Buying new construction (1 Viewer)

[El Floppo]

Not sure. I did all of the research for our previous purchase back in 2012- once I knew I was not going to move forward with the model build I did not go further in figuring out exactly how I want to do things. I am a few years off from that point. I am not sure if I would go the route apalmer did and get an existing plan and modify it or go to the architect to build.

It really comes down to that I want to be part of the whole process and retain control. It seems in the model builds you lose a lot of both. Because of all the feedback I got when I did look into it- that was the big part of it for me. I am not a GC and don't want to play one either- but I want to work with the architect, GC, subs, etc as things progress and for them all to know that I am the boss.

sounds great. I much prefer the active and involved client to the people who just show up to occasional meetings, don't offer much feedback until after they're living there. to me, the whole process works best as a collaboration.

it must be a different world working with these model homes. we do custom (NYC crazy ultra high end) and the client is always the boss. we'll offer opinions about why an opposing approach might be better- but they're paying us, the GC and everybody else... so we jump when asked. and because we're approving the "GC and everybody else's" payments- they jump when we ask. aside from the client, there's a lot of jumping. for any custom build (where you hire an architect and GC), I honestly can't imagine that not being the case- we're in a service industry, here to help you get exactly what you want only limited by budget and schedule.

But sometimes there are bad consequences with over involved clients, when they show up on site telling the GC to make changes big and small, without telling me and without considering the snowball affect those changes will have on everything from design, budget and schedule. the GCs in my world looove that kind of client- mo money, mo money for them.

whatever route you go- don't hesitate to shoot me a pm showing me what you're thinking about. I'm more than happy to offer ideas about what does/doesn't work.

 

[Chadstroma]

sounds great. I much prefer the active and involved client to the people who just show up to occasional meetings, don't offer much feedback until after they're living there. to me, the whole process works best as a collaboration.

it must be a different world working with these model homes. we do custom (NYC crazy ultra high end) and the client is always the boss. we'll offer opinions about why an opposing approach might be better- but they're paying us, the GC and everybody else... so we jump when asked. and because we're approving the "GC and everybody else's" payments- they jump when we ask. aside from the client, there's a lot of jumping. for any custom build (where you hire an architect and GC), I honestly can't imagine that not being the case- we're in a service industry, here to help you get exactly what you want only limited by budget and schedule.

But sometimes there are bad consequences with over involved clients, when they show up on site telling the GC to make changes big and small, without telling me and without considering the snowball affect those changes will have on everything from design, budget and schedule. the GCs in my world looove that kind of client- mo money, mo money for them.

whatever route you go- don't hesitate to shoot me a pm showing me what you're thinking about. I'm more than happy to offer ideas about what does/doesn't work.

Yea, I am a pretty level headed guy who doesn't shout JUMP to hear my own voice. If I changed my mind on something- I generally would seek advice from those who I am paying for their expertise before doing something. I know the kind of person you are talking about that the GC's love.

At this point, I am prob at least 5 years away absolutely minimum from doing our build. But I do appreciate the offer and will file that for future reference. Much appreciated.

 

[Chadstroma]

And yea, I think the model home vs custom build are two different business models with different responses. The model home is looking to make money by increasing efficiency and over charging on changes. Most of the horror stories I heard were from model home. The biggest complaint I hear from custom is just the time/effort and wear and tear of going thru the process. I think that that would not be too big of an issue for me but I know I have no plans on ever doing a model home build regardless of how good of a reputation the builder has.

 

[Henry Ford]

IDK, we built and enjoyed it. the feeling that you are the very 1st person to crap in that toilet is an amazing feeling. 

It's a lot cheaper and easier to just buy a new toilet.

 

[Chadstroma]

It's a lot cheaper and easier to just buy a new toilet.

Yea, but what about the pipes? Those aren't virgin pipes!

 

[Henry Ford]

Yea, but what about the pipes? Those aren't virgin pipes!

Just the response I'd expect from a Republican.

 

[Chadstroma]

Just the response I'd expect from a Republican.

Just the kind of response I'd expect from a...... yea, I got nothing.

 

[Sinrman]

Excellent info, guys.  I think the one worry I have with the whole process is what some of you are alluding to or experienced -- we have several upgrades we would like, but we don't want to get taken to the cleaners.  A guy I spoke with is supposed to send me a list of upgrades, with prices, so it should give me an idea of what we should hold off and maybe add in later or just go ahead and get it done as it's being built.

 

[bucksoh]

We built 5 years ago and the only upgrades we did was go for 9 ft ceilings and and steel beams  in the basements (also 9 ft ceilings).  Thinking the rest is easier to upgrade later, my regret is not upgrading the trim, we went with the cheap option MDF which is crap I am replacing all the trim in the house cause my kids have ruined most of the trim.  Good luck and have fun with it, if my wife had her way we would rebuild every 5 years because she had so much fun.  Also never add anything in later cause ur going to be paying a lot more later.