Those who built a house...

Heidisean

What are the negatives of building? Anything you wish you knew or did differently. We are putting a bid in on land and are looking at plans for homes and it is very overwhelming. TIA

shouldbworkin

Well, depending on your market, it might not be as good of an investment as it used to be.  If you plan on being there for awhile, it won't matter.  but, if you think you'll move then I wouldn't recommend it unless you live in an area where people frequently move to.  Taxes are probably going to suck too, since there are no real comparables.  And, eventually you get really sick of making decisions and just want it to be done. 

MrsStubbs

We did owner builder and it only worked because I work for my FIL and I was able to run to the house whenever I needed to be there. I would have loved to have had the advice of an experienced builder when it came to some decisions. I think if you are having someone build the house for you, you really only have to pick out colors/options.

I did everything from get bids to pick out colors to paying everyone.

Good luck.

jessicaclare

Are you going to hire a builder/general contractor or gc it yourself? General contracting yourself can save a good chunk of money, but its not easy and you really need to know something about building or you could get screwed. We GC'd our own house, with my Dad's help and it was a lot of work. Definitely worth it, but A LOT of work. I think I was at the house at least 5 times a week. DH was here everyday, often until after dark. We broke ground when DD#1 was 2 weeks old, so that didn't really help the stress level either.

Heidisean

jessicaclare:

Are you going to hire a builder/general contractor or gc it yourself? General contracting yourself can save a good chunk of money, but its not easy and you really need to know something about building or you could get screwed. We GC'd our own house, with my Dad's help and it was a lot of work. Definitely worth it, but A LOT of work. I think I was at the house at least 5 times a week. DH was here everyday, often until after dark. We broke ground when DD#1 was 2 weeks old, so that didn't really help the stress level either.

We are hiring a contractor. I hear it is still a lot of work but worth it. I am interviewing various contractors now;)

oparcm

Always plan to spend more than you expected.  There is always a glitch or two.

Bellisimo

As with everything, you learn from experience and hindsight is 20/20!  I wish we would have known a bit more going into the whole process...and I wish I was more focused on it as a project, but I was pregnant with my firstborn, on bedrest, had a c section and then learning the ropes with a newborn all while building.  We'd go out to the site almost daily to check the subcontractors progress (and in doing so we found A TON of mistakes).  You'd be amazed at just how many people in this world don't give a *** about doing good work.  Not knocking subs at ALL, but there are some sure shady ones out there.  We had our plans custom drawn to fit our needs/wants.  We left room for future growth...we can flush out two different attic spaces to add heated/cooled sq. ftg.  I guess the main piece of advice I would have for someone considering building is to A) Make triple sure you hire a reputable contractor.  Ride said contractor's asss daily to make sure they're on top of the subs and actually going out to the site and checking up on their work.  C)  Triple check ALL of their work and don't be afraid to speak up and address things when they're not done correctly or well.  D)  Be super sure of what you want before you ever break ground.  You can change things like tile or paint colors, but you can't change the foundation once it's laid.  E)  Be SUPER organized with all of the details.  Tear out pics in magazines and tape them to the walls for the carpenters to see (if, say, you want your mantle to look a certain way or your cabinets, etc.).  And even in doing so, double check that they did it exactly as specified instead of doing it their own way and adding their own touches.  We had carpenters (whom I'm assuming we're on crack!) totally disregard our specifications and they got creative and created the most gaudy whacked out looking mantle ever.  We had to have it torn down and redone.  F)  Get a script for some valium because you're gonna need it...if not for dealing with the builder and subs but for dealing with your spouse!  It's a stressful process but can be a lot of fun if you're organized (which I wasn't)!

Bellisimo

oparcm:

Always plan to spend more than you expected.  There is always a glitch or two.

OH YES!  I should have made this my first point.  Always plan to spend more and for it to take LONGER than promised/expected.

Heidisean

Thanks a bunch Bell!