Hiring Architect Vs. Home Builder First
malgosia79
7 years ago
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Decision made to build. Hire the Architect first or buy the land
Comments (6)If you have a fixed idea of what the house has to look like then having the assistance of an architect in looking at land makes sense. Placing the house on the lot and adapting the plan to the unique properties of the lot is one of the most critical roles the architect fills, so if the house is relatively fixed then you need to find a lot that works. Most folks find the location and land then adapt the house to fit, but it's not a rule that you have to do it that way; most of the time it's just easier than finding the perfect location for a pre-designed house. An architect should certainly be able to show you different ways your design ideas could be adapted to different kinds of lots in the event the perfect site isn't just sitting there for you. Then there are those that obliterate the land to fit their house... Have fun!...See MoreBuilding Our First Home - Can't Decide on Builder or Floor Plan
Comments (56)Have you looked at other Wedding venues and tried to pick their brains on all the issues you need to be aware of in setting this plan in motion? Have you considered building with a Bed and Breakfast Inn and make your living quarters part of a house and eventual complex. This is what I am talking about developing a Master Plan. Actually, a Business Plan as well. Get educated on local codes, zoning etc. because there might be areas that simply won’t let you do what you want to do. This is another reason to sit down with an architect and s/he can outline potential issues. Then weave in your personal short term objectives. Start with the end in mind. You may be jumping into the pool at the deep end to start to learn how to swim. It can be done, but you can drown too. Any home should have every bedroom with ensuite bathroom. At some point, you might want a separate home and then this house would be readily converted to a B&B for guests of wedding party members etc. it is an exciting venture but get informed. Meet with people who understand and can help you gain knowledge before you go much further. Hoping to help you avoid costly mistakes. This is not a small endeavor....See MoreOur architect designed, with builder input, a house WAY over budget
Comments (78)Yes take a comb through the materials and price them out. Have at least 4 builders price out your project with all the trades. Sometimes GCs that offer a level of self performance like carpentry can avoid double mark ups. Did you see any of the major quotes like excavation, framing, plumbing, etc? I'm doing a lower level finish. One bid was 60% over budget....another 44%....then with due dillengence we ended up 4% over budget but went with the contractor that was 10% over budget. Pricing wasn't the only varible at the end of the day. I'd hold the line and get more bids if you can - too much time and money vested - but if the bids come back similar time to cut the cord unless the redesign to meet budget is free....See MoreSteps and Tips for First Time Home Builders!
Comments (12)Often folks select (basic) tile finishes including design, patterns and get a price quote then deviate to a more expensive choice after the budget has been set. Between design and installation, market factors can cause the costs to increase. As the build proceeds, folks tend to desire "more" for the bathrooms as they begin to focus more attention on those areas. That saying, "it's just tile" can be the beginning of future regrets. There are the inevitable cost increases from those things that arise during a build which often results in money allocated for other areas being extracted, leaving those areas short on cash. Be wary of older methods or installation materials lacking modern technological advances industry standards. Home reno tv shows are fun entertainment but they do not help owners or the industry with realistic expectations. If this will be your forever home I hope you incorporate aging in place. Here's a source https://aginginplace.com/universal-design/ Here's a source for qualified installation https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/ Here's one for the the organization who publishes the standards https://www.tcnatile.com/ Congratulations on your new home and best wishes to you!...See Morefreeoscar
7 years agomalgosia79
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7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoUser
7 years agoCharles Ross Homes
7 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
7 years agoCharles Ross Homes
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7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoSpringtime Builders
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
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7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
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