Inexpensive "build on your lot" builders?
olivesmom
11 years ago
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icedC
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Hiring builder to build on your lot?
Comments (13)We owned our lot, worked with an architect on our plans, then found our builder. We own commercial real estate, so asked our subs (we trust and have do work for us for 30+ years) who they would recommend. Then we called our local Association of Home Builder's and asked DH cousin for a couple of names. We had meetings with two local builders. The first we had walked through houses he was building and liked the quality. He was 150K over what we thought it should be (we build our own commercial buildings so have a clue about costs). They had a large office, staff, etc. = high overhead. The second builder was the one with the best word-of-mouth references from our subs. Did not hear one negative word about him before, during or after. He works out of his home, and it's just him = no overhead. We got the exact same house, finishes, etc. I would use him again in a heartbeat. As a small company, he only works on one house at a time (was finishing up one, then started ours. At end of our build, he was starting ground work on next house.) He was there almost every single day. We were very involved. He watched out for our bottom dollar and we did not go over budget. He charged 10% and there were no change orders/fees during construction... that said, very little was changed during construction (only a wall in the bathroom). A major change (room addition, for example) would have added to his fee. Any friends or acquaintances (schools, church, work, etc) that have built within the last few years that you could ask about their builds? Any plumbing or electrical company you use on a regular basis to ask? Subs are quick to tell you who is good to work for/with and who they would stay away from....See MoreFirst meeting with builder(s)
Comments (6)Most of us have lots of experience purchasing tangible products (e.g., cars, stereos, TVs, furniture, clothing, etc.) and less experience purchasing services. When it comes to choosing a custom home builder you're choosing a service provider--not a product. So, think about how you choose other service providers: doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, car mechanics, tailors, dry cleaners, landscapers, etc. Our default mode is to fall back on criteria for selecting products: what kind of tile do you recommend? What kind of windows do you install? Do you use adhesive and nails when installing your subfloors? But such criteria won't get at the key issues. The first meeting shouldn't focus on specifics like I've listed above. Rather, it should be aimed at assessing whether a particular builder is a good fit for your needs. Your goal is to leave the first meeting with enough information for you to want to 1.) come back for more information or 2.) take the particular builder off the list of potential builders for your custom home. Ask open-ended questions. Ask about each builder's processes and controls during construction. How do they ensure you get the home you want in the time frame you want it and for the agreed upon cost? Ask to see samples of how they manage communications with clients, requests for changes, on-site meetings, construction scheduling, warranty service issues, etc. Ask about their experience building homes of similar style and size to what you want. Please don't show them your plans, do an "information dump" (I want granite counters and a tile backsplash, a free standing tub, yadda, yadda, yadda) and and ask them for a price to build it on your lot ("I'm not going to hold to this, but.... " That question takes a lot of time to answer and shouldn't be the key criterion for selecting your builder. Nor should you bother asking it of folks inappropriate for your needs. Best wishes for a successful project....See MoreNeed help- Inexpensive Updates
Comments (41)What an amazing room! I know real estate listing photos are deceiving, and it's probably not as spacious as it appears but those windows and that view...WOW! I have seen painted furniture in person and it was not good. A valance, is different, and a temporary fix, which I don't find objectionable. I didn't look at BeckySharp's links, but I'm wondering how one might handle the tight tucks around the piping-like trim. The backsplash looks like laminate. Are the counters not the same blue? Laminate can be painted or tiled over. Tiling over it is possible, not not cheap once you factor in all the supplies. For example, I tiled a 14 SF countertop, and it was $300 when I added up all the materials for the job. That was basic 4" square white tiles with trim pieces. It is a less expensive alternate to stone, tho....See MoreBuilder Grade to Builder GREAT??
Comments (9)I would replace the existing siding on the gable end above the garage door with a shingle style of siding. It would give it texture and break up the linear pattern. I like the idea of adding a window, even if it is a false front. And paint it a darker color than the garage door. Replace the top row of the garage door with a section that has windows (lights) in it. The pergola is a great idea as well. Thin out the tree in front. It will make it look bigger and allow it to grow better as well. Better landscaping is needed. You need more varied height. And COLOR. Replace the lights on the sides of the garage door with something makes a statement. Something big and bold. You have a lot of vertical height to the front of your home. You need more horizontal width to give it some base. Landscaping can help with that. Painting the lower portions of your columns, your garage door, etc. a darker color will help ground your house....See Morekirkhall
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