It's the first question almost every family asks us, and the honest answer is: it depends on four things more than anything else.

The lot. A walkout lakefront lot at Bennington Lake prices very differently than an interior lot in an established neighborhood. Lot cost, how much grading and retaining the site needs, and how far utilities have to run can swing a budget before a single wall goes up. That's why we price our lots on request: every homesite is different.

Size and complexity. Square footage matters, but complexity matters more. Rooflines, spans, structural steel, vaulted ceilings and big window walls all add engineering and labor. Two homes of the same size can land far apart.

Finishes and selections. Cabinetry, tile, flooring, appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures are where personal taste shows up most, and where budgets move the most.

The extras that make it yours. Indoor sport courts, pools, lake storage, wine rooms, golf simulators, four- and five-car garages. These are common in the homes we build, and each one is a real line item.

Where Arjay fits. Our custom homes typically start around $1 million and go up from there. We build a small number of homes a year so a member of the Shramek family stays involved from lot selection to final walkthrough.

The best way to get a real number is a no-pressure first meeting. Bring your lot (or your wish list for one), your must-haves and a rough budget, and we'll tell you honestly what's realistic. Call (402) 333-0121 or start your build.