how to find a builder with me doing finishing work

I am considering building a house in northern Va. in the next year or so. I would like to build something in the 12-1600 sqft. range. What I would like to do is either contract it myself or try to find a builder that will do the rough in and then I can finish the inside.

So I quess my question is this, any suggestions on how to find a builder?

Or if I decide to be my own contractor any suggestions about that?

Thanks for any input that is offered. Much appreciated.

 

Doing your own contracting always sounds much easier than it is. To oversee a list of subcontractors you need to know what they are doing to be sure you get what you want.

Will you have all of the money in hand to finance this new home? Suppliers will often need to be paid up front for materials where an established contractor enjoys an open account. If you don't have the cash then you will need to borrow much of what is required. Banks may need to see your resume detailing all of the homes you have previously built, they aren't excited about financing first time builders.

A better place to get started is to buy a property that needs some fixing and cut your teeth there and hopefully sell that at a profit. Between the profit and the experience it can be a positive step. But choose wisely as not all homes are worth fixing.

Bud

 

I have some building experience. A friend of mine and I build a small house for my mother next to my garage. House was 24x26' 2 story. And I also build a 30x38' 3 car garage with a room over.

What I would really like is to find a builder that would dry house in and handle all of the rough in work, such as plumbing and electrical roughed in and main floor drywalled. After that I would like to finish it.

This is what I will try if I don't buy an older house that needs to be repaired or remodeled. Not sure what route I will take. This will be our last house and I would like to have the layout that is as close to what we want as possible.

 

No offense, but having been through the process that experience isn't going to convince a bank that you will finish a home they would be proud to own if anything happens. If you can comfortably get it dried out and in good shape, they might help you finish it. One of those details you need to resolve before you start.

Just a note, once you invest all of your money the bank considers you broke and they don't like loaning money to people who have none. Ask before you spend so you can work with their money and have yours as backup.

Bud

 

I dont see a problem with getting a contractor to do this for you. I have done some framing & construction some what. I have also acted as a general contractor for a complete remodel after a flood (for myself). I have never hired a general contractor to do a complete or partial build. I did get quotes from a general contractor to do the complete remodel though, so he was willing to do it.

Having said that, I don't see why a general contractor wouldn't take on a rough in job & hire subs to do plumbing, framing, electrical or whatever you & he needed to get done.

I was looking forward to hiring all subs to do the remodel & over seeing the project but, I tell you, dealing with subs & having to let two of them go during the process.... just dealing with all different subs was a pain... REALLY a pain. It was more than I bargained for. However, over seeing the entire job, even after firing a couple & having to get another sub to go behind them & fix their mess or get it done like I wanted, was a horrible experience yet, in the end, I got the exact home I wanted. Actually, we had planned to sell the house & did so about a year later. The first person who looked at it bought it hands down & made an offer that day at the house. So, I was really proud of that remodel.

All I am saying is, if you plan to sub this out yourself, be sure you're ready for the task. Not only the issues, but you need to be there every day to catch any screw ups or mistakes that arise & get it stopped & done right before it gets too far along.
I enjoyed the satisfaction of designing & over seeing the project to get the results I wanted, but it was truly a pain.

A general contractor will deal with all the subs obviously & it wont be something you have to deal with. Just go to one person & that's it. Trying to deal with all the subs, juggling dates & missed dates, different personalities, etc etc, is much harder than dealing with one general contractor.... but, it costs more. As a rule, general contractors have subs they use often & know each other & usually work well together, which eliminates some/most issues.

Hopefully, my basic knowledge will put you on the right track for your specific situation. Good luck.

 

These are good points guys and I appreciate hearing from people with the experience. Thanks again

 

forum ate my response AGAIN
Maybe later when the smoke clears.

Bud

 

OMG a builder from China.

Yes it's possible, I have done that with several homes I have had built.

Typ the smaller, individual, builders will be easier to work with than the larger firms who have crews lined up building to tight schedules.

Just remember, your work may be interfering with other subs so it can be double edge, you could be slowing down progress in the name of saving a few $!