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Question for those who have built a new house recently

Posted on 2/13/14 at 11:52 am
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 11:52 am
I'm looking to build within the next couple of months. What are some things you did that help save you money? I'm not talking about long term savings but along the lines of doing things yourself like painting, flooring, electrical etc.
Posted by GoldenSombrero
Member since Sep 2010
2651 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 12:17 pm to
Painting and flooring are two big ones. The other thing is checking craigslist and seeing if there are any auctions nearby for building materials. Save a lot on doors, windows, siding, fixtures but it's time consuming and takes a lot of work.
Posted by ZereauxSum
Lot 23E
Member since Nov 2008
10176 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 12:25 pm to
Assuming you're not terribly handy (like me):

Purchase and install your own blinds.

Definitely get your own ceiling fans/light fixtures and assymble/hang them yourself.
This post was edited on 2/13/14 at 12:27 pm
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 12:59 pm to
I will be doing the flooring no doubt. I would like to paint but I;m sort of nervous it will look shitty
Posted by CubsFanBudMan
Member since Jul 2008
5060 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 1:13 pm to
Keep in mind what you're good at and what you enjoy. For me, it would probably be worth paying someone to paint, but electrical stuff I enjoy. I wouldn't run the wires or anything, but I would install all of the lights/fans/outlets. I would also run all kinds of speaker and networking cable.
Posted by iknowmorethanyou
Paydirt
Member since Jul 2007
6545 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 1:44 pm to
Your paint job can't be any shittier than the Mexicans are doing for DR Horton and DSLD.
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 1:47 pm to
I hope to be able to run all electrical myself but not sure my contractor will let me get away with it because of ACT 12? I know years ago when my parents built their house running your own electrical wasnt an issue at all.
Posted by CubsFanBudMan
Member since Jul 2008
5060 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 1:58 pm to
Also, this may not save you money now, but will in the future, but think about future upgrades that you may want and how to make those easier. Who ever built my house was smart enough to run a gas outlet outside from the laundry room. If I decide to put an outdoor kitchen there, I'll already have the gas line taken care of. I just wish they would have been smart enough to also run a hot and cold water supply.
Posted by Kingpenm3
Xanadu
Member since Aug 2011
8958 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 1:58 pm to
The main thing you need to do before building is start finding references. Do not let anyone do anything for you without having 5 people tell you what a good/on time/within budget jog that they did and that they would use them again. Do not believe anything a contractor tells you.

Next, go find a house you like and buy it. Remember, you will end up paying a premium for the opportunity to have your own custom house.

(I'm still bitter, 6 years later)
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/13/14 at 6:35 pm to
Has anyone bought their appliance from Lowes?
Is it true that Lowes will match any price from other stores such as Home Depot or Sears?
Posted by Ole War Skule
North Shore
Member since Sep 2003
3409 posts
Posted on 2/14/14 at 7:16 am to
build.com

prices, delivery and service are TOPS.

set up as a contractor and get additional discount.

you'll get a rep who works with you through the entire process.

returns easy as can be.

bought lighting, plumbing, electrical etc much lower than lowes and higher end lines as well

highly reccomended
Posted by pdubya76
Sw Ms
Member since Mar 2012
5957 posts
Posted on 2/14/14 at 11:50 am to
We just finished our house right before thanksgiving. We did our insulation,all caulking,painting,interior trim work,door knobs,staining,and installed light fixtures.
We bought our appliances from USAppliance.com
They were much cheaper than anybody else I got quotes from. Just make sure you check everything for damage before the delivery guy leaves even if the box is in good shape.
I can tell you one thing...DO NOT use AimLoan.com for your permanent financing.
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/14/14 at 1:27 pm to
Thanks. Im checking out US Appliance now. What did you pay for all appliances.....refrigerator, dish washer, cooktop/range, over?
Posted by saderade
America's City
Member since Jul 2005
25730 posts
Posted on 2/14/14 at 2:35 pm to
quote:

Question for those who have built a new house recently
I'm just starting but I have read everywhere to plan, plan, and plan some more so you aren't making changes mid build.
Posted by pdubya76
Sw Ms
Member since Mar 2012
5957 posts
Posted on 2/15/14 at 9:40 am to
We already had a washer and dryer from our previous house.We spent around 4400 for all kitchen appliances.They delivered within 3 weeks and thats included in the price.Its also tax free.
The reason I mentioned inspecting is that our DW door was crushed when we opened the box about 2 weeks after delivery(my fault for waiting so long).The box was in perfect shape.I called them and they said we should have inspected it prior to delivery guy leaving.They eventually swapped it for a new one.Pretty good outfit to deal with.
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 9:18 pm to
where did yall go online to look for interior designs? my wife and I have 2 completely different taste
Posted by saderade
America's City
Member since Jul 2005
25730 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 10:01 pm to
Houzz.com is a great website for design stuff. Pick a couple of things that are very important to you and stay strong on those decisions. Other than that it probably won't be worth fighting about everything else.
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 10:18 pm to
she likes sleek and contemporary. i like cypress beams and bricks

i hope i dont lose this battle
Posted by ShubutaMS
5682 posts
Member since Aug 2013
1434 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 10:30 pm to
quote:

she likes sleek and contemporary. i like cypress beams and bricks



I have no problem with how stainless appliances and beams/bricks go together. fwiw
Posted by slapahoe
USA
Member since Sep 2009
7442 posts
Posted on 2/21/14 at 10:38 pm to
i love the way they look together. she doesnt

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