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Started By
Message
New home construction thread. ANY AND ALL advice/tips/tricks welcomed
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:00 am
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:00 am
Alright OB, this process will be the death of me. While my fiancée is trying to plan a wedding, I'm trying to get a house built. I'll preface this by saying, I have no idea what I'm doing.
This process is moving faster than I expected. What started off as buying some land and holding on to it, turned into house being done in ~4 months.
Firstly, had to get the plans drawn. Please keep in mind, we're building this house with the plans of adding on.
After plans were drawn, it was time for the pad and driveway.
In a week, the forming and pouring will start.
So, as you can tell, I had to completely clear my land. There was a pond in the back where the dirt is raised. I'll have to wait 6 months to a year for that to dry and be able to spread it. How long to wait before starting to plant new trees and start landscaping? I took out every pine, and kept the oaks.
Any advice or tips you may have to keep my sanity is much appreciated. I haven't seen a new construction thread on here before, so hopefully if someone is swamped like me, this may help them.
Also, feel free to ridicule me if you feel it's needed. Just need something to distract me.
This process is moving faster than I expected. What started off as buying some land and holding on to it, turned into house being done in ~4 months.
Firstly, had to get the plans drawn. Please keep in mind, we're building this house with the plans of adding on.
After plans were drawn, it was time for the pad and driveway.
In a week, the forming and pouring will start.
So, as you can tell, I had to completely clear my land. There was a pond in the back where the dirt is raised. I'll have to wait 6 months to a year for that to dry and be able to spread it. How long to wait before starting to plant new trees and start landscaping? I took out every pine, and kept the oaks.
Any advice or tips you may have to keep my sanity is much appreciated. I haven't seen a new construction thread on here before, so hopefully if someone is swamped like me, this may help them.
Also, feel free to ridicule me if you feel it's needed. Just need something to distract me.
20
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:15 am to DuckManiak
If your relationship can survive building a house and planning a wedding at the same time, then you two should be able to go the distance. Building a house alone will test a marriage. Have built 4 of them (self-contracted) and there were times we hated each other during the process. You contracting it yourself or have a builder?
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:15 am to DuckManiak
Grats man looks like a nice piece of land. You will sprout some grey hair if you don't have any already.
Just have to stay on top of the contractors. When it gets to more of the cosmetic stuff make sure you inventory exactly what you picked out even write down model #s and be sure that is exactly what you get.
Some Contractors try to cut corners. Not all but some do. Just have to keep on them.
Just have to stay on top of the contractors. When it gets to more of the cosmetic stuff make sure you inventory exactly what you picked out even write down model #s and be sure that is exactly what you get.
Some Contractors try to cut corners. Not all but some do. Just have to keep on them.
This post was edited on 2/23/17 at 7:47 am
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:18 am to DuckManiak
Hey, man. That clay looks fresh. Explain the process you used to place it.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:20 am to LSUengr
quote:
You contracting it yourself or have a builder?
I hired a builder. I would of liked to have contracted it myself, but I just don't have the time right now with work to deal with it. Saving $22,000 sure made it a tough decision, though. I've known the guy my entire life. Not to say he's giving me a deal at all, but at least I know it'll be done right.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:22 am to tke857
quote:
When it gets to more of the cosmetic stuff make sure you inventory exactly what you picked out even write down model #s and be sure that is exactly what you get.
Exactly the little stuff I was looking for and never would have thought of. Appreciate it!
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:24 am to AUCE05
quote:
Hey, man. That clay looks fresh. Explain the process you used to place it.
Dump trucks, bull dozer, and a level laser.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:31 am to DuckManiak
I am in the electrical business and the biggest complaint I see is people don't put enough wall receptacles in and home automation. It is far easier to install these things during construction than afterwards.
If you want a security system with cameras or one of the nicer systems now is the time.
If you want a security system with cameras or one of the nicer systems now is the time.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:33 am to DuckManiak
How long has that dirt been sitting? Was a test done to confirm the compaction before concrete is poured?
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:34 am to Barneyrb
quote:
If you want a security system with cameras or one of the nicer systems now is the time.
Have plans for alarm, but no cameras. Should I put more recepticals in the attic for this, or, are they hard wired into somewhere?
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:35 am to wickowick
quote:
How long has that dirt been sitting? Was a test done to confirm the compaction before concrete is poured?
Dirt has only been on the ground for 2 weeks. Compaction test will be done before any concrete work.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:36 am to DuckManiak
I build things with soil for a living (it is a real thing) and you better be careful about setting your footings in uncompacted soil. I would hire a CMT company to come and evaluate your subsoils for bearing capacity. This is probably the most critical part of your build.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:44 am to DuckManiak
also sounds like this is entirely custom work as you had plans drawn. Not sure about the laws where you live but I believe in some states new construction requires the builders to provide a 1yr home warranty with a company like american home shield.
Also for the appliances, AC, water heater and such it maybe best that you buy them and get the extended warranties. If they buy them then most likely they will not get an extended warranty. (if youre a warranty kind of guy that is)
Also for the appliances, AC, water heater and such it maybe best that you buy them and get the extended warranties. If they buy them then most likely they will not get an extended warranty. (if youre a warranty kind of guy that is)
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:44 am to DuckManiak
Best advice I got when we built our house was to put in more outlets than you think you'll need. We ended up going with an outlet every 6 feet on every wall throughout the house. That way no matter how she arranges furniture you'll have an outlet for TV/electronics. Also think about running coax to each wall in bedrooms/living room so that no matter how furniture is arranged you'll be able to have a TV. Another thing is run an extra 20AMP line outside and cap it off so if in the future you decide to build a shop/pool/or have a hot tub you'll already have the line run and can just tie into it. If you think you'll ever get an alarm system in the future go ahead and run cat 5 to each window/external door to a central location. These things will make life a lot easier in future rather than having to try and fish cables/wire through walls. Another thing we did was widen the carport 2 feet from standard size which makes loading/unloading vehicles a lot easier and not have to worry about dinging vehicles. Hope this helps some. Good luck with the process it will definitely test the relationship.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:45 am to MSGulfTiger
yes and floor outlets. i know ppl rearrange their rooms but having floor outlets are extremely convenient.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:51 am to Barneyrb
quote:
people don't put enough wall receptacles in and home automation.
this.
visualize each room and how it will be setup, place outlets accordingly. For instance, outlet for each side of the bed. Outlet for sub-woofer in Home entertainment. outlet for where you are going to put Christmas tree. outlets outside for maintenance, lighting, and decorations.
Put the USB outlets in key spots as well
Run Ethernet lines everywhere and run your speaker lines(inside and out)
220v in the garage
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:53 am to tke857
quote:
also sounds like this is entirely custom work as you had plans drawn. Not sure about the laws where you live but I believe in some states new construction requires the builders to provide a 1yr home warranty with a company like american home shield.
It is custom. There were little things I wanted done that no plans I found had.
I'm confused, my contractor provides home warranty (if applicable)? I'll already have insurance. Not sure why a warranty would be necessary, and haven't heard from bank that I have to purchase it.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 7:59 am to DuckManiak
i know like in developments such as DSLD and such they are required to give you a 1yr home warranty. Maybe thats bc their work is typically not the best? But id look into it. I see you live in ponchy. So ask your lender if the contractor is required to purchase one for you.
Home owners insurance doesn't cover the AC breaking. You'd be on the hook for that. If you had a home warranty (or better yet an actual warranty on the unit from where you purchased it at) then the home warranty company would come out and repair the AC unit. Usually with a small deductible.
Home owners insurance doesn't cover the AC breaking. You'd be on the hook for that. If you had a home warranty (or better yet an actual warranty on the unit from where you purchased it at) then the home warranty company would come out and repair the AC unit. Usually with a small deductible.
Posted on 2/23/17 at 8:07 am to tke857
Gotcha. Will definitely look into it!
Man, it'll be hard to try and visualize where she wants everything
if she's anything like her mom, she'll move furniture every day and not be able to make up her mind. Good call on wiring outside for home entertainment!
quote:
visualize each room and how it will be setup, place outlets accordingly. For instance, outlet for each side of the bed. Outlet for sub-woofer in Home entertainment. outlet for where you are going to put Christmas tree. outlets outside for maintenance, lighting, and decorations
Man, it'll be hard to try and visualize where she wants everything
if she's anything like her mom, she'll move furniture every day and not be able to make up her mind. Good call on wiring outside for home entertainment! Posted on 2/23/17 at 8:12 am to DuckManiak
We are about to start building aswell. I was able to knock off a couple grand by doing things myself such as laying tile and carpet. I agree with the outlets. I also put an exterior gas connector to the back patio to hook up a gas grill so you dont have to keep refilling propane tanks. I also put a hot water facet outside next to the regular water spicket? That way when its cold as shite outside you can still mess with deer meat and such without messing with some cold arse water. If you go with a tankless hot water, mount it outside, you will save $500-600 bucks than mounting it in the attic bc of the venting.
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