building a house

[daaw]

I am considering (1st Stages) of building (contracting out the work) my next home. I live in the southeast and was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of the money I might save. Any other advise? <br /><br />thanks in advance

 

[Terry H]

Re: building a house

What you need to do is to take the plans around and get bids from the folks you are gonna hire to do the work. The only way you are going to save much is if you do a lot of the work yourself. <br />I've been around construction a lot, and imho if you don't know the answer to your question already I would advise against...hopefully there will be more folks chime in with positive advise...

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: building a house

Around here it is almost impossible to contract it yourself. The reason is that construction is booming and only licened general contractors seem to have the ability to get subs to work for them. Just trying to get subs is really tough, and if you can get them to agree to work on your project, they have so much other work out there that it is hard to schedule them in a timely manner, and then it's a crap shoot whether or not they show up. So it takes for ever to make progress. It can be a real pian, lots of problems that general contractors don't run into.<br /><br />On the other hand, if you know lots of trades people, can get them to work for you, can schedule out the project, do all the permitting and contracting, you can save up to $15 to $20K on an 1500 to 2000sq ft house.

 

[ED21]

Re: building a house

What you are talking about in being your own General Contractor. It's a lot harder & more involved than most people think. <br />If you have the time & are willing to put up with the headaches, scheduling, building inspectors, utilities, liability it's possible to save.<br />Since you are a one time job for the sub-contractors you can't hold future work over them to get work completed on time. <br />On commercial work the GC usually gets about a 10% to 15% markup on other trades prices.

 

[daaw]

Re: building a house

Already some great advise. Thanks all. <br /><br />I am planning to build a 2800-3200 sq ft home. I have heard the problem with getting subs to do work on a one time project. <br /><br />I have a framer, an electrician, trim man and possibly a plumber that I know I can count on. <br /><br />I admit I know little about construction, local codes etc. I feel I might be biting off more than I want/can chew but want to try to get a feel for what I could plan to save by DIY. <br /><br />Most of the local builders will build a house for a set price, force you to use their "showrooms" to pick flooring, lighting, brick, etc. Is this a better way? Would I be better off getting allowances for these things and finding my own bargins??

 

[dhammann]

Re: building a house

I was in the process of doing the same thing (done it before)when someone suggested modular. My new modular home is almost complete without hassles or cost over runs and I honestly believe that you could not build a site built home that has as much structual integrity as a modular. The quality of the fit & trim surpasses mostof the site built homes (I used to be a contractor) that I have been around. Do the research and choose wisely,there are many manufactures, some are fair, good and better. If you chose a reputable manufacturer expect about 15 to 20% in savings.

 

[Link]

Re: building a house

DIYers (and I am one) <br />I've only been around the construction business for about 6 years but have seen at least 6 divorces with people getting too involved with having new homes built or current home remodeled.<br />It can, but shouldnt be stressfull.<br /><br />On saving money weather you go stick built or modular. You could do as one of my sister in laws did. She had them build (in her case modular) the house with only the kicthen, living room and main floor bathroom finished. All electrial,plumbing and sub floors were also done. The rest of the house was just framed in with wiring and plumbing. <br />The second bath on the main floor, basement and two up stairs bathrooms had (This is a boating forum) Drain plugs put in the toilet bowl holes) <br /> <br />This left her options. The house was fully functional and she could choose what work she wanted to do or hire out with subs wanting to make extra money on the side.<br /><br />She chose to do it all her self and saved 40K but it took her 4 years to finish it. <br /><br />Just my experience with it.<br /><br />Link

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: building a house

Im a construction foreman, in other words I work for a builder and make sure all the subs are on the job when they say they are going to be and all work is being done on time. We will be building up to 20 houses this year and even with future jobs on the line some of the subs are wishy washy. Unless you can devote many hours to supervising and "crackin the whip" you may not save as much as you think.I have had to finish jobs myself so as to keep things flowing more than once.

 

[ndemge]

Re: building a house

http://www.construction-resource.com/forum/ <br /><br />There is a nice resource to talk to people in the biz...

 

[NathanY]

Re: building a house

To build a house it costs, depending on your area, about $75-$100 per square foot. That is what I used to figure when I was in the biz.

 

[dhammann]

Re: building a house

daaw, Since you are located in the S.E. a modular should run about $65 a sq. foot, turnkey. If you elect to do some of the work yourself you could get close to $50