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Answers (10)
- ProfessorBaron
- Contributions:303
Building a house is one of the riskiest real estate moves one can make. First ask yourself, do you want to have 12 months of severe stress dealing with contractors, rain, inspectors, cost overruns....and more STRESS and more cost Overruns!
I have never seen or heard of a private individual building a custom house (and that means via a contractor and architect) and come in anywhere near their budget or anywhere near on time. The problem is that YOU will make changes along the way.... and prices fluctuate, etc.
Try finding a house that is already built and closer to what you want, it will cost a lot less than building one yourself (especially in today's bargain basement market) and you avoid all the stress and cost overruns of trying to do a project like building a home.
I have never seen or heard of a private individual building a custom house (and that means via a contractor and architect) and come in anywhere near their budget or anywhere near on time. The problem is that YOU will make changes along the way.... and prices fluctuate, etc.
Try finding a house that is already built and closer to what you want, it will cost a lot less than building one yourself (especially in today's bargain basement market) and you avoid all the stress and cost overruns of trying to do a project like building a home.
- George Creed, "gcreed"
- Contributions:23
There are a couple ways of "eating this elephant"; Get a good buyers agent who has worked with builders in new construction and see if there are any "spec" homes that have been built that may interest you. Also, then jointly talk with a custom builder & determine if he/she are in process of designing something for a given lot, or work with them on "land" inventory that they may currently have to determine if any are suitable lots in a location that you want + consider looking for land in a location that you like with your agent - make sure studies periods are included and done, bringing in architectural experience along with a builder that you have faith in - get necessary jurisdictional approvals for site, drainage, soil, utilities, etc before you start. This may take time - I speak as a broker and a former Planning Commissioner in Virginia. Good luck.
- Ofe Polack, "Ofe Polack"
- Contributions:1418
Reading some of the answers given, makes me a little nervous. I have been dealing with new construction for many years, and one of the most important things is to have representation between the builder and the buyer, in the form of a buyer agent, who is knowledgeable about construction. Agents who deal with new construction have good contacts with local builders and also have an idea where to find the land. Meeting with a builder will give you an idea of what $$$ can build, but ultimately you will have to decide where to find the land, unless the builder already owns land somewhere that you like. It is important to know what type of loan you have been approved for, it should be a construction loan, since that type of loan works out best for builders now, during these uncertain times.
Almost any type of house can be built in almost any lot, it really depends on your budget and the type of home you want. Going solo on this type of adventure, is not recommended unless you have done it already.
Almost any type of house can be built in almost any lot, it really depends on your budget and the type of home you want. Going solo on this type of adventure, is not recommended unless you have done it already.
AndreaHill12,
Every state and locality has different rules in home-building and procedures but I would go to the local Homebuilder's Association to start getting information on local regulations. From my own experience, interviewing builders and seeing some of their previous homes and speaking with the homeowners is a great start. Look for a builder who specializes in homes comparable to what you want. Most builders have a couple of homes they build. Buying the land after reviewing the site with your builder is the next step and usually you will deed it over to the builder until completion of the construction and final closing/payment. One note, if you are truly going to be in control of this endeavor, decide the payment schedule early on. This is the main control device you have. It will be frustrating and there will be ups and downs but building your own house is a great thing. Everyday for years you will walk around in your house knowing you helped construct it. Good luck!
Shawn
- John Stewart, "nwhome.us"
- Contributions:2166
So, an alternative idea is to use a speculative builder who has a proven product that you can physically see and touch. This requires another interviewing process to find both a product and builder that you trust. Once you've found a product that you like and want, look for a lot to place it on. Knowing what you're going to build will help enormously in finding the right configuration on the lot.
Buying a lot first leaves you open to having to squeeze a home that really doesn't fit into the space. Do the Home (work) first, then look for land.
Good luck Andrea.
Buying a lot first leaves you open to having to squeeze a home that really doesn't fit into the space. Do the Home (work) first, then look for land.
Good luck Andrea.
- John Stewart, "nwhome.us"
- Contributions:2166
Great idea for eliciting some variety of opinions, Andrea.
If you'd like to build a custom home I'd suggest interviewing architects first,
What is the level of your frustration with your current dwelling?
What do you see as the potential of your future dwelling?
How would you like to use your future home?
do you have any interest in building something Green?
Once you've found an architect that you can trust, ask them for an opinion of the land that you look at. Include them in the buying process.
How does the orientation of the land lend itself to the program that you've developed? Does it have enough level ground for for a yard? Does it have the enough exposure for the solar panels you might want to install?
The right architect can act as a third party who has no interest in the value of the land or the cost of construction. Unless ou have experience in construction management, it is very easy to be taken advantage of by speculative builders posing as custom builders.
If you'd like to build a custom home I'd suggest interviewing architects first,
What is the level of your frustration with your current dwelling?
What do you see as the potential of your future dwelling?
How would you like to use your future home?
do you have any interest in building something Green?
Once you've found an architect that you can trust, ask them for an opinion of the land that you look at. Include them in the buying process.
How does the orientation of the land lend itself to the program that you've developed? Does it have enough level ground for for a yard? Does it have the enough exposure for the solar panels you might want to install?
The right architect can act as a third party who has no interest in the value of the land or the cost of construction. Unless ou have experience in construction management, it is very easy to be taken advantage of by speculative builders posing as custom builders.
- Brian Teyssier, "Brian Teyssier GRI"
- Contributions:964
Thank you for your question, the best recommendation is to contact a local Realtor in your area. You can find one by searching on Zillow in your area. After you find one, you can read actual reviews by their past clients!!! If this does not work for you, I would be willing to lend a hand just give me a shout.
- Ofe Polack, "Ofe Polack"
- Contributions:1418
I agree with Candis, first contact a Realtor, who will be able to find the land aand the builder for you. You do specify the type of loan you have secured, is it a construction loan? Most of the builders, lately, only do construction loans instead of turn-key construction. Discuss your specific situation with a Realtor that way you will secure Buyer Agency respresentation throughout the process. The best of luck!
- Candis Dorsch, "Candis Dorsch"
- Contributions:212
I would suggest talking with a REALTOR in Helena. They have an excellent working relationships with most of the reputable builders in the area. They can also help you find the perfect lot or land parcel for your new home. Although I work in the Bozeman real estate market, I work closely with many brokers in the Helena area. I would love to put you in touch with someone who can give you builder recommendations, help you find your site and help guide you through your next steps of building your new home. Congratulation on your exciting new venture!
- Tami Winbury, "Tami Winbury"
- Contributions:77
You need to own the land first. Different areas even within one city may have different specs., rules, permits. If you build in an area with an HOA your home design will need to follow the HOA rules. Depending on the size of the lot you have size, set backs, regulations, etc.
1.) Buy the lot.
2.) Interview designers and architects.
3.) Hire the architect that best matches your style and price point.
4.) Hire your general contractor.
This is a very basic outline, but a beginning!
Let me know what area you are looking in- I actually have some great lots for sale. I also know a few great builders! I will send you their website address if you like. Good Luck! Tami
1.) Buy the lot.
2.) Interview designers and architects.
3.) Hire the architect that best matches your style and price point.
4.) Hire your general contractor.
This is a very basic outline, but a beginning!
Let me know what area you are looking in- I actually have some great lots for sale. I also know a few great builders! I will send you their website address if you like. Good Luck! Tami
Who do you talk to first when building a house? We already are pre-approved for a loan.
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