- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
re: Builder Asking About Budget on House?
Posted on 3/3/14 at 8:56 am to BeerMoney
Posted on 3/3/14 at 8:56 am to BeerMoney
quote:
Is it normal when soliciting bids from builders for them to ask how much money you're looking to spend
Absolutely. Why should a builder (and his subs) waste time bidding your plans and meeting with you when you might have unrealistic expectations? I can't tell you how many people think they can hire a contractor and have this $100/sqft price stuck in there head. I've met others that think they can build a mansion for $90/ft. Sure, you can build a decent house for $100/ft, but you could also make the same house nicer for $115/ft or cheaper at $90/ft. It's all in the details.
Proper planning is the most important part of any construction project. The final budget is a major key in planning. How can a builder gauge your needs without knowing your budget?
Advice for selecting a builder:
- don't hire someone you don't trust well enough to discuss your budget
- don't hire someone that isn't reputable (too many fly-by-night guys)
- if possible, don't hire a builder that isn't building other houses near you. they are more likely to neglect your house if it is way out of their way.
- don't let someone talk you out of what you want. most builders don't like to get out of their comfort zone. they don't like doing something that is different from their other houses. If you want something, stick to it.
- avoid builders that will build your house in 4 months. speed allows them to hide imperfections before you catch them. Fast, Good, Cheap... pick two.
- get at least 3 bids and make sure you compare apples to apples. are the allowances and materials exactly the same?
- even if you trust your builder, it's important to stay active in the process. Check on the house regularly and make sure things are done properly. If you suspect something is done wrong, ask a third party for their opinion.
This post was edited on 3/3/14 at 9:53 am
3
Posted on 3/3/14 at 9:46 am to ashy larry
Our building experience was pretty simple.
We were given a per square foot price to build without the lot, as we had purchased it in advance.
We worked with the designer on the plan, and the builder gave us a budget for countertops, cabinets, appliances, lighting, flooring, everything.
Everything except lighting, we came in under budget and was able to do some upgrades like an outdoor kitchen, whole home sound system. My wife fell in love with a $2000 chandelier for the main foyer on a $3500 lighting budget, so we had to come out of pocket about $1000 when it was said and done for lighting.
I paid for some home automation things on amazon as well out of pocket.
We were given a per square foot price to build without the lot, as we had purchased it in advance.
We worked with the designer on the plan, and the builder gave us a budget for countertops, cabinets, appliances, lighting, flooring, everything.
Everything except lighting, we came in under budget and was able to do some upgrades like an outdoor kitchen, whole home sound system. My wife fell in love with a $2000 chandelier for the main foyer on a $3500 lighting budget, so we had to come out of pocket about $1000 when it was said and done for lighting.
I paid for some home automation things on amazon as well out of pocket.
Posted on 3/3/14 at 9:48 am to ashy larry
Absolutely. Why should a builder (and his subs) waste time bidding your plans and meeting with you when you might have unrealistic expectations? I can't tell you how many people think they can hire a contractor and have this $100/sqft price stuck in there head. I've met others that think they can build a mansion for $90/ft. Sure, you can build a decent house for $100/ft, but you could also make the same house nicer for $115/ft or cheaper at $90/ft. It's all in the details.
Proper planning is the most important part of any construction project. The final budget is a major key in planning. How can a builder gauge your needs without knowing your budget?
Advice for selecting a builder:
- don't hire someone you don't trust well enough to discuss your budget
- don't hire someone that isn't reputable (too many fly-by-night guys)
- if possible, don't hire a builder that isn't building other houses near you. they are more likely to neglect your house if it is way out of their way.
- don't let someone talk you out of what you want. most builders don't like to get out of their comfort zone. they don't like doing something that is different from their other houses. If you want something, stick to it.
- avoid builders that will build your house in 4 months. speed allows them to hide imperfections before you catch them. Fast, Good, Cheap... pick two.
- get at least 3 bids and make sure you compare apples to apples. are the allowances and materials exactly the same?
- even if you trust your builder, it's important to stay active in the process. Check on the house regularly and make sure things are done properly. If you suspect something is done wrong, ask a third party for there opinion.
Great post.
Proper planning is the most important part of any construction project. The final budget is a major key in planning. How can a builder gauge your needs without knowing your budget?
Advice for selecting a builder:
- don't hire someone you don't trust well enough to discuss your budget
- don't hire someone that isn't reputable (too many fly-by-night guys)
- if possible, don't hire a builder that isn't building other houses near you. they are more likely to neglect your house if it is way out of their way.
- don't let someone talk you out of what you want. most builders don't like to get out of their comfort zone. they don't like doing something that is different from their other houses. If you want something, stick to it.
- avoid builders that will build your house in 4 months. speed allows them to hide imperfections before you catch them. Fast, Good, Cheap... pick two.
- get at least 3 bids and make sure you compare apples to apples. are the allowances and materials exactly the same?
- even if you trust your builder, it's important to stay active in the process. Check on the house regularly and make sure things are done properly. If you suspect something is done wrong, ask a third party for there opinion.
Great post.
Posted on 3/3/14 at 11:15 am to ashy larry
Thanks for that post. I hadn't thought about the hiring someone building houses exactly where you are thought. I've been looking at builders in the Baton Rouge metro area but not specifically Prairieville where my property is located.
The price per square foot thing seems to be a useless metric to me. It refers to living area correct? But still it contains the cost for garages, driveways and other non-living area costs. I've already had this first builder come back and say look I think I'd have to bid this project at $125 a square foot so apparently builders think it's worth using.
The price per square foot thing seems to be a useless metric to me. It refers to living area correct? But still it contains the cost for garages, driveways and other non-living area costs. I've already had this first builder come back and say look I think I'd have to bid this project at $125 a square foot so apparently builders think it's worth using.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News