Charleston, SC • A Real Budget and Real Build
We’re building our dream home — and documenting everything so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
If you’re thinking about building with Schumacher Homes in Charleston, SC — this is your friendly nudge to pause, prep, and maybe grab a spreadsheet (and a coffee).
We’re mid-build with their Charleston office — living the real-life dream-meets-dust story — and we’re sharing all the parts we wish someone had told us sooner. Think: actual costs, early steps, and smart swaps that made this dream possible without blowing the budget.
💌 P.S. Want our actual tracker?
Grab the Home Build Budget Tracker we used to plan everything from permits to pendant lights.
WHY WE CHOSE TO BUILD WITH SCHUMACHER HOMES IN CHARLESTON
We considered a handful of builders, but Schumacher’s Charleston office stood out — partly because of the flexible floorplans, partly because we could bring our own land, and partly because they didn’t blink when we said, “we’re on a budget but want charm.”
Here’s what sealed the deal: – Customization without full custom cost – Lots of floorplan variety and flexibility – Local team who understood the area (and our zoning headaches) – Timeline that worked for us
No builder is perfect, but the experience overall has been really positive. We’ve had a few bumps, sure — but we’ve also had the support to smooth them out. And hey… they’re hosting an open house at our build, so clearly we did something right. 😉
OUR FLOORPLAN: SCHUMACHER’S MEADOWVIEW PLAN (WITH A FEW MODS)
We picked the Meadowview because it checked our most important boxes: – Open-concept living – Walk-in pantry (non-negotiable) – Enough bedrooms and flex space for real life
What we changed in the floor plan:
- open concept mudroom with door to porch
- screened in back porch (12 x 20)
- we reconfigured the owner’s bathroom to make space for a freestanding tub and relocated second closet
- additional bedroom upstairs with a loft
- added windows (hellooo natural light)
This plan gave us a cozy but functional layout that didn’t feel too “cookie cutter,” and the tweaks we made? Game changers.
THE HIDDEN COSTS BEFORE YOU BUILD
Perc Test Reveal = $38,000 Surprise
Let’s just say… we were not emotionally prepared for our first line item.
Because our lot is just outside Charleston (read: no town water or sewer), we needed a perc test to see if the soil could support a traditional septic system.
Spoiler: it couldn’t.
That’s when we swapped our metal roof dreams for an engineered septic reality — a $38,000 curveball.
Would we do it again? Honestly… yeah. Because now we know what to expect, and we’re here to help you walk in smarter.
Other Early Expenses We Covered:
- Septic + well permitting
- Application to town zoning + tree removal permits
- Hiring a tree surveyor
- Approval from the Architectural Review Board
- Running power with the electric company
These hit before Schumacher even opened a floorplan file. So if you’re managing your own land: plan early, get quotes, and keep receipts. You’ll thank yourself.
WHAT WE PAID PER SQUARE FOOT
Let’s talk numbers (because someone has to).
Schumacher’s base prices start around $140/sq ft — but that doesn’t tell the full story. Between upgrades, lot costs, septic, and builder requirements?
We’re coming in around $336/sq ft all-in.
That includes:
- Previously purchased land
- Engineered septic system
- Thoughtful upgrades (we’ll share picks soon!)
- Builder fees, permits, and essentials
Not everything was fancy — but it was intentional. Our goal was to build something that looked charming on a budget, and we’re getting there.
WHAT WE’D ASK DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME
Every build teaches you something. Here’s what we’d ask upfront:
- What’s the realistic timeline for builds in this area?
- Can we meet with a design center rep before signing?
- What’s included in “base price,” and what isn’t?
- Who handles permits if we bring our own land?
- Are there any surprise site prep costs?
None of these are deal breakers — they’re just questions that help set expectations early.
We’re still mid-build — but what we’ve learned already could fill a binder (actually, it has — and a spreadsheet).
If you’re thinking about building with Schumacher in Charleston: go for it. But go in with info, a plan, and a few backup dreams in case your metal roof turns into engineered septic. 
Want to budget smarter from day one?
Grab the free Home Build Budget Tracker — it’s the exact doc we used before committing a single dollar.
Prices change. Counties differ. This is our experience in the rural/coastal South. Not affiliated with Schumacher Homes.
