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Message
DIY friendly home builders
Posted on 10/20/16 at 6:48 am
Posted on 10/20/16 at 6:48 am
I've read a lot of threads on cost per sf to build a home but not much about if you want to do some of the work yourself to save a little. We are a single income family with two young kids so anything we can save helps. I live in Prairieville and would like to stay close to around here. Looking to see if anyone knows a builder who would be willing to allow some diy (mostly finishing work) so I could save some money on the back end. I'm looking to get a builder to do the front end (pull permits, grade, frame, rough ins, drywall finishing, outside finishing) and I do the rest. Has anyone done this? I have thought about subcontracting but i'm worried about not enough time in keeping the guys in line. What are your recommendations? Will I be saving a decent amount? I'm looking at about 2000 sq ft living home. My budget is trying to get a home built for $75/sq ft (not including lot) Thanks for any replies.
10
Posted on 10/20/16 at 6:58 am to MikeDATiger116
quote:If you think you can or you think you can't...you are right.
My budget is trying to get a home built for $75/sq ft (not including lot)
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:01 am to MikeDATiger116
Are you doing this cash?
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:16 am to ItNeverRains
Biggest problem I see is that banks are going to not like doing this.
I built my house along with sub contracting. To do that, I had to lay out a full plan along with a full cost list. The bank made me have a contractor inspect as I built the house at three different stages. Of course I had to pay for the inspections.
This was 17 years ago and I built 2500 living, 3700 sf under roof for 52K.
I built my house along with sub contracting. To do that, I had to lay out a full plan along with a full cost list. The bank made me have a contractor inspect as I built the house at three different stages. Of course I had to pay for the inspections.
This was 17 years ago and I built 2500 living, 3700 sf under roof for 52K.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:18 am to ItNeverRains
if I have to, I could. I would have to get a heloc or pull loan from 401k and just refinance after.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:20 am to soccerfüt
Lol. I appreciate this comment. I actually have it pasted on my work door for some time. I think I can, just need some reassurance.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:22 am to MikeDATiger116
It would be best to deal with a local bank. You need to go in person and talk to someone.
With the flooding, people that want to do the work, insurance companies are giving them a hard time along with banks.
With the flooding, people that want to do the work, insurance companies are giving them a hard time along with banks.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:27 am to MikeDATiger116
I would check with Sunrise Homes or similar builders. They build on your lot and I believe you can get a nice house for $75/ft.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:33 am to The Mick
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give them a look. Just wanting to get my 'call list' ready of reputable guys that would be willing to do something like this.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:36 am to MikeDATiger116
Man that's going to be tough in Prairieville @ $75 (I'm assuming lot included since not specified) The biggest thing I see is that you doing any work delays the build versus a sub. Contractors build as a business, and floating a loan on a build hurts if added time is involved. You may do better building it yourself, and hiring a general foreman to oversee it.
This post was edited on 10/20/16 at 7:38 am
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:37 am to fishfighter
I never gave a thought about financing much, but I also would finance over 50% myself if the final number was within my range. I'll definitely talk with a local bank to see what they require, I guess it would be a self construction loan of some sort. But if I had a local builder that would be willing to give me a price on doing the 'front end' work then maybe the banks would be more willing. Unless they don't trust me for the finishing work...
I'd love to get mine built for 52k. lol
I'd love to get mine built for 52k. lol
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:39 am to MikeDATiger116
quote:
52k
No offense, but HIGHLY doubtful. I can tell you I live in Dutchtown, and there's not a house on the market right now under $190, and a new neighborhood building up at $155-$170/ SF
This post was edited on 10/20/16 at 7:40 am
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:50 am to MikeDATiger116
quote:
if I have to, I could. I would have to get a heloc or pull loan from 401k and just refinance after.
If you have means to, get heloc. Most people building 150k don't have heloc at their disposal. Banks aren't going to want licensed insured contractor walking off after bones complete and you and T-Boy finishing the house on their dime with traditional construction loan.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 7:55 am to Passing Wind
quote:
DIY friendly home builders
Man that's going to be tough in Prairieville @ $75 (I'm assuming lot included since not specified) The biggest thing I see is that you doing any work delays the build versus a sub. Contractors build as a business, and floating a loan on a build hurts if added time is involved. You may do better building it yourself, and hiring a general foreman to oversee it.
Lot not included in that price. Any suggestions on where to find a licensed foreman? I really have no idea how the homebuilding business works. Just more of a guy who knows how to swing a hammer every once in a while. My main concern with sub is doing proper QC when each phase is complete so would a foreman or contractor be willing to do my inspections and how do I trust them? Thanks
Posted on 10/20/16 at 8:03 am to MikeDATiger116
quote:
willing to do my inspections
inspections are done through the city codes office
any standard contractor can price what you are asking for and you do the finish work.
with that said, you will have to have your finances all in line and be prepared to make the interest payments on the construction loan as you go along.
even with doing a lot of the work yourself, it will be tough to build your house for $75 sq ft. you need to budget closer to $100 and do your damndest to come in under.
once you have a general budget in mind, you need to stick to it very close. fixtures, flooring and such can get out of hand very quick.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 8:05 am to MapGuy
quote:
fixtures, flooring and such can get out of hand very quick.
This.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 8:29 am to MikeDATiger116
To build for $75/ft(without the lot), you will have to do more than just finishing work. I built a 2,000 sf house in Prairieville in 2006. I did it for $74/ft, but that was self-contracted. I formed the slab myself, did all the a/c work including rough in, trimmed it, painted it including staining the cabinets, did electrical rough in and trim out, installed all hardware and appliances, all the clean-up and managed the job the whole time. To hit $75/sf, you will have to do most of those things and you won't have top of the line everything. It can be done, but going to be tough if you have never built one.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 8:35 am to LSUengr
I work for Cretin Homes and we do a customer participation build where we finish the outside, hang and float the inside, put in the tub and the air handler in the attic. You provide paint, cabinets, floors, fixtures, etc.
Posted on 10/20/16 at 8:59 am to Franktowntiger7
quote:ole boy Brady Foret on y'alls FB page 3 kinds of pissed off at y'all for putting 1/2" water lines in his home y'all built for him. Who the frick puts 1/2" water mains in a home?
I work for Cretin Homes
If y'all cheap arse enough to do that wonder what other kind of corners you cut .
Posted on 10/20/16 at 9:03 am to LSUengr
How long did it take you? You must have had a bunch of cash on hand to do it yourself? Banks not gonna go for that kind of approach without a licensed contractor. You sound very capable and had resources. Not just a guy who's willing to swing a hammer.
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