The new affordable house that we are building in Connecticut is under $ 200 per SF. You can check out the 3d renderings and the construction photos as well

http://www.knk-studios.com/ct_residence.swf

OK..I am a complete newbie to building a home with either an architect or GC.  I have bought and sold many existing houses, but never built my own.  That said, this may be a "too many answers" question, but I am just looking for general guidance.  I am wondering what ya'll feel would be an "all in" price for us building a single family home with the following details.
- Seattle Metro Area
- 2200 - 2300 sq feet total
- "mid" level construction quality.
- 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large kitchen
- tile or hardwood throughout home
- Lot will cost about $300,000
- Lot is within existing residential area, so there are all utilities on street, but not into the lot
- Our appliances are not "Viking" level, but more in the high end GE level that can be ordered from a Home Depot or are on the floor
- I will do the landing around the house and will plant the grass, etc.. myself.  I need dirt loaded in.
- We will want large and many windows

Can't think of anything else.  Is there a range anyone can give me for a true total after everything is taken into account? I may be able to get free or VERY cheap architecturally designed and stamped plans( i will have to cover any true costs they have + about $1,000 to draw it up), but will need a GC to oversee the entire process, get the permits, etc...

P,

I house like that would costs $325,000 to $350,000 in Dallas - $140 per foot for above ground construction only. No soft costs such as interest carry or arch/engineering, etc. I would not know the costs in Seattle (which is the topic of this entire thread).

A couple of other notes:

1. I would consider bumping up the size of your house to 2,500. squeezing 4 bedrooms in a 2,200 square foot house is certainly possible but everything will be too small. We build 2,200 square foot 2 bed/2.5 bath/study townhomes that are nearly perfect in porportion. The room sizes are just right - not too big, not too small. It may help if you are on one story (versus 3) but consider going a tad bigger if you can.

2. Consider access and topography on your budget. If you have a hard to reach lot, lots of trees, or a sloped lot your prices will escalate quickly especially on your foundation. Make sure you get a soils report for your foundation.

3. Windows can be really expensive depending on how crazy you get. Windows can be had for $7,000 in your size house or could go to $50,000 for the high end commercial store front glass. If you are on a tight budget, consider avoiding floor to ceiling windows, lots of operating windows, and use "nailfin" windows that are easier to install. You can get the appearance of floor to ceiling windows by using nailfin tempered windows without the massive costs. You just have to elevate the window 4 to 6 inch off the floor.

4. Look at Jenn Air appliances. I would avoid Home Depot or Lowe's appliances because they are so common and don't feel "special". You will get your money back on resale for sure.

I would look for a small design/build firm that specializes in modern houses. If your lot is special and you are going to effort of building a house, have a house designed that makes best use of the lot. If you have a plain jane lot, then off the shelf plans might be more feasible.

Good luck!