Short answer: Foundation work typically represents 12% to 18% of total project cost on a Phase I
beachfront lot, versus 8% to 12% on a comparable Phase II lot.
Why it matters: Having an actual percentage range — rather than a vague “foundations cost more” —
lets you sanity-check a quote against realistic expectations for your specific phase.
What to check:
● Ask your builder for the foundation line item as a percentage of total cost, not just a lump sum
● Compare that percentage against these benchmarks for your phase
● If a quote is well outside this range, ask specifically why
Bottom line: Use these percentages as a gut-check on any Playacar quote — a foundation line item
wildly outside this range deserves a direct conversation before you sign.
