At Fran Cortés Architectsan architectural firm specializing in the design and construction of single-family homes, we know that one of the first questions that arises when considering a home of your own is clear: how much does a single-family home project cost.
The answer is not unique, but we can explain it in detail so that you have a realistic and transparent vision, aligned with what most of our clients are looking for today.
Throughout this article we explain what a single-family home project includes, how much it usually costs, what factors influence the price and how to optimize the investment without giving up a well-designed single-family home.
What exactly is a single-family housing project?
A single-family house project is the set of technical and legal documents required to build a single-family house. single-family housewhether it is a detached single-family house, semi-detachedsemi-detached or even a prefabricated prefabricated single-family house.
It’s not just about architectural plans. A complete single-family house project defines what your house will look like, how it will be built and guarantees that it complies with the urban, technical and energy regulations in force in Spain.
Types of single-family housing projects
Basic project for a single-family house
The basic single-family housing project is the first step. It includes:
- Architectural design design.
- Space distribution.
- Surfaces and volumetry.
- Urban compliance.
This project is essential to apply for the building permit.
Execution project or new construction project
The new construction project develops the basic one in detail:
- Constructive solutions.
- Structure and facilities.
- Technical details.
- Measurements and materials.
It is the document that allows to build the house with precision and to control costs.
When we talk about a complete single-family house project, we are referring to the basic project + execution project, in addition to the construction management.
What is the price of a single-family housing project?
As a guideline, the price of a single-family housing project in Spain is usually between:
- 8% and 12% of the material execution budget (PEM) of the housing.
- Or between 90 €/m² and 150 €/m², depending on the level of complexity and design.
For a modern single-family house of 180 m² with a construction cost of 280,000 €:
- Single-family house project: 22.000 € – 30.000 € approx.
This amount usually includes:
- Basic project.
- Execution project.
- Architect’s project management.
- Ongoing technical support.
Factors influencing project price
- Size of the house: The more square meters the single-family house has, the greater the work of design, calculation and technical definition.
- Architectural design level: A single-family home design, with customized with customized solutions and high aesthetic value requires more hours of work than a standard home.
- Type of housing: It does not cost the same for a detached single-family house, a semi-detached single-family house, a prefabricated single-family house or a prefabricated concrete house. Each typology has different technical and regulatory constraints.
- Construction system: The construction of traditional single-family homes and the construction of prefabricated single-family homes involve different projects, although both require a specialized architect.
- Location: Urban planning regulations and technical requirements vary by municipality and autonomous community, influencing the scope of a house project.
What services does a single-family home architect include?
In a specialized architectural firm such as ours, the service of a single-family house architect usually includes:
- Preliminary study and urban feasibility.
- Home design adapted to your lifestyle.
- Complete single-family house project.
- License management.
- Construction management.
- Quality and cost control.
- Advice on materials and energy efficiency.
Having a single-family home architect is not an expense, but an investment that avoids mistakes, cost overruns and problems during construction.
Differences between a traditional house project and a prefabricated house project
More and more customers are asking us about the single-family housing project for prefabricated houses.
It is important to know that:
- Prefabricated single-family houses also require a project.
- The architect adapts the design to the industrialized system.
- The CTE and local regulations continue to be complied with.
In the case of a single-family prefabricated concrete house, the project is usually highly optimized, but remains fully customized.
Is it possible to save on the single-family housing project?
Yes, but judiciously. Some keys:
- Define the program well from the beginning.
- To bet on a rational and efficient design.
- Avoid changes during the work.
- To have a studio specialized in modern single-family homes.
A good project reduces the final cost of housing construction.
Architects specializing in single-family housing projects
At Fran Cortés Arquitectos we have been developing single-family housing projects for years, both in traditional construction and prefabricated concrete houses, always with a clear focus: design, efficiency and cost control.
If you are thinking of building your single-family home, we will be happy to help you take the first step with a solid and well thought-out project. Contact us at and tell us about your dream home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a basic project and a complete project?
2. How much does the architect’s cost represent in the total budget?
Architect’s fees frequently range from 5% to 12% of the construction cost, depending on the complexity and services contracted (construction management, additional studies, etc.).
3. What additional costs should I consider in the single-family housing project?
In addition to the work and the project, it is usually mandatory to pay for topographic and geotechnical studies, municipal taxes (ICIO), licenses, supply connections and, in some cases, construction insurance.
4. What are the advantages of a prefabricated house over a traditional one?
5. Does the location have a strong influence on the final cost?
Yes, construction fees, municipal taxes, land prices and site accessibility can vary greatly between urban and rural regions, or between autonomous communities. In this article we tell you which are the best areas to build a detached house in Spain.
