Building from the ground up? Come on in!

[MrsBeckyLP]

I went back out to the house to take some pics, and the framers were wrapping up for the day. I'd never met them before, but the first thing they said to me was, "We know about our mistake." So I (and Suzu) was right. They measured the wrong way for the transom. They said the bottom of the window will be about 16 inches higher now.

Here's a pic. The bedroom floor is about where the blue wrap starts. Pretty low, huh?

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding025.jpg

They started framing up the interior walls and the garage today. It's so exciting to see progress. It seems to go so fast at this stage.

The garage:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding023.jpg

Welcome to my front door!:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding016.jpg

Here’s the view from my living room (straight ahead) and dining room (to the left a bit):

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding019.jpg

Here’s my pantry:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding017.jpg

*posting*

[MrsBeckyLP]

Back of house:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding014.jpg

Side. There is extra space in the garage that bumps out (behind the third stall), and you can see it from this picture:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding015.jpg

OK, sorry for picture overload! I’m getting really excited though! Trusses will go up Tuesday and they said the roof will probably be on by the end of next week!

[snoopy30]

futuremrslp Great pics! Yeah for progress :)

Our house is moving along. They've put up the brick (it's going to be brick and cedar shakes) and have started dry-walling. I can't wait until the fixtures start going in! So far we're still on schedule but that can always change.

[MrsBeckyLP]

Stuff is all screwed up with our house, and our builder won't take the blame for it. Basically, he didn't do what we told him to, we didn't realize it until recently, and now, as the house is going up, we see the mistakes. We decided to make some changes to our original plan, but he apparently never told our draftsman about the changes, and they never got made. Now, as his framers follow the plan, it's messed up. Big mess, lots of stress. Fixing it is going to cause major delays.

The problem is with the trusses. We are supposed to have a cathedral ceiling over the living room/kitchen, but the cathedral is only over the living room (NOT what we told him we wanted). Then it drops down to 9 feet in the kitchen. It would look so dumb. They don't have all the trusses up, but they're going to have to take some of what they do have down, order new and start over. Major delay, I'd imagine. Uggh.

Update: Builder admitted his mistake (or took accountability for it), ordered six new trusses at no charge to us, and they will be here Friday. DH got on the phone with him this morning and let him know he wasn't happy about this and a few other things (wrong size window opening, wrong door frame to master closet, wrong basement patio door ordered), so I hope things get better from here on out. I think he's just not very organized and he needs to learn to write things down in list form. He originally jotted these changes down directly on the plan, and he probably skipped over some of them when he told the draftsman because he didn't see them. We are going to meet with him soon to do over a few more things, just to make sure we are on the same page.

[Fenway]

We have a very large piece of land in the middle of the country & are planning on building a home on it. It already has a small house on it know that has a renter on it so there is water already on the site.

We are wanting to do a lot of work ourselves & I was wondering if anyone else has done this & if so can offer ANY advice!!!

Thanks!

Roxy- That is exactly what we're doing. (there is a little history in post 442) We are about 2 years deep just in the planning stages. It has been a very long road! I'm not sure I have any advice to give other than don't attack a project that big unless you are confident you and DH can work very well together. DH and I have done some building together on a couple of volunteer trips www.friendsdisasterservice.org, and we seem to be a very good team, but I'm sure we'll have our moments. Feel free to follow along. We sgould be getting the ball rolling very soon!!!!


Becky!!!! Look at that house!! I'm so excited for you. It gets me excited for my project all over again

Okay, sorry it's taken me so long to get here with an update. We've been doing a lot of waiting around for things to come together. This is where we stand:

-Financing was approved last night!!!!! (should have been done a long time ago, but SIL is our loan person and she dropped the ball. Long story that I don't care to re-live,so I'll spare you the details...)

-Prints have been submitted to the town. The building inspector gave us a list of 7 things to correct, then we'll have our building permit. Most of the things are very minor like marking on the prints where smoke alarms are going, and listing the name of the contractor that will re-connect the water and sewer, etc.

-Our demolition permit will be complete early next week. The only thing we have left to do w/ that is have rodent control come out to check for rodents and set some chemicals to drive them away so they aren't killed during demo. (I think that is how that works) It is a town requirement. That appt is Monday.

-DH has arranged to have the month of August off to get the building going. The goal is to get the shell up and weather tight. I work Mon, Wed and Fri, but I think may take Fri afternoons off to work on the house.

-We sat w/ a kitchen designer and got a rough layout for our future kitchen. It ROCKS!!! MA is going to have a tax holiday on Aug 11 & 12, so I think we may purchase all our appliances.

Suzu- I'll try to get those pics posted that you mentioned.


That's where we stand. I'm getting really excited!!!!

[Fenway]

Updating....

-We closed on the loan last night.

-We're still working on the building permit. As luck would have it, Mr. Building Inspector is on vacation this week.

-Demo is scheduled for MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Demo permit is in hand!

(x-posted w/ my new journal)
The Old House

Here is the cottage that is scheduled for demo. these pics are a few months old. It looks much worse now. The windows are gone and the holes are boarded up.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/442499226_921588a5b5.jpg

My brother and I used to climb that tree when we were kids. We are doing everything possible to save it.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/442498248_9184b78bda.jpg

The tenants that rented it last left it trashed. Interior:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/442499692_6292c108f5.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/442493934_2c997c78c2.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/442497181_f7d4eb359d.jpg?v=0

[Fenway]

This is the abandoned lot we bought. It has sinced been cleared. I'll post "after" pictures later.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/442495988_a531aa5736.jpg?v=0

And the shed that also has been trashed:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/442502699_90fea52b16.jpg?v=0

[MrsBeckyLP]

Fenway- I had no idea you posted in here! My user cp never said this thread had new posts. You must be excited to finally get going. It felt like it took forever for us to start, so I know how you feel!

Me- We have windows in, and we have stairs going to the basement, and I'm happy again!

We met at our house last night with our builder's brother, who is the hands-on guy, and he calmed all my fears. We went over a ton of stuff and he was great. He asked us questions and explained stuff, and we asked questions and told him what we wanted where. The drywallers will be there in a week ... wow!

The shingles aren't on because it's too hot outside to roof, but I'm OK with that. I understand completely. They got the tar paper on, however. The roofers said shingles would be on by Sunday.

We had to pick out a new front door. The one we ordered was discontinued. I wasn't heartbroken because I was having second thoughts about it anyway!

I found out that people in the neighborhood have said the lady next door is inside our house walking around every day after the builders leave. I cannot wait until our doors are on and we can lock the house. I can understand walking through it once to see what the floorplan looks like, but come on! How tacky.

[suzubeane]

I found out that people in the neighborhood have said the lady next door is inside our house walking around every day after the builders leave. I would totally do this. :o. In fact, I have done it. :o (again!)

In my own defense, I am not doing it to be nosy, but because I am fascinated by construction. However, once the drywall went in, there'd be no reason to look anymore, since all the construction would be covered up. And if finishes are going in, well ... at that point looking around would just be snooping.

I'm not trying to excuse your neighbor, Becky. Just myself, I guess!

[katmg]

I have also looked around houses that were "in progress" in my parents' neighborhood. In fact, it was quite normal for several neighbors to check out the new houses as they go up. I'm pretty sure that most of them weren't interested in construction though! :p

[Fenway]

Official word!!! DH just called.
We *just* got our building permit!!!!!

We'll be popping the champagne tonight!!!!
WooooHoooo!!!!

[Fenway]

Count me in as one who has explored construction sites. We've even toured finish model homes (during open houses, of course.) We have to get ideas from somewhere!! :p

[suzubeane]

Count me in as one who has explored construction sites. See, that's just it - I think to the person who has contracted the house, it's a home. And to others, it's a "construction site." I remember having a similar discussion on the "new construction" thread on WC; people were upset that workers were leaving coffee cups around the job sites. (In most cases, these were in builder's developments.) I can understand if the house is nearing completion, and the finishes the buyer has agonized over are being installed. But the idea that workers wouldn't leave paper cups on a job that was mostly a pile of dirt and sticks struck me as funny.

[Fenway]

I never thought of it that way, but I think you're absolutely right. Being married to a contractor, our house has been referred to the construction site, the field, job site, ect. so I think I've been contitioned to think of it as work, rather than home. We'll probably be living there and still be referring to it as the construction site. lol.

[Sophia]

/delurking/ I've checked out construction sites, too. I find it fascinating. /relurking/

[MrsBeckyLP]

I would totally do this. :o. In fact, I have done it. :o (again!)

In my own defense, I am not doing it to be nosy, but because I am fascinated by construction. However, once the drywall went in, there'd be no reason to look anymore, since all the construction would be covered up. And if finishes are going in, well ... at that point looking around would just be snooping.

I'm not trying to excuse your neighbor, Becky. Just myself, I guess!

OH, we've done this too. I usually feel a bit funny about it, but we still do it. I realize people do it, and I'm OK with it ... for the most part ...

But apparently this woman does it all the time ... like every day. I don't think it's because she's fascinated with construction; she's just a nosy biatch! I know she's trying to see "how big this is" or "how big that is" to see if it's up to her high standards. I've heard lots of stories about this woman. She's the one going around telling people their house is "sub-par" compared to hers; she told another neighbor what was wrong with his house and what she would have done differently; she called the city last summer and got us a fine for not mowing our weeds, when the rest of the lots that were still owned by the developer hadn't been mowed either. She's a real tool. :rolleyes:

[jbemommy]

I haven't posted here before, but we are building a house. They broke ground in April, and they are framing the second floor now. It is so exciting (and scary, too). We've got all the interior stuff picked, so I'm really looking forward to getting to that point so we can see what it really looks like. I'll try to post pictures sometime, DH visits almost every day to see what they've done. ;)

[Fenway]

Today was demolition day!!!

Okay, Here are Before and After shots of 2 angles of the property
BEFORE
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=502479&hmi_id=22972960&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

AFTER:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=507675&hmi_id=23244473&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


BEFORE:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=502479&hmi_id=22973953&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL


AFTER:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=507675&hmi_id=23244469&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

[MrsBeckyLP]

Welcome jbemommy! We'd love to see pics!

Fenway- How exciting! That's a very nice pile of rubble you have there. ;)

[Fenway]

Fenway- How exciting! That's a very nice pile of rubble you have there. ;)

Thanks! We're very proud of it!
I'll be posting more pics in my journal. I don't want to hijack the thread.

[jbemommy]

Here are some pics of our house. The first pic shows the view from our living room. The second is what the house looks like now, but there is more framing done on the second floor.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c196/sdegge/house510.07014.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c196/sdegge/VariousJuly2007005.jpg

[snowzilla]

Wow, jbemommy, what an incredible view you have!!! :eek: Beautiful!

[Lizzy]

jbemommy - Your view is so gorgeous. May I ask where you live (at least what state)? I might have to move there. :)

[Maggie8202]

jbemommy- Great view!! It looks like your house is going to be amazing!

Update- The surveyor came last week so we are just waiting on it to make an appointment with some different architects.

So I have a question: Apparently when the surveyor was surveying our land a neighbor went up to them and asked why they were surveying. They disclosed my dh and my name to the neighboors and that we are going to be building. Apparently this neighboor has gone and told the whole block of people and we have since been questioned. Not that this is a huge deal, but does the surveyor have the right to disclose our names like that? We are annoyed at this because it is such a small town that we live in where everyone knows everyones buisness and we were not ready to share our plans with the whole town yet!

[jbemommy]

Thanks, guys! We knew the view would be good, but didn't realize just how amazing it would be. Our builder basically built our basement above ground, so the house sits a lot higher than we thought and consequently we have an even better view.
Lizzy We live in western NC.

[fierypyropixy]

Thanks, guys! We knew the view would be good, but didn't realize just how amazing it would be. Our builder basically built our basement above ground, so the house sits a lot higher than we thought and consequently we have an even better view.
Lizzy We live in western NC.

*delurking* Hey, I lived in Asheville my whole life before I got married and had to move for my husband's job . . . have you lived there long? *back to lurking*

[MrsBeckyLP]

jbemommy- That is a beautiful view! Do you guys have a projected completion date?

*********
(Unlike Fenway, I'm not afraid to hijack with tons of photos! That's what the thread is for, no? Plus, there aren't a whole lot of posts in this thread usually, and I know everyone likes pictures!)

Things are moving along for us. Since we had such hot weather for the last few weeks, the shingles didn't go on until this week. They're totally done now, and I'm really happy with the color. The sample looked much darker, but I found a pic online of the shingles on a house before we ordered them, so this is what I had in mind. Our soffit is going on, as you can see ...

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding055.jpg

and so is the trim board around the windows (two left windows on main level):

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding056.jpg

This is my shower ... can't you just picture it? wink, wink:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding053.jpg

And this is where my washer and dryer will sit in the laundry room:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding052.jpg

Here is my fireplace ... wink, wink!:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding044.jpg

Like I was saying, we've had HOT and DRY weather all summer. Over the weekend and last night we actually got rain (and a decent amount), so here is our back yard:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding045.jpg

That was a few days ago; it's much worse now. Beautiful, huh?

Our plumbing was inspected and approved by the building inspector today. The electrician we met with last night was awesome, and he got so much done today. It was unreal. We're in the process of picking out floors and our cabinets. I'm in design mode. I just want to get everything done ASAP. Drywall is supposed to start going up some time next week.

[snoopy30]

jbemommy Gorgeous view! It's like a vacation home :) NC is such a beautiful state.

Our house is moving along quickly. Cabinets are in and trim work is going up. I just had to turn in paint colors too. I'm so excited to move in but our current house is *still* on the market :rolleyes:

becky Great progress on your house! It's miserably hot and dry here too which can be good for construction but not so fun otherwise.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I am literally nauseous and feel like I am going to puke. My general contractor is on my S-list in the first place, and today he decided to send me a TON of change orders, bringing our price to over $9,000 more than the contract. I already see some discrepancies by glancing at them quickly, and I'm going to have to really keep on top of this. Looks like I'll be scrutinizing the change orders when I get home. I do not want to deal with calling him out on his mistakes yet again, but I know I'll have to.

At this point, I really regret picking this guy as our general contractor.

[MrsBeckyLP]

Question for those of you who have built (because I know there are tons of lurkers here!) ...

When I get a change order from my general contractor, would it be out of line for me to ask to see the bill from the subcontractor before I sign the change order? I ask because I think my GC is trying to screw me over and charge me more, and I want to see the bill from the sub. Does this make sense? Not that I really care, but would he get pissed if I asked to see the bills from the subs? Do I have a right to see them? TIA.

[suzubeane]

I would be interested in the answer to that, too, Becky. I would suspect your contractor would not want to show them to you. Unless you have it in writing somewhere, he can up-charge whatever he pleases for a sub's work for a change. The costs associated with change orders aren't only to pay for the work, they are to pay for the headache of making a change, which often ripples through a project and affects the scheduling of many other things. One change that seems simple can bollix up a whole schedule, which will only make everyone - including you - stressed out later on. I think the cost associated with change orders is partly to deter people from making them!

Also, don't forget that you are building in a slightly different way than many others here who purchased new constructions in a development. So their answers might not be the same as someone who purchased the land, procured the plan and hired the builder, FWIW.

[jo&sean]

Delurking here to chime in on Becky's question. We own/run a construction company where we do mostly custom homes and investment type properties.

Just curious, did you know that he would be sending you change orders?

Typically when there is a change, it is brought up by the home owner because it revolves around design or they just changed their mind on where to put a certain something. We first discuss the change and then get them a price for the change (or even a reduction in their contract depending on the change!). If the homeowner agrees to it, they sign the change order and the cost is added to their bill.

To answer your original question, as a contractor, we do disclose sub contractors bids to our homeowners if they ask because we have nothing to hide and we want the homeowner to feel like they are being treated fairly. HOWEVER, the price the subcontractor/supplier is not what the change order costs the homeowner. The total cost of the change order is the price from the subcontractor/supplier plus a change order fee plus profit and overhead. We charge a fairly hefty change order fee to help deter the number of changes. Otherwise, DH's time is consumed by changes and homeowners can really take advantage of that. (We also charge by the hour for after hours calls...) All of this is clearly outlined in our contract and we have not had any problems with it because it is discussed up front.

With that being said, I know contractors who would be totally po'd if you asked to see the subs invoices. Now, we make money on our change orders but there we know some companies that make A LOT of money on them.

Hope that helps some. Your house is looking good!

[MrsBeckyLP]

To add to my question/clarify, our change orders are for upgrades we've made -- putting rounded corners on the drywall, finishing all walls in the garage with drywall, ordering a different fixture than the one that was in the bid (because those were ugly!), putting in more romex openings and canned lights, upgrading to larger sized water heater, etc. Most were options in our original contract. Our contract never said anything about how much change orders would cost us/how much the GC would "make" on the change order.

Like I said, the change orders have all been "upgrades," not really "changes."

And Suzu made a good point ... we bought the land, had a plan drafted, sought out the builder and hired him. It's a custom home.

[suzubeane]

Yes, it's a technically a custom home, but it sounds like the contract and change order process is similar to those in a builder's development since the builder supplies certain items and then allows you to "upgrade." I hadn't realized that was the case earlier.

I'm not clear on whether these changes were already made? Or they're awaiting your sign-off? If they're awaiting your approval, are there things you would change to save money? (rounded corners = $$!) If they've been made without your approval, then I'd wonder why for sure. That's not how change orders are supposed to work.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I think I should go into more detail to help explain this better! I didn't really want to earlier because I didn't want to rehash it again and get more stressed, but I've calmed down.

Our builder didn't really "supply" certain things. He basically used certain models of plumbing fixtures as his base for how much of an allowance to give us. Instead of saying, "You have XXXX amount for faucets," he wrote down model numbers in the bid, but it was understood from the get go that we wouldn't be choosing them. He basically did it for himself so he knew how much to add into his bid for that portion. We went over that amount, so we got a change order.

Now, that was the only thing he itemized. He gave us XXXX amount for light fixtures, XXXX amount for flooring, XXXX amount for cabinets, XXXX amount for handrails, XXXX amount for mirrors, etc. This had to be done in order for him to make a competitive bid and have a contract price.

When we met with the electrician last week, we decided to put in more outlets, more canned lights, etc. Therefore our bid went up XXXX amount over the bid the electrician gave our builder when he bid out the house back in May. Electrician faxed me a new bid, with the changes itemized. I approved it, signed it and sent it back. Today, when I got the change order from the builder for the same items, some were more expensive than what the electrician quoted, which leads me to believe he's trying to screw us over. If there were another line saying, "This is my fee for the change order," I would be OK with the increased amount, I guess. But that's not the case. It looks like he just upped the numbers.

Some of the "changes" have already been made without us signing first, but we told him to make the "changes" so they were verbally approved. Some are awaiting our approval (electrical, plumbing).

I realize I'm still not explaining this as well as I should, but it's all I've got right now! I'm tired and sick of this! We're never building another house. (Is there an emoticon for being stressed??)

I posted this question on a home thread on another board. The consensus there seems to be that any reputable builder would supply me with anything I want/asked for. After all, he's working for me and I'm paying him.

[MrsBeckyLP]

If they're awaiting your approval, are there things you would change to save money? (rounded corners = $$!)

Actually, for our house, the rounded corners are only an additional $450. I think that's an inexpensive upgrade for how nice it looks.

There are some things we could cut back on (not drywalling the entire garage, not doing the rounded corners, not having granite counter tops), but we figure that we're building a house we're living in for a LONG time, so we're not going to cut back on that stuff. I think I was just shocked that he sent me all of thses change orders at once and it added up to a lot of $$$$.

[suzubeane]

I can't imagine why a sub-contractor gave you a quote. That should have gone to the GC, who would have provided you with the total cost for making changes to the electrical plans, including his mark-up. :confused:

Sure you can ask your builder to provide anything, but you can't ask that he won't be miffed about it. No one likes to be second-guessed in his or her job. I can understand why you wouldn't like his mark-up - especially if it seems excessive - but extra work (even if it's just scheduling and coordination) is extra work.

[momama]

I posted in here a while back. Our house has since been completed and we're moved in.

MrsBecky - my guess is it was just sticker shock for you. All those little changes add up big time. We changed our front door and we were most certainly charged more than the builder's cost for the door. But thats really to be expected in most things. I will suggest, though, if you weren't given an allowance, per se, for plumbing and light fixtures can you go out and buy them yourself? We did that for all our lighting fixtures. I think we were given something like $3k for all of our lighting so whatever we went over, we just bought ourselves at Lowes. Our builder actually suggested doing that because we'd save a substantial amount of money. His electrician still installed them but we didn't get an inflated charge for them.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I can't imagine why a sub-contractor gave you a quote. That should have gone to the GC, who would have provided you with the total cost for making changes to the electrical plans, including his mark-up. :confused:

We didn't really have any electrical plans laid out until last week, that I know of. :confused: I'm pretty sure the original bid basically included the work be done to code, and nothing more. I was a little surprised to see it too, but I actually liked the fact that I knew how much I would be paying for the changes before the GC did. Now that I think of it, the plumber gave me copies of our pricing changes also. I guess everyone does things diffferently.

I talked to the office assistant at the electrician's this morning, and she told me the numbers she showed me are same as the numbers she gave to the GC. I have a friend who has built three houses, and she said that she's always seen invoices from the subs before signing a change order. So I've contacted the subs directly and asked that they also fax me the invoices they send to the GC.

No one likes to be second-guessed in his or her job. I can understand why you wouldn't like his mark-up - especially if it seems excessive - but extra work (even if it's just scheduling and coordination) is extra work.

I realize that nobody likes to be second-guessed in their job, so that was why I asked this question in the first place! But I guess that the more I hashed it out, talked to DH and also friends who have built houses, I kind of answered my own question and decided I’d ask to see them. The only thing that really bothers me is that his mark-up isn't listed as I think it should be. I think it's dishonest. For example, the extra 25 romex openings we added cost $350 according to the electrician. On the change order, they were listed as costing $400. Adding nine recessed cans was $675 according to the electrician; $774 on the change order. If the electrician hadn't sent me the revised bid, I would have never known these numbers were different. We haven't been charged a "markup" on any of the previous change orders, so that's why I didn't understand why the numbers were different here. (All the previous ones were "upgrades" -- the rounded corners, etc., and were listed with a price on our contract. That price was the same on the change order as it was listed as an option on the contract.)

Basically, I think it’s dishonest that he’s saying the additional romex openings are $50 more than the electrician said. If he’s charging markup, I think it should be listed as markup. Like I said before, there is nothing laid out in our contract that says we’ll be charged for change orders. If his policy is to charge for change orders, that should have been laid out in the contract, and he should be honest about it (and charge for all change orders). The thing is that we’re young and we’ve never done this before (and neither have either of our parents), so I feel like we’re being taken advantage of. This is just being added to a list of things he has messed up/said we never told him, so I’m about at my boiling point. He isn’t very helpful and accommodating, and I’m very, very disappointed in his management skills (or lack thereof).

my guess is it was just sticker shock for you.

It was. He waited until all at once to send us $9,000 worth of change orders, and I told him about some of the upgrades weeks ago. Had we seen them roll in one at a time, it wouldn’t have been so bad because the number would have slowly climbed. And we plan to buy light fixtures at Menards, actually. I’ve checked it out and I think we’ll actually be under our allowance there. And we’re getting our hardwood floors from a very good family friend who owns a company that makes wood floors (Aacer Flooring (http://www.aacerflooring.com)), so they will be very, very cheap. And a friend of mine is installing them, so we will likely be under our allowance for that also. Like I said above, I’m just really, really disappointed with this guy overall, and this was just it for me. I cannot wait for it to be over.

[jo&sean]

After you explained what is going on, it sounds like your contractor is like many - just very disorganized. The markup on the change order items you listed is roughly 15% which is lower then the standard 20% in our area, however, he should have a clause in his contract that outlines how change orders work. This is a good example of why a good contract and explaining all polices and procedures to clients is sooo important. Building a house is a very stressful experience. Just try to keep your eye on the big picture and think about how much you are going to love your new home when this is all over. Hang in there!

[MrsBeckyLP]

After you explained what is going on, it sounds like your contractor is like many - just very disorganized. The markup on the change order items you listed is roughly 15% which is lower then the standard 20% in our area, however, he should have a clause in his contract that outlines how change orders work. This is a good example of why a good contract and explaining all polices and procedures to clients is sooo important. Building a house is a very stressful experience. Just try to keep your eye on the big picture and think about how much you are going to love your new home when this is all over. Hang in there!

Thanks for that. After your original post, I got to thinking it was markup; it's just funny that there isn't markup on all the change orders. He is very disorganized, and I hear he likes to play a lot of golf in the summer. That could be why he's been hard to get a hold of and why he doesn't have his shit straight. :rolleyes: I sent him a very nice e-mail asking about the differences, and I told him that we're young and don't know what we're doing and sometimes we feel lost and that we need some guidance. We simply don't know how these things work. When he gets back to me and tells me the extra charges are markup (which I assume is what he'll say), I'll calmly tell him that I wish he would have outlined that in the contract and that it would have been helpful to know!

I'm calming down. I do keep thinking about how in the end it will all be worth it! I think we'll close in early October, so it's not TOO much longer.

[jbemommy]

MrsBecky Our contract says they can charge us 15% for change order overages.

We've been having some contractor issues ourselves. We got called by 2 of the workers (on DH's cell phone :eek:) saying they hadn't been paid for 2 weeks. Then we heard some other rumors about the contractor being in financial difficulty and having outstanding bills at supply companies. So of course we started thinking he was using the money for our house for other stuff, and now we were going to have liens put on the house, etc. We were *freaking out*. DH met with him yesterday and he said that the rumors are related to his real estate company (he has bought lots of land and built some spec houses to start a development--our house is not in his development, we own our own land), and that the workers who called us had actually been fired and taken equipment which is why they hadn't been paid. One was the foreman which is why he had DH's cell #.

So hopefully his story is true, although I can't imagine why he'd lie, since he can't get another draw from the bank till there's a roof on the house, which will cost him a lot of money. So I guess we'll know for sure in a couple of weeks. He promised us he would be there personally to supervise the roof. Talk about having ulcers!

[MrsBeckyLP]

MrsBecky Our contract says they can charge us 15% for change order overages.

We've been having some contractor issues ourselves.

More below about the 15%. I'm sorry you were having issues also. I really hope your GC was telling you the truth. Like you said, I can't imagine why he'd lie.


So I exchanged a few e-mails with our builder today, and I'm better. He explained that he is charging 15 percent for each change order, but we didn't get charged for the options we selected because that cost was already built in. I still wish he had laid this out in the contract. (He also said he usually charges 20% for change orders, but he's giving us a deal – who knows about that!) I told him I felt like we were lost at times and we needed more guidance, that we are trying to be easy to work with but it's hard because we're so new to this, and he said we shouldn't hesitate to call. I just feel like I'm bothering him all the time, and I don't want to be "that" person. From now on I'm going to voice my concerns/ask questions the moment they arise. I feel like we're kind of turning over a new leaf and that there's been unspoken tension since the issue with the trusses. Hopefully I'm right and we can move on and have a happy month and a half.

[Fenway]

I owe you girls an update!!
Last week's progress:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710021&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24709987&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710078&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710085&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710104&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

*posting*

[Fenway]

http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710112&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710131&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710128&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710139&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL


http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=368104&section_id=537098&hmi_id=24710137&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

*posting*

[Fenway]

This weekend!!
Saturday:
Me:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24865990&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

DH and I
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24865947&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

Dad, DH, Me:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24866163&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

FSIL:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24866160&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

My big brother, working in flipflops. LOL:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24866056&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

[Fenway]

S-Dad:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24866166&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL



DH and I:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24866023&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

What we accomplished at the end of the day:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540120&hmi_id=24866167&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

[Fenway]

Sunday
FIL and Uncle Kevin painting the foundation:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540121&hmi_id=24960238&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Me in the font, S-Dad in the background, DH standing on the ledge:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540121&hmi_id=24960273&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

DH setting lally columns:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540121&hmi_id=24960326&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

An old man drives by everyday, around the same time, sometimes 2x a day. Everyday we wave and he doesn't wave back. DH is convinced he'll be able to befriend him, and get him to have lunch with us one of these days. We're keeping tally of his drive-bys.

http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540121&hmi_id=24959991&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

What we accomplished so far:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540121&hmi_id=24959941&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

[Fenway]

http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540121&hmi_id=24959965&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=540121&hmi_id=24959975&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

[MrsBeckyLP]

Very cool, Fenway! It's really cool that you're able to get out there and help. Knowing your hard work actually went into it will make it that much better in the end.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I'm SO sick of this house building process. My general contractor sucks. We made a huge mistake there. Everyone we talks to keeps telling us, "He builds some of the best houses around here though." Well that's nice and will be the most important thing in the longrun (once we're in the house and hopefully never have to deal with him again), but right now he sucks. His communication and organizational skills blow. Last night DH and I realized he has only met us out at the house once: before the foundation was even poured. Everyone we've talked to has said their builder met them at their house at least once a week to "go over stuff." DH had a heated conversation with him last week. He told GC how we weren't happy with certain things, and all GC kept saying was, "Well, it's in the contract. Black and white. In the contract."

Guess what? GC made a typo in our favor in the contract too. It says we have an $11,000 shower allowance for our master bath. He meant $1,100 (the $1,100 is listed as an allowance elsewhere, but he didn't give us that sheet until Aug. 3, and it was nothing we signed). When he gets the bill for our $4,700 tile shower and tries to send us a change order for the overages, I'm not signing it! If I really wanted to be a bitch and screw him like he's been doing to us, I'd make him credit us the remaining $6,300. I can't wait for that day.

Our friend, a mason, came and put the brick on our house over the weekend. He did a great job and saved us a ton of money. I'm waiting to post new pics until all the siding is on. For some reason, one side of our garage is only partially sided and the front of the third stall isn't sided yet. I'm sick of looking at blue wrap. Finish the damn siding already.

Drywall is up, and they were putting on rounded corners yesterday. I would imagine that means they're going to begin taping and mudding today. That means it will get painted soon, and we'll need to go in and paint over the few rooms we're changing the color on (for now just the nursery and laundry room).

This is final decision week. We are ordering cabinets, counter tops, all flooring, light fixtures and bathroom accessories. Our front door is STILL not on, which irritates me. Drywall is up, and we still aren't able to lock the damn house. I guess the door is backordered until next week, but the GC told me three weeks ago that the door would be here Aug. 7 (two weeks ago). Don't tell me that kind of stuff if it's not going to happen.

October 5 is now our move-in date, but we'll see. He's full of empty promises, so I doubt that will happen.

In about the only good news I have, we found a great, inexpensive tile place. DH was working on their gas service one day, and he went inside. They mainly do commercial work, but they do word-of-mouth residential. We got a great quote from them (about $1,600 less than the rest), so I'm really happy. I love the tile we picked out.

[jo&sean]

Fenway - Those are great pictures!

MrsBecky - Hang in there! This is the point that most people building a home become really, really frustrated so know that you are not alone! It is odd that your GC has not met with you at the house more. I know DH is on his jobs everyday no matter how many we have going on. That is his job - to make sure everything is going right, answer questions and ease frustrations. Sometimes it is only for a half hour or so but a presence is important. I see you have a baby on the way too - congrats :)

[MrsBeckyLP]

I see you have a baby on the way too - congrats :)

Thank you! I'm trying to hang in there, and I know it will be worth it in the end, and that's what's kept me from firing him or quitting on the house (not like that was ever truly an option). Hopefully we only have another month of this crap to deal with. I am really trying to stay pretty calm, because I don't need the GC stressing me out right now. DH is very frustrated, so I'm trying to keep a level head. Plus, I hate being mad!

[MrsBeckyLP]

Well, here are a few pictures. The siding is still not complete because our doors are not in, and they can't finish the siding until the door frames are in. They should be here any day now.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding027.jpg

I can't wait until these piles of dirt and weeds are gone!
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding009-1.jpg

Brick closeup:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding030-1.jpg

On the back deck:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding032.jpg

[MrsBeckyLP]

Fireplace:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding063.jpg

Kitchen (taken from in front of the fireplace):
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding064.jpg

Dining room:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding065.jpg

I got two quotes for New Venetian Gold granite counter tops for the kitchen. One was $2,000 less than the other! I think I know who I'm going with! Cabinets and flooring are ordered. The garage floor is being poured tomorrow, and they are starting to tape and mud. Gary, the GC's (much nicer) brother, said it will take about a week for them to tape, mud and paint, depending on humidity levels. We are supposed to have temps in the low 80s with no rain for the next week, so I hope the humidity stays to a minimum.

[MrsBeckyLP]

This thread is dead (for posters anyway). Just wanted to come by with a quick update.


Our walls got painted this morning and tile goes in tomorrow.

Our hardwoods are being installed Sunday (a friend is doing it).

I picked out our granite slabs a few weeks ago, and cabinets should be here once the hardwood is installed.

They did the final grading of the lot, and our back yard looks HUGE! I'm so excited. Since it flows into a golf course, it looks even bigger than it really is.

We purchased all of our light fixtures, and we're in the process of deciding on our closet systems. We're going to go pretty standard in all closets but the master, where we'll put in some hanging, some shelving and some drawers.


The last time we talked to the GC, he gave us an expected move-in date of Oct. 5. My guess is it will be more like Oct. 12, but we'll see.

I hope everyone else's houses are popping right up!

[Maggie8202]

Quick Question: We met with an architect this week and sat down and discussed our "dream home." He says he charges a percentage of the total cost to build. We just got the contract, and to design this pretty simple house of 3,500 square feet and get all the permits, his estimation is his cost will be close to $11,000! Now, he also is over estimating that it will cost $200 a square foot, and based on meeting with contractors etc, it will be more like $150 a square foot. Can I call him back and ask for a contract that is not a percentage of the total cost to build, but rather a flat fee? Should I tell him we are planning on spending $150 a square foot, and not $200 so that should dramatically change his rate? We are so new to this, but were budgeting about $8,000 as the most we would spend on the architect. We are located in the NY Metro Area if that helps any.

TIA!

[suzubeane]

Maggie, you can try explaining to the architect what you intend to spend per sq. ft., but if you've already sat down and discussed the ideas, it's possible that he's figured out what your dream home will cost to build based on the ideas and wish list you gave him. If the contractors think it will cost less, perhaps it's because they don't have as many of the details? It may be a case where you need to scale down, or it might be something you can "value engineer."

If your house is going to be simple, had you considered purchasing a set of plans and having an architect alter them? I think a few people here have done this, and earlier in the thread (post 339) I wrote about this a bit:

This is why I think that anyone who wants to design her own home but does not want to use an architect or designer ... should use a site like e-plan, and make changes that stay within the building envelope. You don't like brick? Fine - use clapboard or siding. You want to change a non-bearing wall? No problem. You don't like the bathroom interior? Change it. Occasionally you can even enlarge the footprint of the house (as long as the structural/roof design allows it) but at least that way you know you're starting with something buildable. It has a roof and columns and framing that works - no need to reinvent the wheel. That's the stuff it's just too hard to do on your own w/out a lot of design or construction knowledge.

If your plan is complicated and/or really remarkable in some way, you might want to go ahead as planned with the architect. I don't work in NY, but I grew up there and I know things cost more than in other areas; $11,000.00 sounds pretty reasonable. I've been working on high end homes outside of Boston for an architect up there, and I know that his fees go much higher - we are doing a lot of interesting interior details with woodwork and built-ins and such, however.

Good luck - hopefully one of the people who started with a stock plan and altered it will chime in!

[Fenway]

I owe some serious pictures! We had a small setback. Our tool trailer was robbed a few weeks ago. (All that drama starts on post 277 in my journal) We lost approx $7000-$8000 worth of tools. We were very angry for a few days, but we've brushed ourselves off and gotten back on the horse.

S-Dad and I setting the floor joists:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=542007&hmi_id=25064417&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

DH and I working on the first floor decking:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=542007&hmi_id=25064467&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

How did people build houses w/out nail guns?? LOL!
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=542007&hmi_id=25064440&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

A ladybug landed on my glove:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=542007&hmi_id=25064533&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Duane and DH raising some walls:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25214945&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25214972&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

*posting*

[Fenway]

All of us getting ready to raise another wall. From L to R- DH, me, Dad, Duane, FIL:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25214988&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Something is in the way!! Why won't it stand straight?
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25215000&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

"Who forgot to trim the decking?"
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25214994&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Much better:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25215003&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25215005&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL



*posting*

[Fenway]

DH is crazy!
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25348998&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=547105&hmi_id=25349021&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

We hired a crane to lift the steel beam and Iloists to the second floor. you could see it from the bridge to get on the island:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=549927&hmi_id=25349111&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Once again, DH is crazy:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=549927&hmi_id=25349194&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=549927&hmi_id=25349221&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Dad and I setting 2nd floor I joists:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=549927&hmi_id=25349271&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

*posting*

[Fenway]

Scott and DH placing 2nd floor decking:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=551854&hmi_id=25446839&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Stairwell walls:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=565550&hmi_id=26130869&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Building stairs:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=565550&hmi_id=26130882&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=565550&hmi_id=26130899&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=565550&hmi_id=26130898&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=392135&section_id=565550&hmi_id=26130904&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

[Fenway]

Our poor empty trailer:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572750&hmi_id=26457416&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

Roof Trusses:
Steve (the pastor that married us)
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572750&hmi_id=26457483&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

DH and JAy, our neighbor at the old house:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572750&hmi_id=26457540&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

The crane hoisting up a truss:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572750&hmi_id=26457634&image_version=5&rend=WEB_SMALL

Dan, another good friend:
http://brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572750&hmi_id=26457673&image_version=5&rend=WEB_SMALL

*posting*

[Fenway]

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572750&hmi_id=26459757&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Pliwood on the roof:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572751&hmi_id=26605516&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572751&hmi_id=26605534&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572751&hmi_id=26605528&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL
Look how high up DH was:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=572751&hmi_id=26605535&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL
Oh, and I know it looks like we're missing windows, but that's because we haven't cut them out of the wall sheathing yet.

*posting*

[Fenway]

Flooded. This is what we did all day, that day:
Dad and S-Mom:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=575942&hmi_id=26605678&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=575942&hmi_id=26605665&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=575942&hmi_id=26605679&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

Dad and I rigged up this tarp to redirect the water out the window. Ghetto-fabulous. LOL.
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=575942&hmi_id=26605671&image_version=15&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=575942&hmi_id=26605692&image_version=7&rend=WEB_SMALL

[Fenway]

Trim:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=614361&hmi_id=28428426&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL

http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=614361&hmi_id=28428444&image_version=13&rend=WEB_SMALL

Roof:
http://www.brodo.phanfare.com/show_image.aspx?album_id=414203&section_id=614361&hmi_id=28428528&image_version=6&rend=WEB_SMALL
That's it!

[katmg]

Fenway - Can I just say how impressed I am that y'all are doing the work yourselves. Who operated the crane??

[MrsBeckyLP]

Wow, this thread is currently flooded with lurkers.

Lookin' good Fenway!

Finish work is scheduled to wrap up this week on our house. Our kitchen counter tops were installed yesterday; it only took one week from the time the template was made until they were and installed (they're granite), and I thought that was pretty amazing. I guess toilets and stuff were going in today. I figured I might as well wait until the house is done to post pictures. Our move-in date is Oct. 20; that's been pushed back a few times. The only holdup would be our GC not having his paperwork done in time, which is unacceptable. However, we've already lined up people to help us move and rented a truck, so we're moving in that day regardless. I have a key dammit!

[Fenway]

Fenway - Can I just say how impressed I am that y'all are doing the work yourselves. Who operated the crane??

I can't take credit for that. We hired the crane, then we had a bunch of friends working in the rafters to receive the trusses. Believe it or not, that was the morning we showed up and found all our tools gone. Pretty productive day under the circumstances, huh?

[jbemommy]

I'm so jealous of you guys, Fenway and Mrs. Becky!

We just fired our contractor! :( He was not paying bills and we actually now have a lien on our house. :mad: Luckily we live in a small town and the lumber company (who took out the lien b/c our house is not the only one he's not paid them for, the others are spec houses) is not mad at us, and will probably end up taking the lien off of our property. We have another contractor who is willing to take over, but it's going to end up costing a lot more than we had expected.

So after 6 months, we don't even have a finished roof over the house. Now, granted, this is a custom home with a pretty complicated roofline, but it's at least 6-8 weeks over schedule, and there will be at least 2 weeks before the new contractor can start building. So we are stressed to the max.

[MrsBeckyLP]

jbemommy- That sounds like such a nightmare. There were days I wanted to fire mine, but we stuck it out, and now it's almost over. I really hope you can get going soon; I can just imagine your stress level.

It's official. We're moving into our house next Saturday, Oct. 20. I cannot wait! Carpet goes in on Wednesday, cleaners come Thursday and the final inspection/occupancy permit will come Friday. One more week! I'll post final photos then.

[IrishEyes]

One more week! I'll post final photos then.

It's about time, Becky! (Just kidding!) Can't wait to see the finished product!

[MrsBeckyLP]

No, really. It is about time!

[Fenway]

No, really. It is about time!

You lucky, lucky girl!

[MrsBeckyLP]

Yeah, Fenway, but just think how cool it's going to be when you're able to move into your house. Your own blood, sweat and tears are being poured into that home, and that is the neatest thing ever. I wish I could say I was able to do what you guys are doing. Simply amazing.

BTW, do you guys know when you'd like to be finished by?

[Fenway]

BTW, do you guys know when you'd like to be finished by?

I dunno. Maybe summer of 2025?

Seriously, though, we hope to be "done" enough to move in by late spring, early summer. Then we'll finish while we live there. So, yeah. we'll never be finished. lol.

[MrsBeckyLP]

We are officially moved in to our new house. We spent last Friday night and Saturday moving, and I've been off work this week unpacking. I took pictures before we moved anything in (minus the laundry room) because who knows how long it will be until I can get this place in shape for photos. So far I haven't come up with anything I would have done differently; I'm sure that will change the longer I'm here!

Exterior:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/DSCF0641.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/DSCF0645.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding088.jpg

We aren't putting in our landscaping until spring. The end of October in Wisconsin is a bit late to plant grass!

Looking at the living room and front entry from the dining room:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding058.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding059-1.jpg

Rotating to the right:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding060.jpg

posting

[MrsBeckyLP]

Other kitchen views (I really love my kitchen!):

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding057-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding056-3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding062.jpg

Guest bath:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding050-1.jpg

Guest bedroom:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding052-2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding053-2.jpg

posting

[MrsBeckyLP]

Nursery:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding048.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding049-1.jpg

The guest bath is in the hallway between the nursery/guest bedroom. The other door is a linen closet:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding054.jpg

Half bath (toilet is across from the sink):

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding064-1.jpg

Laundry room (the color looks more grayish in person):

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding063-1.jpg

posting

[MrsBeckyLP]

Master bedroom:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding065-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding066.jpg

Master bath:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding068.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding070.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding071.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding072.jpg

posting

[MrsBeckyLP]

The shower door isn't on yet:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding075.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding076.jpg

Master closet:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding078.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/Housebuilding077.jpg

That does it!

[Lolly]

Becky, the house looks great!

[Bloomwood]

gorgeous! Congrats!

[Standrea]

Becky-
It's huge! Congrats, it's beautiful!

[Sashi]

I love the house Becky......it's gorgeous. You did such a great job picking everything out. The floors in your living space are GORGEOUS!

[Fenway]

Beautiful!! Congrats!

[MrsD108]

It is so pretty. Congratulations:)

[MrsBeckyLP]

Thank you ladies. It really makes me feel good to read all these wonderful comments! :)

[Mrs.Chappy]

Becky..i was lurking. When can i move into your new house with you?? it looks so cozy and inviting! Best of luck for all your new beginnings! :)

[Wen]

Updates finally starting clearing and grading
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/1829646066_2264dfefb4.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/1829645706_56003ced85.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/1828809765_49156b4569.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/1829644382_f624bb5872.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2155/1828808189_9618202665.jpg?v=0

[honeygirl]

*bump*

Anyone else building? We're considering new construction right now and have been looking at many model homes.

[Purple]

I'm thinking of new construction. I have already picked the model I like and the changes/upgrades that I want to do and wanted to finalize in a couple of months but was just emailed that the prices are going up in the new year so I need to act now. Closings are not till next December and I have a feeling that they are going to be late by her answer to that question. But 2 other better (and possibly pricier) builders are releasing their plans in January. I don't want to make a decision under pressure so I may wait it out and see what the others have to offer.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

[Maggie8202]

Update:
We finally signed with an architect on Thursday!! In 2 weeks we will be getting a tentative floor plan and front sketch. I am so excited. The way things are moving along with our county and town (Seriously the slowest moving know to man) it looks like a May groundbreaking!

Purple: My thoughts would be not to do anything under pressure. I am not sure what area you are in, but nationally the housing market isn't doing so well so I can't see prices really going up. They could just try to be getting your sale??

[suzubeane]

I am not sure what area you are in, but nationally the housing market isn't doing so well so I can't see prices really going up.

"Isn't doing so well" is an understatement. AFter Thursday's news from the Commerce Dept. about home sales (lowest in 12 years after five years of artificially inflated activity) the predictions for our whole ecomony are pretty bad.

I would NOT be considering new construction in a builder's development now. No way. Many of those guys contributed to the excess inventory problem by building on spec, and/or by helping buyers get low introductory rates on mortgages that they now can't afford.

Many Home Developers have houses sitting empty they are dying to sell, and many unfortunate home owners are trying to sell the nearly-new homes they now can't afford. Anyone considering new construction would do well to consider these options instead - not just for their own benefit, but in order not to contribute to a problem that was helped along by the Home Development industry.

[sea74]

I don't want to make a decision under pressure so I may wait it out and see what the others have to offer.

Anyone have thoughts on this? DO NOT make this decision under pressure. It's too big to not be 110% sure of. And I agree w/suzubeane said. This economy is crap. Houses all over the country are appraising for a LOT less than what people paid for them even 12-6 months ago. Our neighbors just sold their BEAUTIFUL, CUSTOM home that they build only 13 months ago (getting a divorce) for $385. When they build it, the home appraised for $460. When they had the inspection to sell it, the home only appraised for $390 and even then only sold for $385. And that was the most reasonable offer they received. They had a lot of offers in the $330-370 range :(

It's a buyers market and everyone knows it. Even your builder ;)

[honeygirl]

We fell in love with a particular model and location, but will probably have to hold off b/c of the market. DH says we should wait till the market bottoms out before buying. We're still going to keep looking, but will probably decide to wait.

The bummer is that the location is almost sold out, and are expected to be completely sold in 6-9months. Maybe we'll be able to buy one of the homes if buyers pull out or resale later.

Maggie - Good news about your project getting going!

[Purple]

I should clarify that I am in a major city in Canada. We have not had the mortgage crisis that you guys have seen. There is a very low percentage of sub-prime mortgages and most people don't often tap into the equity of their home and end up upside down. So it is fully possible that the prices are going up. But I still don't want to be pressured. I think I will wait at least a month or so to see the new releases of the other builders.

I like the idea of looking for a pre-built that was defaulted on before closing and is ready right now or where I can input the finishing touches. Has anyone done this? Do I get a real estate agent? I have checked on a few builder's website for current inventory but I have not found anything. I want to stay in this house for a long time so I want it to be all that I want. I have only had a pre-construction before.

In another life~ I would love to have a Victorian or Greek Revival and fully restore every detail (not renovate), but that isn't in the cards for now.

[kadee_29]

Bumping up because we are going to talk to a builder this weekend.

We found a floor plan that we love and this way we can just build now instead of buying something we sort of like and then building a few years from now anyway.

Are we still asking for trouble by building with the economy like it is?

[Maggie8202]

Are we still asking for trouble by building with the economy like it is?

The way my dh and I are looking at it is we will get much better prices because the contractors won't be doing as much work as they normally will. Don't know if that is the correct way to think about it.

Update:
Things are looking good finally. The land is in our name and we are waiting for the deeds from the county which we should be getting next week!! Then we are going straight to the town and applying for the building permit which will take 8-12 weeks and we will start to build as soon as we get the permit! The plans are amazing and we are so happy with the floor plans. We hired a GC who is very eager to begin. We had a little difficulty finding a construction loan in this economy. Pretty much they have been done away with because they are so risky, so we had to get a little creative and that has all been taken care of. I am keeping my fingers crossed we will be in the new house before my dd starts walking because our small apartment is impossible to child proof! I told my dh I will move into the new house with only the kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom done! We will see what happens.

[suzubeane]

Are we still asking for trouble by building with the economy like it is?Depends. It sounds like you've got your own plan and intend to contract with a builder to contract it on your own property. That, IMO, would be better than building a new home in a builder's development at this point in time. But a lot depends on where you're planning to build. I would not gamble on a non-established area now, which is where many buildable lots are located.

I also don't know how wise it is to add to housing stock right now considering people are having a really hard time selling. You could buy a nearly new home for very little money at this point; people who over-extended themselves in builders' developments know there are similar houses for sale all over their neighborhoods and this can be very advantageous to buyers.

[kadee_29]

Depends. It sounds like you've got your own plan and intend to contract with a builder to contract it on your own property. That, IMO, would be better than building a new home in a builder's development at this point in time. But a lot depends on where you're planning to build. I would not gamble on a non-established area now, which is where many buildable lots are located.

I also don't know how wise it is to add to housing stock right now considering people are having a really hard time selling. You could buy a nearly new home for very little money at this point; people who over-extended themselves in builders' developments know there are similar houses for sale all over their neighborhoods and this can be very advantageous to buyers.

It is a development. I should've said that before. It's a new development though and the prices are really good right now. They haven't even done the grand opening yet. If we were to build in this area we would be in it for years to come. There is one house listed for sale by the developer in the area but it is short of what we want in a few areas and only about $6000 less than the base on a new build.

The things that you said are pretty much my fears in doing this whole thing. I don't want to add to the problem now but we are planning on building in the next few years anyways. I just wish I knew if the housing crisis was going to get better or not.

[mamax2]

Are we still asking for trouble by building with the economy like it is?

I don't know that you're asking for trouble, per se, but you certainly could probably do better (financially) buying an existing home.

The way my dh and I are looking at it is we will get much better prices because the contractors won't be doing as much work as they normally will. Don't know if that is the correct way to think about it.

Well, that part's true, but material costs have NOT come down. It still costs as much (or more) to build. So, while you may have no trouble recruiting a workforce, that's only one part of the equation. Also keep in mind that many contractors and suppliers have had to increase costs to keep up with rising gas/oil prices.

If you compare price/sq ft on new vs. already built, you will come out in favor of already built for sure. There are only a couple of markets in the country that really need to be building right now. For the rest of us, you might get a house you love, but at what cost?

[Maggie8202]

I don't know that you're asking for trouble, per se, but you certainly could probably do better (financially) buying an existing home.



Well, that part's true, but material costs have NOT come down. It still costs as much (or more) to build. So, while you may have no trouble recruiting a workforce, that's only one part of the equation. Also keep in mind that many contractors and suppliers have had to increase costs to keep up with rising gas/oil prices.

If you compare price/sq ft on new vs. already built, you will come out in favor of already built for sure. There are only a couple of markets in the country that really need to be building right now. For the rest of us, you might get a house you love, but at what cost?

I guess this may work for other areas of the US, but where I am located there are no new homes and developments. There are very limited numbers of lots to build on so our project is a very good one for contractors because projects like our are so limited. My Dh and I were looking at houses in our area, for $400,000 we can buy roughly a 1500 square foot house on a 50X100 lot that is 50+ years old and needs a lot of fixing up. Our lot is 90X180 and our house is going to be 3200+ square feet and it will cost us less than $400,000 to build. We actually found a couple of new construction homes in the area that were over $650,000 with smaller square footage than our plans and on a lot smaller lots, so for us it is less costly to build. Even if the market goes down a lot, we will still be ahead of the game.

[suzubeane]

Well, that part's true, but material costs have NOT come down. It still costs as much (or more) to build. So, while you may have no trouble recruiting a workforce, that's only one part of the equation. Also keep in mind that many contractors and suppliers have had to increase costs to keep up with rising gas/oil prices.

If you compare price/sq ft on new vs. already built, you will come out in favor of already built for sure. There are only a couple of markets in the country that really need to be building right now. For the rest of us, you might get a house you love, but at what cost?Excellent points.

IMNSHO, builders developments have contributed to the current state of the housing market/mortgage industry as much (if not more) than predatory lenders. In fact, some of them ARE predatory lenders.

kadee, I would do a lot of research. Go dig up the "selling in a buyer's market" thread and see what people who have purchased new development homes are saying. Do some research about how well the homes are holding their value, and the variance of the prices in the development.

I would also re-examine your reasons for building, frankly. If it's because you think you'll get exactly what you want in a home with no concessions, ask some people who bought in builder's developments and see if they feel that's what THEY got.

Maggie, in general, there is a big difference between buying in a builder's development and building on your own land using a plan you developed with an architect, designer, or design/builder - both financially and otherwise.

[kadee_29]

We thought long and hard about our situation and the housing market and decided to go ahead and build. We are going to be able to get a great house that is going to be just about everything we wanted in a house but couldn't find in a pre-existing home. We are getting a great price and we locked into a really, really good interest rate. Even better, there is about a 90% chance we are going to sell our current house to one of DH's friends. We are going Saturday morning to sign a few more papers and finalize our selections/upgrades.

We are really excited. This is something we have wanted to do for a long time.

[suzubeane]

I assume you've looked around to see if anyone is selling a nearly new one built by the same developer?

[kadee_29]

This is a brand new area. There is nobody living there yet. There are no nearly new houses that would work for us. We are really excited about finally having the house that we want. And yes we are getting the things that are most important to us. This is going to be our home for many years and for the amount of money that we are putting into it, it is going to be what we want it to be.

I guess I just don't understand the attitude against building houses since that is what the whole thread is about. I feel like I need to defend our decision and I shouldn't have to do that.

[suzubeane]

I guess I just don't understand the attitude against building houses since that is what the whole thread is about. I feel like I need to defend our decision and I shouldn't have to do that.FWIW, you're not simply encountering an "attitude against building" - what you're perceiving here is apprehension about committing to a new home in a builder's development, which - as has been articulated (even by you when you said you didn't want to add to the problem) - is a dicey proposition right now.

That said, I'm surprised that YOU'RE surprised given the fact that two people with professional experience in the building trades told you it was not the best financial decision in today's economy. We took the time to answer you honestly, which may be contributing to the feeling you have to defend your decision.

Additionally, this thread is not terribly active right now. To me, that is an indication that people are not choosing to contract with builders in the numbers that they once were. So I'm not sure what you were expecting in terms of a reaction from this group.

On the matter of your new home "being what you want it to be," I'm curious if you did as I recommended and asked others who had bought new homes in builder's developments? Personally, I always find it curious when people who commit to homes in builder's developments cite "too many concessions" as a reason not to buy an existing home. It seems to me that what's being described here is the choice is between finding an existing home with most of the features you want vs. finding a homeplan with most of the features you want. Of course you can select "upgrades" from a builder, but those are from a limited list. (i.e. just the construction changes the builder has pre-determined are the most financially advantageous to him.)

So unless your builder is offering your dream home in one of his pre-existing plans (possible, I suppose, but reading through the thread indicates it's not common) you WILL have to make concessions, just as one would when buying an existing home. This is why I advised you to ask others who had contracted in builder's developments if THEY had gotten "exactly what they wanted."

Full disclosure: This is the opinion of someone who designs new homes and remodels for a living, AND who owns an eighty-odd year-old home that she remodeled. I just think that "getting exactly what you want" in a builder's homeplan is not what it's cracked up to be (by the builder, that is.)

[jbemommy]

I'm going to add my 2 cents FWIW. We are in the process of building our dream home now. It has been an absolute horror story, more stressful than we ever dreamed. As it turns out, it is a *very* good thing we did not build in our builder's development, but rather on our own property.

Our original builder got in over his head with his development right when the housing market slump happened. Turns out he was using our construction draws to pay other bills. After 6 months of very slow progress on our house, we then got notice of liens against our property, and fired him. He did work that was not up to code and our new builder had to fix all that. We had to get another loan from the bank to be able to continue work. As it is, we are now 13 months into the process and drywall is just starting today. We have made tons of downgrades and compromises b/c of mistakes he made. We are being sued by 3 of the suppliers who provided materials for the original builder. The original builder has now filed for bankruptcy and his developement is in foreclosure.

So just make absolutely sure that your builder is really in a good financial position and that you have recommendations from people whose houses he's built.

[mamax2]

Gosh, Shana, that's awful! I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. Unfortunately, a lot of builders are struggling right now and it is a risky proposition.

A couple of things on your situation...

I don't know what state you live in, but if you haven't already contacted an attorney, definitely do so! IIRC, not all states allow mechanic's liens to be filed on the homeowner's property (since it is your property and not the builder's) when their contract for work existed with the GC and not the homeowner.

Next thing is that it seems (if I'm reading your story correctly) that your bank released draws for work which was not completed and then your builder spent that draw money elsewhere and couldn't do the work - is that right?? I'd go after your bank on that one too. They are obligated to inspect and approve that the work has been satisfactorily completed (including required state/city/county codes) BEFORE releasing a draw.

A headache all around, for sure. I hope it gets better for you. Even though DH and I had a relatively good experience building our house, we both agree we never want to build again. We'd rather buy and remodel!

[jbemommy]

mamax2 Thanks for your sympathy! Yes, we got a lawyer immediately, and supposedly we are not supposed to be able to be sued by the suppliers, but it's taking a long time to get them to withdraw their suits.

As for the bank, there were "inspections" but just to see what percentage of the work had been done, not to be sure it was up to code. The bank paperwork is pretty clear that they are not liable for work not being up to code. They did overestimate the percentages, though, at least in our new builder's estimation.

The problem is of course, that it's very expensive to sue anyone, and right now we are just trying to stay afloat and get the house done, so we don't have any extra resources to go after the people whose fault this situation really is.

[mamax2]

Shana ~ Yeah, I know what you mean. From experience, we know that the only people who truly benefit in a lawsuit are the lawyers! For most of these types of cases, even if you 'win', it's not enough to be meaningful. Around here, the banks looks for % completion, but that includes relevant inspections by local code inspectors. I'm sure this varies greatly by area though. Hang in there, I hope it all works out for you in the end.

[Maggie8202]

Shana: I am sorry to hear about what a terrible experience you are going through.

On a good note! We will be signing off with the architect tomorrow so the plans can get approved by the town!! We are really so happy with the final plans, and if I get another copy I will take some pictures of them tomorrow to post (right now the GC has them to get bids.) Once we get the permits (8-12 weeks) the groundbreaking will begin. We were given an over estimate of August 1st! Our general contractor is ready to begin once we say go, so we are very excited!!

[kadee_29]

Shana I am so sorry to hear you are going through all this. I hope things go a lot smoother for you.

There were a lot of people, both builders and homeowners, that got in way over their heads over the past few years. It's just plain nuts. I hope the economy gets better soon so this housing mess will be over with.

Maggie How exciting!! Are you going to post pics of the progress??

[Fenway]

We're almost done with the main part of our house! All the pics I posted earlier in this thread have broken links now, thanks to Phanfare.com's crappy update. I'm going to pick up where I left off, but if you want to see the pics from the beginning, let me know and I'll repost them.

Building stairs
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/047.jpg

MBR:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/111.jpg

Slate floor in MBR bath, in desprate need of a cleaning and grout:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/104.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/105.jpg

Master bath light fixtures:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/106.jpg

Master bath fixtures yet to be installed:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/110.jpg

*posting*

[Fenway]

My vanity;
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/107.jpg

DH's vanity:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/108.jpg



Chocolate hallway:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/102.jpg

More chocolate hallway:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/103.jpg

We even rocked the FP ourselves:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/085.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/087.jpg

*posting*

[Fenway]

Dining room light fixture:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/101.jpg

Kitchen island (not finished)
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/088.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/089.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/090.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/091.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/093.jpg

*posting*

[Fenway]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/092.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/094.jpg

2nd sink in pantry:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/095.jpg

half bath in lime green. Cabinet not installed yet:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/097.jpg

Fixture for half bath:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/098.jpg

Hand scraped mattahorn birch floors:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/099.jpg

Thats all for now!!

[suzubeane]

Fenway! You've come such a long way! You must feel so accomplished - it's really coming together and looking great. When do you think you'll be living there?

And how did it take after the tub was in place before you jumped in to appreciate your view ? ;)

[Maggie8202]

Fenway, it looks amazing!!
I can not wait to be as far as you are in the process. I also love your style, I will make sure to show dh the pictures of your fireplace and kitchen!!

[mamax2]

Fenway ~ Really beautiful! What did you end up naming your house?

[kadee_29]

Fenway Absolutely beautiful. I love your kitchen.

[Fenway]

Fenway! You've come such a long way! You must feel so accomplished - it's really coming together and looking great. When do you think you'll be living there?

And how did it take after the tub was in place before you jumped in to appreciate your view ? ;)

Thanks! I'm planning FSIL's wedding shower for June 28, and I'm hosting it at the new house. I hope we'll be in in a couple weeks, but I have a feeling we'll be cutting it a lot closer with the shower. we'll see.

The tub doesn't line up with the water view. We figured out that wasn't going to work early on, so we ended up just leaving the windows high for privacy. When you sit in the tub, you look up and out the windows to the trees. I love it!

Fenway, it looks amazing!!
I can not wait to be as far as you are in the process. I also love your style, I will make sure to show dh the pictures of your fireplace and kitchen!!

Thank you so much. I've struggled lately with the decision making. I feel like I'm on decision overload. I'm happy to hear that are style still shines through all the stress.

Fenway ~ Really beautiful! What did you end up naming your house?

Thanks! Still no name. I have to dig up that old thread for ideas. I'm thinking about moving my massage therapy business to the house, so I might incorporate a business name into the house name, or visa versa.

Fenway Absolutely beautiful. I love your kitchen.

Thanks! I'll have to start cooking now. lol

[kadee_29]

Just checking in to see how Fenway's house is coming and to ask a question...

For anyone.....I know that one the city/county/whatever redoes taxes after the first year our mortgage payment will change to account for the house and not just the land right?? What kind of change should I be looking at?? I got our updated good faith estimate a few days ago and was thinking about what our payment would go up to after the taxes are redone.

[tinkerbelljenny]

Thought I would bump this thread up and see if anyone else is currently building. We break ground tomorrow. I have waited a long time for this.

[ambula704]

Tinkerbell-
Good luck! Im sure it is so exciting breaking ground!

Fenway-My gosh your house is GORGEOUS! I love love love that you guys did so much of the work yourselves. Please come back and post any pictures if you have it decorated! I love all the natural tones and textures you guys chose!

[kadee_29]

tinkerbelljenny Congratulations!!


Our home should be finished in the next 4 or 5 weeks. I can't believe its almost here.

[Maggie8202]

We got the permit today!!!!! We should be breaking ground next week. We are beyond excited. We had put in for the permit June 1st and could not believe how long it took to actually get.

[PinkMartini]

Wow Maggie8202! I can't believe it took that long to get a permit!

We applied for our building permit and it was approved 4 days later!!!

[Maggie8202]

Wow Maggie8202! I can't believe it took that long to get a permit!

We applied for our building permit and it was approved 4 days later!!!

Believe it or not, we have been told this was good timing.:confused::confused: The town is soooo backwards. I can not tell you how much paperwork, phone calls and hoops we had to jump through... as well as paying the architect an additional $2,500 to "flip" the house because the town didn't "like" the driveway on the original planned side (which we had originally done to save a 150 year old tree.)

Oh well, the permit is finally ours and the surveyor was here today marking the land and breaking ground should be next week!!! I just took some more before photos which I will upload later.

[jbemommy]

We're moving into our house Sunday!!!! I will try to post pics next week. It has been 17 months of the worst stress and anxiety ever, and it has totally stretched our finances to the breaking point, but the house is beautiful and I can't wait to move in!

[Fenway]

We did it!! We build it with our own hands and lived to tell the story.... and what a story it is!

Phase one (main living areas and master suite) is finished. We moved in on June 25, right after we got our occupancy permit, around 4:00pm. The next day, we hosted SIL's wedding shower (pressure, anyone? We thought the house would have been done sooner when we printed the invites. lol) Everyone loved the house and kept asking how long we've lived there. "Um... about 20 hours..."

Here are some pics of the first floor. I'll come back and post the second floor after I get it clean enough to take some decent pics.

The back door, which we use most often. Bathroom to the left, closet to the right:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2968.jpg

Lime green half bath:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2969.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2970.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2971.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2972.jpg

*posting*

[Fenway]

Walking in from the door posted above, to the left is the dining room:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2951.jpg

From the dining room looking into living room and kitchen:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2954.jpg

From behind the island looking into dining room and living room:
(That isnt a stripe on the wall. It's from the camera)
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2952.jpg

Better shot of the island:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2953.jpg

Kitchen from the livingroom:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2958.jpg

Cabinets on the kitchen sink side:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2959.jpg

*posting*

[Fenway]

To the left is the doorway to the walk in pantry. Between the fridge and ovens is a really messy counter. LOL!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2960.jpg

It's hard to get a good shot of the pantry. We put an extra sink in the pantry. Here is the sink wall:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2964.jpg

We also put the spare freezer in the pantry. Here is the opposite wall:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2965.jpg

And we hide the mess with a pocket door:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2966.jpg

The kitchen has taken on a retro feel:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2961.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2962.jpg

*posting*

[Fenway]

Living room:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2955.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2956.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/mimgrrl/House/IMG_2957.jpg


Thats all for now. :)

[PinkMartini]

Absolutely gorgeous Fenway :D My dream home!!!

How much $$$ do you guys think you saved doing the work yourselves?

DH & I plan on doing more work than we did this time around, next time when we (hopefully) are able to build our next home...

[Fenway]

Absolutely gorgeous Fenway :D My dream home!!!

How much $$$ do you guys think you saved doing the work yourselves?

DH & I plan on doing more work than we did this time around, next time when we (hopefully) are able to build our next home...

Thanks!
That's a hard question to answer. I'd say we saved anywhere between $100k and $200k

[ivansbabe]

Gorgeous home! I can't wait to see the rest :) I hope to someday have the time/resources/energy to build my own home with DH. I know it's SUCH hard work, but you guys have to be pretty proud of all that you accomplished. It really is awesome.

[Pineknot]

Fenway,

I've always wondered how your home turned out since you quit journaling here. All your hard work really paid off. It's a fantastic home.

Thanks so much for sharing!

[diam124]

Wow Fenway - your house is amazing!

[Fenway]

Thanks Everyone. I'll work on getting some second floor pictures.

[Kanga]

Wow, amazing fenway!

How handy were you and your dh before you started building the house? What kinds of things did you do yourselves and what did you leave for the professionals?

[vjel]

Fenway, absolutely stunning! Nice job!

[Fenway]

Wow, amazing fenway!

How handy were you and your dh before you started building the house? What kinds of things did you do yourselves and what did you leave for the professionals?
DH grew up doing carpentry with his dad. Now he is a project manager for a large company. Part of his job requires some carpentry. I grew up as "Daddy's little helper." I was always interested in helping dad fix stuff or work on the boat or help with small homeowner carpentry jobs. After Hurricane Katrina, DH and I spent 2 separate weeks, one in Mississippi and one in Louisiana, rebuilding houses that were destroyed by the storm. That is where we gained the confidence to build our own home.

We did:
Framing
leg work for electrical
leg work for plumbing
roof trusses
tiling
wood floors
fireplace (installation and stone work)
radiant heat system
all the finish work except carpet
decks
siding and trim
appliance installs


Professionals did:
foundation
A/C
Sheetrock
plaster
insulation
Roof shingles
tie in all electric
tie in all plumbing

I'm sure I'm missing something. :)

________________________________________________

Because some people have asked about the colors:
All the colors except the lime green in the 1st floor bathroom are from Benjamin Moore's Pottery Barn collection.

MBR-Oxford Blue
MBR Bath-Desert Twilight
1st floor light green-Nantucket Gray
1st floor dark green-Tate Olive
Hallway/stairway- Whitall Brown

The 1st floor bathroom is BM's Stem Green

[Oakley]

Fenway- it still amazes me how much you guys did and how absolutely fabulous everything looks!! GREAT job!

How much do you think you guys saved doing it yourselves?

[boilermaker]

Fenway, let me chime in with another "AMAZING"!!!!! How fabulous to be able to put so much of yourself into a project and have it turn out that beautifully.

[Fenway]

Thanks everyone!


Okay, the second floor isn't nearly as exciting as the first. Right now all there is upstairs is the MBR suite. The rest of the second floor will be above the garage once it is built. So basically, right now all we have is a one BR house. We were going to start the garage this fall, but I think we might wait until the spring. We're both beat. lol.

MBR, as you walk into the room:
(excuse the