The overall home layout, which affects structure, efficiency, and cost.
Heated living space above ground. This is the primary cost driver. All our homes include finished basements.
The cost of your land. You can enter $0 if you already own your lot. Keep in mind some lots will require costs to get them build ready.
Our homes are not built from a stripped-down base package. These finish levels are designed to help illustrate how the level of finish and customization impacts total investment.
Signature Custom includes high-quality finishes, thoughtful design, and a fully finished lower level.
Elevated Custom adds higher-end selections, more detail, and increased customization throughout the home.
Refined Custom includes expanded customization, architectural details, and more tailored design throughout the home.
Adds typical buyer-side commission if you're working with a real estate agent.
Includes estimated loan interest and closing costs.
Signature Custom Finish Example
Elevated Custom Finish Example
Refined Custom Finish Example
Your Estimated Investment
Est. Total Investment:
Est. House Cost:
Est. Lot Cost:
Est. Realtor Fees:
Est. Financing Fees:
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This estimate is designed to reflect how we actually build homes—based on your selections, square footage, and overall level of finish.
Our homes include high-quality finishes, thoughtful design, and fully finished lower levels, so this estimate represents a more complete and realistic total investment rather than typical “starting price” comparisons.
Estimated financing and carry costs are included based on typical construction financing assumptions. Actual costs may vary depending on your lender, loan structure, timing of the build, and whether the home is financed or paid in cash.
This is a planning tool only. Final pricing will vary based on your specific plan, lot conditions, basement type, and finish specifications. Most clients use this as a starting point before refining their budget during a consultation.
What a Custom Home Actually Costs in Des Moines (2026)
These aren't "starting at" prices with upgrades sold later. Our Signature Custom level is typically comparable to what other builders deliver after all their upgrades — every Dynasty home includes a fully finished lower level, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and tile showers as standard, with full specifications and healthy, documented allowances so you know exactly what your number includes. It's nothing like production building.
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Home construction cost per above-grade square foot (finished lower level included; excludes lot, realtor, and financing costs):
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Ranch: $370/sq ft (Signature Custom) · $420/sq ft (Elevated Custom) · $500/sq ft (Refined Custom)
1.5 Story: $350/sq ft (Signature Custom) · $400/sq ft (Elevated Custom) · $480/sq ft (Refined Custom)
2 Story: $300/sq ft (Signature Custom) · $350/sq ft (Elevated Custom) · $430/sq ft (Refined Custom)
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In practice: a 2,000 sq ft ranch runs roughly $740,000 to $1,000,000 depending on finish level. A 2,400 sq ft 1.5 story runs $840,000 to $1,150,000. A 2,800 sq ft two story runs $840,000 to $1,200,000.
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Ranch plans carry the highest per-square-foot cost because more foundation and roof are spread across a single level; two-story plans are the most cost-efficient per square foot.
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These figures come directly from our investment calculator above and are planning ranges, not quotes — final pricing depends on your specific plan, lot conditions, basement type, and selections.
Frequently asked questions
