Question on cost to build

[Markk]

Hello, I have a question, not specifically about a garage, but a house. I'm looking to build my first house and I was wondering if there was a place to talk to contractors to get a price to frame out a plan I found. http://houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/houseplan032D-0599.aspx That's the plan I was looking at. Thanks

 

[astroracer]

Yup, go to your BBB and get a list of contractors. THEY will be able to recommend the better ones to work with. And let me say, cheaper usually doesn't mean better.
Another good move on your part would be to go to your preferred lender to get an idea of the loan size you actually qualify for. It does no good to talk to a builder, get numbers in the 350K range and then find you can only get approved for 250...
Mark

 

[Markk]

I've talked to the bank and got a number, so now it comes down to finding a house that fits that price.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Where are you located?
Or, where is the house to be built?

 

[Markk]

The house will either be built in warren or Lincoln county mo.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Here's a couple of places to search:

http://www.thebluebook.com/mobile-search.html?region=25&class=800

http://www.stlhba.com/STLHBA/Contact_Management/Builder_Search.aspx

 

[bczygan]

Hello, I have a question, not specifically about a garage, but a house. I'm looking to build my first house and I was wondering if there was a place to talk to contractors to get a price to frame out a plan I found. http://houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/houseplan032D-0599.aspx That's the plan I was looking at. Thanks

Welcome to GJ.

Please put your location in your profile.

Please don't plop a pre-planned house plan down on a lot.

Instead, have a plan developed, that fits your lot, and the functions and needs that you and your family have.

This can result in a home that fits you, much like a custom suit fits much better than a suit off the rack.

The plan you linked to, is a pretty picture with lots of curb appeal. But without knowing how it works with your lot, it's a **** shoot whether it will work well, or not.

What's your lot like?

What is the zoning and what are the zoning rules?

What is your budget? Work from that, backwards toward what can be done.

Bill (Designer)

 

[jav]

Mark-

be careful with these types of plans. Things may have changed but when I looked into it, the plans weren't necessarily code compliant in every or ANY jurisdiction. Often, they must me reviewed, modified and/or stamped to make them acceptable. Check before you buy and ask a local designer what it would cost to get a similar look and floor plan done from scratch for your area... you might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Markk]

Thanks for the input. I was just kind of using that plan as a starting point. I liked the exterior layout. The inside would be changed from what the plans have. This whole buying/building a first house is harder than I though.

 

[jives]

Welcome to GJ.

Please put your location in your profile.

Please don't plop a pre-planned house plan down on a lot.

Instead, have a plan developed, that fits your lot, and the functions and needs that you and your family have.

This can result in a home that fits you, much like a custom suit fits much better than a suit off the rack.

The plan you linked to, is a pretty picture with lots of curb appeal. But without knowing how it works with your lot, it's a **** shoot whether it will work well, or not.

What's your lot like?

What is the zoning and what are the zoning rules?

What is your budget? Work from that, backwards toward what can be done.

Bill (Designer)

^^This^^ You may find the land of your dreams (location, location, location cannot be emphasized enough) does not fit the home plan you selected. It is astonishing how the lay of the land, from NSEW orientation, sun, trees, slope, soil, shape, size, road orientation, elevation, view, water and utility availability, zoning, neighbors, HOAs. . . etc., can affect the design of the home.

 

[Falcon67]

Thanks for the input. I was just kind of using that plan as a starting point. I liked the exterior layout. The inside would be changed from what the plans have. This whole buying/building a first house is harder than I though.

Yes, it is. We're on our 5th and it's always a learning process, usually because things change a lot over the years before you go after another one. Sold and bought during the tail end of the crash, that was fun. The A#1 thing is to try to get what you want because you're gonna live with it a while. Figure 3-5 years depending on how the markets work before you could think about selling and not losing your azz. Also research land and construction loans with various lenders because some lenders won't touch a loan on a paid off plot. It's not like your house has wheels, if you default and own the land free and clear. Most are going to want to wrap it all up in one package. And compare the big lenders to local people, you might be surprised at the rates and the quality of service. BoA has great rates, but damyummm they are slow-azz mothers to get anything done.

And also as above - I'd give the same advice as I did on the shop. Get grade stakes, string and the exterior dimensions of the house. Go out on the land and stake it out. Stakes and string make it real. You'll find out quick what works - or doesn't - for that particular place.

 

[HemiRamOn22s]

It depends on alot of things. I would start at $125 S.F. and go up from there.