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Message
New house costs
Posted on 12/1/10 at 10:34 am
Posted on 12/1/10 at 10:34 am
I will be having a new house built in the next year or 2 and am wondering what costs I should take care of on my own rather than having included in the builder's estimate (avoid the markup and maybe get better quality)? I was thinking things not related to construction expertise like fencing (wood privacy and ornamental metal), landscaping, etc?
Any ideas out there along with estimated costs for these items?
I'm just trying to prepare for the building process and all of the costs.
Thank you for any help.
Any ideas out there along with estimated costs for these items?
I'm just trying to prepare for the building process and all of the costs.
Thank you for any help.
8
Posted on 12/1/10 at 10:48 am to GAB
I just got finished building a house. We subbed it out ourselves which saved alot of money. I got a few quotes from builders ahead of time and neither one included a fence. Things that we budgeted outside of the "builders quote" was a fence, gutters, and window blinds. I would say it is safe to assume that no builder is going to include that in a bid unless you specifically tell them to do so.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 7:38 pm to ScottieP
I would say put everything you can in the bid. If you are only paying around 4% on the mortgage, why not borrow as much as you can. Take the amt you were putting aside and invest it. I would think in the long run you get more than 4% on your money.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 7:42 pm to GAB
I know broke mentioned that he saved a nice mint by buying all the fixtures online.
Posted on 12/1/10 at 9:19 pm to GAB
If you are buying a bunch of stuff yourself, do this:
Choose a builder. Develop a project budget. Negotiate a fixed fee amount for the builder.
The builder can get most services and most building products cheaper than you can so let him do that.
Decide what you want to buy yourself. You can save money, but it will be a pain in the arse getting there. You could buy stuff that works, but not sized properly. You could buy stuff that's not compatible with what your house - have fun with returns. Buying the wrong thing is more expensive than buying the more expensive right thing
Choose a builder. Develop a project budget. Negotiate a fixed fee amount for the builder.
The builder can get most services and most building products cheaper than you can so let him do that.
Decide what you want to buy yourself. You can save money, but it will be a pain in the arse getting there. You could buy stuff that works, but not sized properly. You could buy stuff that's not compatible with what your house - have fun with returns. Buying the wrong thing is more expensive than buying the more expensive right thing
Posted on 12/1/10 at 9:57 pm to GAB
Just finished building.
My advice: Don't do it.
But if you are hell bent. I don't have any specifics as far as what to include in the bid, but I do recommend getting someone who is knowledgeable in construction to scrutinize everything that is done. You have no idea what builders will try to get away with to save money.
My advice: Don't do it.
But if you are hell bent. I don't have any specifics as far as what to include in the bid, but I do recommend getting someone who is knowledgeable in construction to scrutinize everything that is done. You have no idea what builders will try to get away with to save money.
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