timeline
• Contract with the home builder

Be aware that construction timelines often fluctuate, so it is a good idea to include extra time in your schedule. Read your contract to see what happens if the builder goes over budget or off schedule.

Questions to ask a home builder

So, you’ve come up with a short list of Tucson home builders that meet your location and design demands. Now what?

Drive through the home builder’s neighborhoods and tour any available model homes. Seeing all the available homes, even if they are outside of your home design preferences, lets you view different floor plans and features that you could include in your own custom home.

Whether you schedule a consultation with a home builder or meet the builder while touring model homes, be prepared with questions that address all of your considerations, such as:

• Does the home builder prefer to install gas or electric appliances?
• What energy-efficient options are available?
• Can the builder add solar panels?
• Does the builder include appliances in the standard pricing?
• Is it possible for the builder to change or customize floor plans?
• Are upgraded design elements available?
• Does the builder include landscaping?
• Can you build a pool, and, if so, how will that affect the budget and timeline?
• What are the terms of the home builder’s warranty?

How much does it cost to build a home in Tucson?

The average cost to build a custom home in Tucson is between $95 and $142 per square foot. Note that this does not include the price of the land, which can significantly drive up your costs.

For instance, homes in La Estancia near southeast Tucson average $250,000 for 1,400 - 2,700 square feet. Meanwhile, homes in east Tucson near Saguaro National Park start around $525,000 for 2,600 square feet. Most new construction in Tucson is in the suburbs and along the outskirts of the city in areas like the Catalina Foothills.

Other factors that affect your home building cost include the:

• Construction method (prefabricated or built on-site)
• Customization or deviation from the floor plan
• Upgraded features and appliances
• Quality of materials used
• Topography (many Tucson homes are around mountain foothills)