The Renovate Otis's New House Thread (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

Looking for advice on this. Wife and I need to make some decisions soon about moving the family. Options include buying a house that is perfect on the inside but smaller lot/less perfect location than we want; or buying a knock-down in the perfect location and building our dream home (and renting for the 12 months it will take for that process to complete).

Ultimate question is how much work does this entail? My wife and I are not housenerds who want to have some special marble tiles sent in from Italy via carrier pigeon. Some things we care about, others not much at all, and we don't care a whole lot about most minor details. We think we can through pictures and floor plans express what we want generally, and then let the expert (the builder/architect team) get it done/come to us when they need our input.

Am I oversimplifying, or can it be that easy?

Thx.

ETA: THREAD IS NOW THE OFFICIAL "FFA RENOVATES THE NEW OTIS FAMILY HOUSE THREAD"

 

[urbanhack]

HGTV FORUMS DOWN???

 

[Otis]

HGTV FORUMS DOWN???

;confused:

Is that under the beisbol forum?

 

[Bucky86]

 

[fantasycurse42]

Building a custom house from the ground up is very expensive!! you might as well up your budget 30% if you are looking for similar size/lot/square footage.

 

[The Z Machine]

Of course it's a giant PIA.

 

[Parrothead]

Looking for advice on this. Wife and I need to make some decisions soon about moving the family. Options include buying a house that is perfect on the inside but smaller lot/less perfect location than we want; or buying a knock-down in the perfect location and building our dream home (and renting for the 12 months it will take for that process to complete).

Ultimate question is how much word does this entail? My wife and I are not housenerds who want to have some special marble tiles sent in from Italy via carrier pigeon. Some things we care about, others not much at all, and we don't care a whole lot about most minor details. We think we can through pictures and floor plans express what we want generally, and then let the expert (the builder/architect team) get it done/come to us when they need our input.

Am I oversimplifying, or can it be that easy?

Thx.

12 months can be done with a reputable builder

 

[Otis]

Building a custom house from the ground up is very expensive!! you might as well up your budget 30% if you are looking for similar size/lot/square footage.

I have a sense for cost already from our real estate broker. Which means it's probably a total lie. But still, setting cost aside, is this going to be a miserable 12 months, or not that big of a deal?

 

[belljr]

12 months lol

 

[urbanhack]

HGTV FORUMS DOWN???

;confused:

Is that under the beisbol forum?

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6461009313/m/8833933077

JUMP IN THE WATER IS NICE

 

[Otis]

Looking for advice on this. Wife and I need to make some decisions soon about moving the family. Options include buying a house that is perfect on the inside but smaller lot/less perfect location than we want; or buying a knock-down in the perfect location and building our dream home (and renting for the 12 months it will take for that process to complete).

Ultimate question is how much word does this entail? My wife and I are not housenerds who want to have some special marble tiles sent in from Italy via carrier pigeon. Some things we care about, others not much at all, and we don't care a whole lot about most minor details. We think we can through pictures and floor plans express what we want generally, and then let the expert (the builder/architect team) get it done/come to us when they need our input.

Am I oversimplifying, or can it be that easy?

Thx.

12 months can be done with a reputable builder

Yes, assume a reputable builder as well -- someone who has done similar projects in the town before, knows the lay of the land/approvals, and who comes recommended from reputable brokers.

 

[Otis]

12 months lol

Srsly? How long?

 

[Parrothead]

Building a custom house from the ground up is very expensive!! you might as well up your budget 30% if you are looking for similar size/lot/square footage.

I have a sense for cost already from our real estate broker. Which means it's probably a total lie. But still, setting cost aside, is this going to be a miserable 12 months, or not that big of a deal?

it will be miserable, and if you don't get divorced, you will have a nice house

 

[Otis]

HGTV FORUMS DOWN???

;confused:

Is that under the beisbol forum?

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6461009313/m/8833933077

JUMP IN THE WATER IS NICE

Oh christ. As if I didn't spend an overhwelming amount of time trying to keep up with the messageboards I already am on.

Thx though. Looks helpful.

Can't wait to see what Sparky and Grapefruit have to say about this. "Otis, PM conrad with any questions."

 

[Parrothead]

12 months lol

Srsly? How long?

are you including design / approvals in the 12 months? 12 months once you break ground is doable..

 

[McGarnicle]

I built my last house actually. I'm pretty handy so I figured I would give it a go. I did consult with an architect first, but other than pouring the foundation, plumbing, electrical and roofing, I did all of the main construction myself with a help of a few other guys.

The results were disastrous; the house was condemned before we even took occupancy. Turns out you need a lot of specialized skills to build a house.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

SMRT

 

[culdeus]

I live in a hood where they knock down old ####ty homes and put up custom homes. 700k-1MM is the run on the homes. Looking at cost+15% at a minimum and build times are about 15 months. 18 if there is a pool and other complexities and/or weather problems.

 

[El Floppo]

Looking for advice on this. Wife and I need to make some decisions soon about moving the family. Options include buying a house that is perfect on the inside but smaller lot/less perfect location than we want; or buying a knock-down in the perfect location and building our dream home (and renting for the 12 months it will take for that process to complete).

Ultimate question is how much word does this entail? My wife and I are not housenerds who want to have some special marble tiles sent in from Italy via carrier pigeon. Some things we care about, others not much at all, and we don't care a whole lot about most minor details. We think we can through pictures and floor plans express what we want generally, and then let the expert (the builder/architect team) get it done/come to us when they need our input.

Am I oversimplifying, or can it be that easy?

Thx.

12 months can be done with a reputable builder

12 months is pretty aggressive for demo, design, permitting, construction.

Your pictures and plans should get a decent architect going in the right direction... for them. The more input you have to give and receive, the more you'll get exactly what you want.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Everyone I know who did this, including my family when I was young, complains and hates the process during the build, but most all end up being happy they went through it in the end. Major headaches are guaranteed, but if you do it right you get what you want. By "do it right", I mean you really need to be out there yourself almost every day during the major parts of the construction. If you go this route, the thread here will be a minimum 25 pages.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

You can probably crank out another kid while you wait for the home to be built!

 

[fantasycurse42]

I built my last house actually. I'm pretty handy so I figured I would give it a go. I did consult with an architect first, but other than pouring the foundation, plumbing, electrical and roofing, I did all of the main construction myself with a help of a few other guys.

The results were disastrous; the house was condemned before we even took occupancy. Turns out you need a lot of specialized skills to build a house.

But the pool worked out?

 

[El Floppo]

I live in a hood where they knock down old ####ty homes and put up custom homes. 700k-1MM is the run on the homes. Looking at cost+15% at a minimum and build times are about 15 months. 18 if there is a pool and other complexities and/or weather problems.

this is pretty dead on, IMO.

 

[Otis]

12 months lol

Srsly? How long?

are you including design / approvals in the 12 months? 12 months once you break ground is doable..

Everyone I know who did this, including my family when I was young, complains and hates the process during the build, but most all end up being happy they went through it in the end. Major headaches are guaranteed, but if you do it right you get what you want. By "do it right", I mean you really need to be out there yourself almost every day during the major parts of the construction. If you go this route, the thread here will be a minimum 25 pages.

This sounds grueling.

 

[belljr]

12 months lol

Srsly? How long?

it can be done but wont.are you counting the fact that you already have your new home layout? Reusing the existing foundation...do you you know if said foundation needs to be redone?

do you know what floors you want? Upgrades to get? Cabinets etc.

if you are talking 12 months after all that has been somewhat decided yes 12 months is very doable with the proper builder. Heck half that time wouldn't surprise me

 

[El Floppo]

12 months lol

Srsly? How long?

are you including design / approvals in the 12 months? 12 months once you break ground is doable..

Everyone I know who did this, including my family when I was young, complains and hates the process during the build, but most all end up being happy they went through it in the end. Major headaches are guaranteed, but if you do it right you get what you want. By "do it right", I mean you really need to be out there yourself almost every day during the major parts of the construction. If you go this route, the thread here will be a minimum 25 pages.

This sounds grueling.

definitely not puppy dog tails.

 

[Bucky86]

Oh and theres no chance your wife doesn't become a construction-zilla once she is able to pick and choose every little detail about your house. When she sees there are 20 different types light fixtures and she is not budging from the most expensive option...good luck.

 

[bushdocda]

Do a two story basement. It's the future.

 

[krista4]

.

 

[Otis]

Oh and theres no chance your wife doesn't become a construction-zilla once she is able to pick and choose every little detail about your house. When she sees there are 20 different types light fixers and she is not budging from the most expensive option...good luck.

My wife isn't big on details. There are a few things either of us care about, and I don't expect to have her attention beyond that. If anything I'll be the one obsessing over the details, and barely.

 

[McGarnicle]

Just in case AZ Ron stops banging whores and gets the marriage back on track, I think Otis building a house is critical to the future health and viability of the FFA.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

2 story basement sounds awesome.

"It's cooler in the basement, let's hang here."

"Better yet, let's go to the SUB basement."

 

[Parrothead]

picking a kitchen back splash design and material can take 12 months with some women.. and bathroom tile.. flooring? hardwood? enginerred or real wood? what wood? carpet? type/color?

paint? wallpaper? color/ texture? trim? Molding type(s)?

run away now

 

[belljr]

Oh and theres no chance your wife doesn't become a construction-zilla once she is able to pick and choose every little detail about your house. When she sees there are 20 different types light fixers and she is not budging from the most expensive option...good luck.

My wife isn't big on details. There are a few things either of us care about, and I don't expect to have her attention beyond that. If anything I'll be the one obsessing over the details, and barely.

Hardwood floors --- you want drop in vents or floor level vents?

 

[belljr]

Would you like to pay extra to have all rooms pre - wired with cable and ethernet?

 

[Henry Ford]

Looking for advice on this. Wife and I need to make some decisions soon about moving the family. Options include buying a house that is perfect on the inside but smaller lot/less perfect location than we want; or buying a knock-down in the perfect location and building our dream home (and renting for the 12 months it will take for that process to complete).

Ultimate question is how much work does this entail? My wife and I are not housenerds who want to have some special marble tiles sent in from Italy via carrier pigeon. Some things we care about, others not much at all, and we don't care a whole lot about most minor details. We think we can through pictures and floor plans express what we want generally, and then let the expert (the builder/architect team) get it done/come to us when they need our input.

Am I oversimplifying, or can it be that easy?

Thx.

So... you loved your neighborhood but didn't want to deal with having your house renovated and having to live somewhere else until it was done. So naturally you sold your house, will buy another one, knock it down, and build one from scratch.

No, you're not oversimplifying. Promise.

 

[Bucky86]

picking a kitchen back splash design and material can take 12 months with some women.. and bathroom tile.. flooring? hardwood? enginerred or real wood? what wood? carpet? type/color?

paint? wallpaper? color/ texture? trim? Molding type(s)?

run away now

This. Your wife has been taking mental notes from every episode of love it or list it, or she will very soon...

 

[Henry Ford]

Oh and theres no chance your wife doesn't become a construction-zilla once she is able to pick and choose every little detail about your house. When she sees there are 20 different types light fixers and she is not budging from the most expensive option...good luck.

My wife isn't big on details. There are a few things either of us care about, and I don't expect to have her attention beyond that. If anything I'll be the one obsessing over the details, and barely.

Ahahahaha. HA. Oh, man. This is going to be the worst two and a half years of your life.

 

[eoMMan]

Not personally with my bare hands, no.

 

[SacramentoBob]

Oh good lord.

 

[Cyclones]

We built a house in 2004 by ourselves (meaning we hired the contractors, set up inspections, etc.) I was self employed at the time so I had the time to do it. I had a GC quote us $335,000 to do it for us and said he would contract to have it finished in 12 months. (central Kentucky area, 2500 sq feet ranch on full finished basement on an acre.)

We decided to do it ourselves and ended up taking 16 months and spending $297,000. When we moved to the Philippines in 2007, we sold it for $389k, so if you have the time to dedicate and don't mind waiting a little longer to do it.

 

[fantasycurse42]

You should build LEVELS!

I'm completely changing the configuration of the house. You're not gonna believe it when you see it. A whole new lifestyle.

I'm building, LEVELS!

Yeah, I'm getting rid of all my furniture. All of it. And I'm going to build these different levels, with steps, and it'll all be carpeted with a lot of pillows. You

know, like ancient Egypt.

No plans needed. It's all in my head.

 

[Ned]

Oh good lord.

Weren't you just complaining about the chaos at home, and now you want to build a home?

If you're serious about it, don't turn your nose up at modular homes. They're built in factories and are as good if not better than a stick built home. We built modular back in 2008 and haven't had a single problem with the house. Super solid construction, faster, and good pricing. People that come to our house are shocked it was pre-built in a factory. I'll stop here since I have a feeling I'm wasting my time, but I'll answer questions if you're really curious about the process.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Huge deal. Once they start building, expect to be there every single evening to make sure they don't screw stuff up. Because they WILL screw stuff up. Then be prepared for stuff you decided on to be out of stock and have to completely re-make decisions on the fly and have to either have crappier options or pay 3 times as much for a similar option.

 

[belljr]

Oats important question?

Do you want your doors to open left or right handed?

 

[Ned]

Oats important question?

Do you want your doors to open left or right handed?

 

[glock]

Oh and theres no chance your wife doesn't become a construction-zilla once she is able to pick and choose every little detail about your house. When she sees there are 20 different types light fixers and she is not budging from the most expensive option...good luck.

My wife isn't big on details. There are a few things either of us care about, and I don't expect to have her attention beyond that. If anything I'll be the one obsessing over the details, and barely.

If details aren't a big deal, why build?

 

[OC Zed]

Oh good lord.

Weren't you just complaining about the chaos at home, and now you want to build a home?

If you're serious about it, don't turn your nose up at modular homes. They're built in factories and are as good if not better than a stick built home. We built modular back in 2008 and haven't had a single problem with the house. Super solid construction, faster, and good pricing. People that come to our house are shocked it was pre-built in a factory. I'll stop here since I have a feeling I'm wasting my time, but I'll answer questions if you're really curious about the process.

There are some incredible modular homes out there now, but Otis is looking for something very different which modular wouldn't be a good fit for.

 

[lumpy19]

We had ours complete in 6 months from first walking in the door of the builder to handing over the keys to our new home.

We picked an existing design that we liked and made some modifications. Our builder was fantastic. We lived about 70 miles from the build site and basically checked on it every few weeks.

I know my experience is the minority but building your own home is pretty cool.

 

[SacramentoBob]

"Guys, I'm trying to get the slab done and I ordered a bunch of concrete. It showed up in bags!!! Every time I've seen concrete before it looked more like quicksand and it poured out the back of a truck. What do I do with this stuff?"