Custom Build - Getting Quotes - What do I need to Bring?
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What do I need to do to get started
Comments (8)Since you are building on top of your existing structure I would have a structural engineer take a look and see if your existing foundation and first level will be able to support the second story. I also agree with having an architect involved in the process. We were going to do a "simple" kitchen remodel till I realized I didn't like where the kitchen is located in our 1959 ranch and will have to do a small addition and renovations to the existing space. We've hired an architect and she has been amazing. A good architect will listen to your needs and be able to show you what you can do (and you can avoid the cookie-cutter look). We are in the process of hiring a contractor. We asked our architect for suggestions of who she's worked with and trusts. We are using her initial sketch from the consultation meeting to provide to contractors, along with her description of the project to get an idea of cost. We are also having her team do exact measurements and provide us with a schematic design package which will include a floor plan, front, rear and side elevations. We will also share this with the contractors and it will enable them to give us a better idea of cost. Also, depending on your local government (in my case, the county) they have certain requirements for the permits you will need to do this work. You are going to want to make sure you have the type and detail the local government requires in order to get your permit. For example, my county requires 2 sets of construction documents drawn to scale with sufficient clarity and detail to show the nature and character of the work to be performed, including, but not limited to: plans of each floor level, 4 elevations and typical cross section; and 7 copies of plot plans or 2 copies of the approved site development plan as required by the county regulations. If and when you go to sell your home you want to be able to show to prospective buyers that you did your due diligence and that the renovation was done correctly. We weren't going to purchase our house unless I had proof that for the addition added in the 80's went through the proper process and the county issued the permits and approvals for the work. What I found interesting was that the county no longer had this information and it was up to the owner(s) to maintain the documentation that the proper permits were secured and the work had passed inspection. Luckily the PO had kept all the necessary documents. I also suggest checking out the series of "Not So Big House" books by Sarah Susanka. She has very interesting ideas regarding space and how to live in it. Best of luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Not So Big House...See MoreBuilding a home: What do I need to know?
Comments (6)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....See MoreShould I build with a National Builder or buy a lot and custom build?
Comments (36)why do you assume he wouldn't want to be educated and empowered? Personally, I would recommend an economics class in said education. Then point out that specialize and trade means that you create the most value by doing things that you are better at doing, and leaving the things that you are not particularly good at doing to others. Why stop at being your own contractor? You should also design your house, it really can't be that hard right, I mean architects do it all day long and they only need like five years of college and two years of apprenticeship. I mean if you want to be educated don't go half way, go for the works. Or you could spend that time going to your job, enjoying the fruits of the labor that you actually specialize in, and trade said fruits to other people who have others specializations. Which is how value is really created....See MoreBuilding a custom home and went unique with color! what do u think
Comments (175)@Michele Wells I'm not seeing any pics in your last post that says pics of finished house. Is it my browser or did they not post?...See MoreRelated Professionals
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