What are you building ?

I'm in the early stages of planning a new home. I should be having settlement on our new property within the next few weeks. I'm hoping to break ground late this year or early spring at the latest.

I was just just curious what others are building ? I'd like to hear any comments, problems, experiences, good and bad.

I've met with a couple of builders and i've been looking at floor plans, both modular and stick built. So far I've had a hard time finding a floor plan I really like(and can afford). I'm trying to stay away from 2 story with master BR on 2nd floor. I haven't found a ranch I like(maybe one, if I modify the plan a bit). Most of the cape cods I've seen have the master BR on the 2nd floor. I did find one cape cod(2100sqft) first floor 3BR/2bath, attached garage and the unfinshed 2nd floor has 2 dormers and is about 900sqft finishable space. So far that is the one I'm leaning towards, although it will be at the high end of my budget.

Anyway, I just thought I'd see if anyone else was in the building process, and what your experiences have been and what your are working on.

Thanks for any insight.

 

Congratulations... and my sympathies... you're entering a very satisfying, yet frustrating period.

Not currently building... but have a couple of thoughts....

Set your budget - and stick to it during the planning phase... As you build, you're going to be tempted/required to make adjustments that will cost money..

Buy the best quality you can legitimately afford. Spend it now, you'll appreciate tile over linoleum or , wood over carpet for a lot of years...

Buy "unfinished" portions... As money gets a little easier to find, you will be able to add space/value to your home with a relatively small future investment.

Don't get to "custom"... Always keep an eye towards "resale"... That hot pink Jacuzzi and purple carpet might excite you and your wife... but the next buyer is going to balk.

I'm sure others will chime in.... Have fun.... and good luck! -- Gotta get more coffee - c'mon 9am

 

You are wise to think before committing. A house is a large money investment and a long time commitment. Couple things to think about.
Don't try to impress your friends. I have owned two houses with Garden tubs. Everyone who saw them thought they were "so cool". I NEVER used either one. Too much time and water filling them.
Think about what you HAVE to have. Then think about what you would LIKE to have. Decide how much each will cost and go forward accordingly.
This may sound silly but I actually liked the floor plan of my previous Mobile home. It used every inch of space. No wasted space.
Don't try to save money on the things you want to last for years. Things like bathtubs have a large range of prices. Changing one out after construction is a real pain. Invest in shut-off valves for all the plumbing.(including the shower which normally does not have them). An access door for the shower valve installed while building will save you headaches later. I see a lot of posts here asking how to get to the plumbing when there is a problem.
Good luck on your project and I hope you get all you want.

 

Have you talked to anyone about the affects of the hurricanes on construction? I was in a meeting a couple days ago on one of our office projects with one of the major contractors in this area. They are currently planning on a 13.4% increase overall for labor and materials over the next year and are concerned that it may not be enough. They are also very concerned that there are going to be material shortages.

Plan very carefully.

Bruce

 

Good ideas everyone.

A couple of things I really liked about that Cape cod plan I mentioned was 1) the unfinished space(about 900sqft) - I think that will add a lot of resale value, even if it's not finished. and If I don't sell, then I'll have one heck of a game room in the future, also that will be preplumbed for a 3rd bath. 2) In the master bath, we are going to modify the plan to include a 48" shower unit in place of the tub. My current house has a big tub, we never use it.

Good point about the shut-off valves - I have access panels/valves in my current place and they have come in handy.

Oh yes those huricanes have been on my mind - I have one builder I'm leaning toward using, but I haven't called him yet to talk about the price impacts that are sure to come as a result of the huricanes. I don't want to have him rebid it until were sure going with this plan. I have no doubt that the prices will be going UP, and Up, and surely up. That certainly worries me. That's one reason I'm hoping to start sooner than later.

My current house has just sold, it's under contract anyway. But we won't be having settlement until our buyer sells thier house. I really can't do much work until I receive the profits from my house. I may be able to start clearing the property or get started with the septic design. But I can't start building until that cash comes in.

As far as the extras, I know they can get out of hand quick. I definately want HW floors in the living/famaily areas. I can do with carpet in the bedrooms. I may have to give up the tile floors in the bath's and kitchen. I would like cultured stone on the front of the house and around the fireplace, but I think I will also have to sacrefice that. I'm sure that landscaping will take a back burner as well. The HW floors, new appliances and kitchen upgrades will be the extras I don't want to give up.

I'll be posting more as things progress. Keep the ideas coming.