What to Know About 2026 Construction Project Costs
An A43 Design perspective on building, renovating and budgeting with clarity.
Why Construction Cost Clarity Matters
At A43 Design, our most successful projects are those where we are brought into conversations early—before the building or renovating begins, when clients are considering land or evaluating a purchase. In 2026, these early conversations are more important than ever.
Construction costs across Jackson Hole and surrounding mountain markets remain stable but are elevated and shaped by labor availability, material pricing, permitting complexity and the level of craftsmanship clients expect. Understanding the full scope of costs early allows clients to move forward with confidence and avoid surprises later. Early clarity also supports smarter decision-making around scale, scope and prioritization, long before drawings are finalized or permits are submitted.
Construction Cost Trends
Across the construction industry, cost increases have steadied compared to previous years, but they have not reversed. Many core construction categories are increasing at approximately 1–2% annually, while other trades and finish-related categories are seeing increases closer to 10–12%. These incremental changes compound quickly on larger or more complex homes.
From an A43 perspective, even modest increases matter when projects involve custom detailing, premium materials and long build timelines. Regional factors such as seasonal labor availability, transportation logistics and local regulations also continue to influence overall pricing and schedules.
Custom Home Construction Pricing & General Planning Ranges
Most custom residential projects in the mountain west are structured using a cost-plus model, which includes the actual cost of construction and a builder’s fee, typically ranging from 10–15%. This model offers transparency and flexibility, but it also means total costs evolve as design decisions are refined. For clients, this makes early alignment on goals, quality level and priorities especially important, as each design choice directly impacts the final investment.
While every project is unique, early planning often starts within these broad ranges:
Premium Tier: approximately $1,000 per square foot
Luxury Tier: approximately $1,500–$2,000 per square foot
Ultra-Luxury: $2,000+ per square foot
Final costs depend on factors such as architectural complexity and scale, site conditions and access, structural systems and detailing, and interior finish level and customization. Market conditions, construction timelines and the availability of skilled trades can also play a meaningful role in where a project ultimately lands within these ranges.
Architecture & Interior Design
Architecture and interior design services are foundational to successful projects, yet they are often misunderstood or underestimated.
At A43 Design, we see design as a strategic investment that establishes realistic budgets early and aligns expectations between owners, builders and consultants. This reduces costly redesigns and change orders while supporting smoother permitting and approvals. Early collaboration allows us to guide decisions before costs are locked in. Thoughtful design also helps balance aesthetics, functionality and long-term durability, particularly in demanding mountain environments.
Furnishings, Interiors & Soft Costs
Furnishings, interior elements and soft costs are frequently underestimated, particularly for second homes, renovations and full-scale custom builds. Together, these components represent a meaningful portion of the overall project budget and are essential to plan for early.
Interior elements include furniture and rugs, decorative and architectural lighting, art and accessories, and window treatments. We recommend budgeting for $180-250 per square foot as a baseline, plus 10-25% in goods markups. Procurement, installation and project coordination are usually additional costs. These costs can vary significantly depending on customization, lead times and sourcing.
In parallel, projects often require a range of “soft costs” depending on location and scope. These may include permitting and planning approvals, engineering and specialty consultants, and environmental or site-specific reviews. Soft costs vary widely and are often location-dependent, reinforcing the importance of early feasibility analysis and realistic budgeting.
At A43, we advise that furnishings and soft costs be planned alongside architecture and construction, not treated as an afterthought. Integrating these elements early ensures cohesive spaces, smoother approvals and a more accurate understanding of the true total investment required.
How A43 Design Supports Clients & Real Estate Professionals
At A43, we regularly partner with homeowners, buyers and real estate professionals to bring clarity to complex projects.
We aim to help by giving early cost guidance for clients exploring land or new builds, a clear budget framework for architecture, interiors and construction, and direct, realistic communication that supports confident decisions.
The ideal times to involve us are when a buyer is evaluating land and wants to understand what is feasible, when a client is unsure what a high-end home truly costs in today’s market, and when a renovation scope needs clarity before moving forward.
Let’s talk early! Thoughtful design starts with informed decisions. Bringing your design team into the conversation early creates stronger outcomes financially, functionally and aesthetically. Our team at A43 is here to help guide you through the process to your dream home.