skip to main content

Building a Home

Building a home: What do I need to know?

9 years ago

My spouse and I eventually want to buy a house. But I am someone that has to plan and have a back up plan for the back up plan. Neither of us really have any experience building a house either. What are some things we really need to know? Is there a site where it is like Building a Home for Dummies? I want to eventually build an entire binder or something similar to the plan we want so that way I can figure out financing and other things so I know what to expect. I know that nothing is going to go exactly as planned but having one I feel is better than none at all.

Any recommendations?

Featured Answer

User

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Lavender Lass
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Read the Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka.

And make sure you really want to build. Buying is a lot easier. You are instantly 'in' the house...and you won't go over budget. Until the remodel :)
Related Discussions
I think I know what I need to do.
Q
Comments (13)
I have had the BEST weekend people!! I tried a whole different approach. I tried bringing up the subject of his crazy ex wife and his son's very agressive behavior but after a very nice day where we were both relaxed and content. For once, he LISTENED to me! Yay! We came up with some strategies for dealing with some of the issues that have been upsetting our family. I know it's small steps but I feel very encouraged! Plus, I made a comment before our combined birthday party for our 6 and 2 year old this weekend, that everytime we have a party, I feel very ignored by him. Like I don't exist to him and it's not because he's running around being host- because I AM! The whole party- he was so attentive to me, like asking if I needed a drink, getting me my plate of food and bringing it over, taking the baby without being asked, telling me to sit and relax, etc. I don't want to forget all that we need to work on however I feel that this weekend has refreshed us. :)
...See More
Considering an older (1972) mobile home - what do I need to know?
Q
Comments (5)
@ryse: Good thought about liability only - since I'm just starting to look I really haven't learned anything about insurance on mobiles, I just figured I needed to insure it like I would a house. I'll check into liability insurance and will also try to research what other similar properties have sold for in that neighborhood. @cathyyg; I agree that sounds like a crazy price for a 40 year old mobile home, even after aggressive negotiations. I don't yet know what updates they might have done to add value (I'll check on the things you mentioned, thank you!), but it seems like it's being carried on the tax rolls at a value of $14.5K - $12.5 for the home and improvements and $2K for the half-acre lot, so there's a heck of a disconnect there somewhere.
...See More
Custom Build - Getting Quotes - What do I need to Bring?
Q
Comments (64)
@Sincerely Kristen. My husband and I are now in the process of looking for a piece of land to build our dream home as well. I am on the same boat as you where I want to get a ballpark estimate with my rough drawing and to speak to builders to get a sense of what is realistic. In my mind, I want what I want in my dream home in terms of look and feel with all the bells and whistles. When purchasing a piece of land first, there is no guarantee my dream home can be built on that land. Unfortunately, as others have pointed out, unless there is an approved plan, the builders really won’t entertain the idea. I spoke to a builder who knows the listing agent for the piece of land I was going to purchase so he gave me a very rough estimate based on what I told him I want to achieve. The real estate agent is looking for something built for themselves so they shared with me some figures as well. I am not sure what area you are from but if you message me I am happy to share with you what I learned. I am looking for something in the Orange County area in NY. I am completely with you on wanting to know all the details first but in this market I doubt they will spare their time in speaking with prospective customers like us. Hope this helps.
...See More
Starting w/a blank slate (new build!) - What should I do and not do?
Q
Comments (29)
Brutal but honest. Get your deposit back and run! Was in this position and learned the hard way. Don’t build with big box; build custom custom with a local builder who will accommodate all your needs and build a one story only. Two story’s don’t work when “aging in place”. Big box force you into compromised and design choices that don’t work. Skip the paint and lipstick and focus on layout and flow. When building a “forever home” you need quality over quantity. Our one story has larger hallways to accommodate wheel chairs and walkers. We designed around how you move through a space with ease. We have a big shower and no tub cause as you age, tubs are hard to use. Even the front door has literally one step that can accommodate a ramp as to when or if we get there it can be done. Every bathroom has storage and storage is essential. Bonus space is useless. Only put rooms in the house you will use. Formal anything is garbage and waste to heat and cool. These are all subject to preference but these are lessons learned.
...See More
jdez
9 years ago
I think this site is a good start. Read through the "how is your build" threads and it will give you an idea of how things go. Begin by figuring out your budget first. I would suggest that you check out the homes for sale in your area within that budget to see if you can just buy instead of building because, like LL pointed out, it is a lot less time and stress involved. Then, if you decide you need to build, you start your binder of info and start designing your dream house.
Mini Soda
9 years ago
One thing and one thing only: the routing and account number for bank accounts. All of them.
User
9 years ago
If you're thinking about building, do you know if you want to custom build the whole house, or would you consider a production builder? That's what we're doing. I think a lot of people think custom building is better, but we went with a production builder because we've never bought a house before, never built before, and the thought of a custom build was way too overwhelming. With the production builder, we're still getting a new home that we got to customize in a lot of ways. There are a lot of home-building blogs out there. Most of the ones I've seen are for custom builds.
neonweb US 5b
9 years ago
If you have a floor plan you can start getting material estimates, some labor estimates, and looking at material choices. The bank will also need a floor plan to do an estimate for loan purposes.

Related Stories

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: What to Know About Green Building and Energy Codes

By Matt Clawson

In Part 4 of our series examining the residential permit process, we review typical green building and energy code requirements

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

REMODELING GUIDES Construction Timelines: What to Know Before You Build

By Incite Design

Learn the details of building schedules to lessen frustration, help your project go smoothly and prevent delays

ARCHITECTURE 10 Things to Know About Prefab Homes

By Laura Gaskill

Are prefab homes less costly, faster to build and greener than homes constructed onsite? Here are answers to those questions and more

ARCHITECTURE Know Your House: What Makes Up a Home's Foundation

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Learn the components of a common foundation and their purpose to ensure a strong and stable house for years to come

ROOFS What to Know Before Selecting Your Home’s Roofing Material

By Matt Clawson

Understanding the various roofing options can help you make an informed choice

HEALTHY HOME What to Know About Controlling Dust During Remodeling

By Mitchell Parker

You can't eliminate dust during construction, but there are ways to contain and remove as much of it as possible

MOST POPULAR What to Know About Adding a Deck

By Mitchell Parker

Want to increase your living space outside? Learn the requirements, costs and other considerations for building a deck

GREAT HOME PROJECTS What to Know About Adding a Backyard Bocce Ball Court

By Matt Clawson

A regulation court in a relaxed setting helps you get the most from the Italian pastime. Here's what it takes to build one at home

GREEN BUILDING Zero Net Energy: A Hardworking-House Term to Know

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Homes that consume only as much energy as they produce by renewable means are a goal for builders. Learn what ZNE means for you

Sponsored

1 Review

Industry Leading General Contractors in Columbus

More Discussions

Anderson Woodwright vs Marvin Elevate

12

Give your advice on my DRAFT first floor layout

29

It's May 2024. How is your build going?

14

Foundation house plan

15

Help with kitchen design! Prep sink vs pot filler??

32