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Journals
Name Visits Posts Pics Videos

LittleLakeCorner45,3981016040
9/29/2009Groveland, FL

Bobs-Blog35,877614140
9/16/2009New Florence, PA

ICF-Keller-Tx34,754321220
10/6/2009Roanoke, TX

TheHoskensProject30,487791831
MondayDome-ville, central, FL

toolehouse28,837891450
9/20/2009Reno, NV

octagonaltopsider28,2838120
8/17/2009Cupertino, CA

OwensNewHome26,6751023810
4/17/2010Chandler, AZ

Working-Wilton23,106343010
6/16/2010Wilton, NH

1860s-Texas-Rehab-Ne...19,987411850
11/13/2009Boerne, TX

tanglewood19,8253721,04942
7/5/2010Colorado Springs, CO

PennsmithLostValleyT...17,908552150
9/9/2009Dripping Springs, TX

ICF-in-Ann-Arbor12,790293710
1/25/2010Dexter, MI

Beaver-Creek-Ranch12,623111580
2/26/2010Santa Rosa, CA

Dennis-Dream-Home11,812385050
8/27/2009Readington Twp, NJ

AirparkHome-Remodel11,72821410
9/15/2009Hillsboro, OR

Seven-Peaks-Faswall-...11,196352570
7/13/2010Graeagle, CA

crystal-falls-home7,96720270
5/5/2010Cedar Park, TX

Riley7,83932950
4/29/2010Cave Creek, AZ

VilanoBeachCasa-de-S...7,284351040
5/24/2010Saint Augustine, FL

Louisiana-Mediterran...7,194311870
7/21/2010Sunset, LA

Plant-City-Craftsman6,3864100
11/22/2009Plant City, FL

Naperville-Webster-S...6,0552360
5/21/2010Naperville, IL

SouthernEcoHome5,51519210
8/4/2009Jacksonville, AL

PahrumpProject5,0745390
1/17/2010Spokane, WA

3024,96210310
7/20/2010Belfair, WA

threegables4,906201340
9/29/2009Hartland, WI

Schrammelot4,8427900
9/11/2009Pierson, FL

Artist-Haven-Home4,439961
1/13/2010Kansas City, MO

Eschete-Dome4,38413250
6/9/2010Lafayette, LA

Arnold-CA-Alpine-cha...4,33522100
7/2/2010Arnold, CA

Phil-and-Lauras-home3,550400
3/20/2010Tulsa, OK

RR-Homestead3,49030740
2/1/2010Janesville, CA

SOPHIA--SAMUELDELAWA...3,47911310
12/2/2009Smyrna, DE

NorthPoleHome3,2067210
7/20/2010Anchorage, AK

TheBeachHouse3,07713200
1/16/2010Shoreline, WA

High-over-Lake-Granb...2,97111210
1/5/2010Granbury, TX

YaNYca2,869710
5/16/2010Boston, MA

DomeSweetDome2,779950
4/20/2010Suffolk, VA

Backwoods-Project2,744390
3/4/2010Jeffersonville, GA

TheHouse2322,633470
9/18/2009Bronx, NY

OurFarmstead2,46625420
Today @ 6:03 PMPennsylvania

The-New-Ries-Homeste...2,32019980
4/21/2010Polk/Richfield/Erin/Hartford, WI

sherman2,269191200
5/20/2010Downers Grove, IL

Shane1,888600
10/31/2009San Antonio, TX

Cheriki-Organic-Farm1,83715122
5/21/2010Ft. Collins, CO

Hidden-Meadow-Home1,6972100
7/13/2010Murrieta, CA

Thompson-Valley-Home1,659330
6/6/2010Monticello, FL

Southport-NC-Home1,656201281
3/18/2010Southport, NC

ADCountryHome1,5641130
10/31/2009Fort Worth, TX

Massive-Undertaking1,5001100
8/26/2009Wimauma, FL

Williams-New-Home-Si...1,452110
8/2/2009Windsor, NC

Austrian-Chalet1,438580
1/30/2010Twin Lakes, CO

Steel-in-San-Diego1,400200
9/14/2009San Diego, CA

River-House1,388220
9/7/2009Clinton, NJ

Utah-Casa1,368200
9/28/2009Saratoga Springs, UT

Delisledigs1,315200
8/22/2009Jacksonville, FL

Dream-site-on-the-La...1,304200
8/5/2009La Porte, TX

Lafayette1,303200
8/11/2009Cramerton, NC

Tornado-Reconstructi...1,300800
9/24/2009Port Neches, TX

h20dave1,299330
6/23/2010waterloo, AL

httpownerbuilderbook...1,282100
9/28/2009Cincinnati, OH

SantaFe-in-AJ1,231100
8/28/2009Apache Junction, AZ

Blessings1,217100
9/11/2009farmville, NC

Holloway1,158100
10/21/2009Petersburg, VA

digs1,157100
9/30/2009Tracy City, TN

WestermanFarm1,050130
11/10/2009Dickson, TN

Richfield-Home851100
1/16/2010Richfield, WI

DancingPines810200
1/25/2010Clinton, LA

Log-Cabin771150
1/23/2010indianapolis, IN

Mark--Lisas-Log-Cabi...745251150
Today @ 5:24 PMAltoona, PA

The-Kinzel-House718100
1/21/2010New Orleans, LA

Seaton-Station602140
3/10/2010Siloam Springs, AR

Loris480110
3/11/2010

The-Naas-Place476200
3/30/2010Pittsburg, CA

Vista-Ridge45813250
MondaySwanton, OH

Mountain-Idyl410700
6/11/2010Asheville, NC

Collins-on-Cobblesto...35521910
4/30/2010Waynesville, NC

Dwight--Colleen-Hart...316130
4/30/2010Vaughn, WA

Kapoho-Retirement-Ho...311130
5/4/2010Santa Ana, CA

Goodpasture308200
5/9/2010Westminster, CO

Our-First-OB-home302300
TuesdayGardner, KS

Gary--Suzi299100
5/7/2010

The-Season298130
4/10/2010Mount Airy, NC

NC--New-Construction287100
5/3/2010

Millerbuild241210
7/10/2010Carstairs, AB

Commons214100
6/4/2010Atascocita, TX

JJ-Residence212100
6/7/2010San Antonio, TX

Patterson-Project184400
7/16/2010John's Island, SC

New-house-in-Selah-W...148140
7/4/2010Belfair, WA

Crows-Nest42100
7/20/2010
See all journals...
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next step9
Questions I need ans...3
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I feel comfortable that with the books purchased from this site, and this forum combined with three-five bids from each subcontractor, that I can do okay.
William in Atascocita, TX

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Previous Owner-Builder Survey

Did you have any problems getting your building permit?

No problems as an owner-builder
 
78.85% (82/104)
Big problems because I was an owner-builder
 
2.88% (3/104)
Other
 
18.27% (19/104)
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Latest 5-Star Post
You can move a post to the front page simply by voting!
Yes, I can see your point and that of the title companies.  I just thought they would accept it based on the face it was suggested to me by the TRCC themselves and a broker that I've been in contact with that has done it himself. I did want to pass along some information I've gathered since my last posting. Here are a couple of websites that offer home warranties for builders: Residential Warranty Corporation - rwcwarranty.com Strucsure - strucsure.com  *I've already talked to Sherr
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Jeff in Paris, TX
Previous Owner-Builder Survey

What are the qualifications to be a good O-B?


Terry in Santa Rosa, CA said: Must have a good sense of construction and the various trades.

Jim in Williamston, NC said: Perseverance-planning
Fred in Kingston, Ontario said: Clear Thinking Problem Splving Abilities, level headed, calm and fair.
Brooke in Burley, ID said: Determination, patience, thinking outside the box, optimism, flexibility
Ross in Hillsboro, OR said: Patience.  Good Record keeping.  Planning Planning.  Patience.
Gail in Cupertino, CA said: patience and a sense of humor and a willingness to spend time learning before you do

Mike in Bonham, TX said: Make time to do the planning, supervision, understand the trades and relationships of each job to the other.
Jeff in Hartland, WI said: Planning ability
Jack in Trumann, AR said: I don't know that I was a good O-B so I'm not sure my opinion should hold much weight. But I guess I'd say lots of planning, patience and common sense. You also need to be able to get along with people and be tactful because subs can screw you over pretty easily if you make them mad. Obviously, you need to be well organized too. No doubt you can get the job done without these attributes but you're probably going to have a hard time of it and your personal relationships are likely to suffer.
Mike in Bronx, NY said: Be able to handle pressure. Muti taks is a major deal and have a cell phone and computer all the time.
LTanya in Virginia Beach, VA said: Keep your eyes wide open, doe the research and understand exactly what those architectural plans mean in plain english. Pay attention, close attention to details not matter how small.
Faye in Marseilles, IL said: Be willing and able to do tons of research Be able to make quick decisions and be willing to compromise Be ready to roll up your sleeves and work Know what you want and what you can live without Negotiation skills
Mike in Marion, OH said: The ability to read. Educate yourself on the terms of the trade. And a good work ethic.
Jamie in Cedar Park, TX said: time, knowledge and ability to negotiate

Bret in Rhome, TX said: persistance, cash flow, able to visualize the finished product.
Gregory in New Braunfels, TX said:

1. Attention to Detail

2. Be extremely well versed on "The Plan" end-to-end

3. Stay ahead of the Project, always anticipating (looking ahead) for the next step to ensure all components and phase will fit as planned

4. Understand the work enough to be prepared to challenge Subs for better efficiency and lower cost.

 


Brock in Walla Walla, WA said: Organization, perseverence, and good communication with spouse. I build she decorates, picks colors, designs window treatment and landscaping
Pat in Round Rock, TX said:

Proper Planing Prevents Piss Pour Performance!


steve in anthem, AZ said: The sub contractors can make or break you. Get subs that are low priced but have a large enough fleet to show up when you need them. Be very clear on exactly what the sub will supply and do for the money that you have agreed to. You must be at the job site at least once per day and you must schedule about 2 weeks out.
Brian in Dexter, MI said: patience, project management, bargain shopping
Dayna in Riverton, UT said: Willingness to learn and ask questions, tons of questions.  It helps to know what you want when it comes to cosmetic features and have agreements made with your significant other prior to the start of construction to avoid unnecessary fights (there are plenty that will come up in other areas).  Have as many bids as you can prior to starting construction and add at least 10-20% extra for changes you may make along the way.  Everyone goes at least a little over budget.
Roger in Petoskey, MI said:

Good communication skills

Have to be little anal


Ken in Orangevale, CA said: I am glad I know how to do most of the work and that I am a good negotiator. Patience is definitely a virtue. Being organized is a requirement, and having an understanding partner (my wife) was a critical part of success. 
John in Port Republic, MD said:

Commitment

dedication

make a decision

be organized

Do your homework before you build.

I think that the 1000 hours is too little time to get things planned before you build. Planning is the key to sucess. we lived with our floor plan for 2 years and still made changes!

run it like a business

keep good records and a calender.

if your spouse is involved, both be on the same page

and most of all, be willing to compromise. Things happen and changes do occur.

 


Kenneth in Lees Summit, MO said:

Good organization.  You hire and subcontract what you don't know.  If you don't know anything about residential construction, you hire an independent inspector.  This is no different than hiring an excavator, framer, electrician, HVAC tech, plumber, or any other trade.  If you can keep it all organized, communication between the trades, you will save money.\

Problem solving skills.  When problems happen, most people ask why and who is to blame, and therefore who should pay for it.  This takes time and is counterproductive, you should be looking for solutions first.  You can sort out who pays for it later, you need a solution today.

For example, what happens when your plumbing supply warehouse (who you were just getting ready to put in your order) burns completely to the ground?  They are no longer interested in new orders, in fact will not accept them, which means you need a new supplier, and fast because your plumber is coming next week.


ray in richmond hill, GA said:

a little building trade knowledge, a lot of management skill


Penn in Pittsboro, NC said: Paitience, organization and attention to detail, knowing what you want and the ability to communicate it to subs, flexiable time schedule

Brian in South Burlington, VT said:

Lot's of vacation time!!!

understand the building process before you break ground.

CONTRACTS!!!!!


Brian in Manvel, TX said:

Patience

Don't sweat the small stuff- if it's not in concrete, it can be changed

Some building knowledge would go a long way in not getting shafted by a trade


John in Bonne Terre, MO said: Get lots and lots of information.  Take your time and make decisions based on your needs and desires.  Shop hard.
Jedda in Brighton, ON said:

You have to be able to force yourself to do the work even after it stops being fun.

 


Craig in Green Bay, WI said: PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN
STUDY STUDY STUDY ( your info was the best I've found thanks)
Plan somemore
Using your tools helped (contracts spread sheets ect...)
study planning timelines



Lori in Reno, NV said:

Organizational skills and patience.


Karl in Reno, NV said: Detailist, not Generalist
definitely in hampton, VA said: knowledge of the trades you plan on doing your self and then have basic knowledge of what you sub out
Aimee in Kalamazoo, MI said: organized, interested in building, good communication,
Aimee in Kalamazoo, MI said:

motivated, well-organized, enjoy building process, assertive, good communication


Bob in Deltona, FL said:

RESEARCH

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

HAVE THE TIME TO INVEST

 


Richard in malabar, FL said: Common sense, and an engineering background.
Max in OKC, OK said: Be able to require quality work or have someone who can - wife manages well unless needed to be firm, then husband had to step in - persistent as a bulldog
Jeff in Provo, UT said: Planning and more planning.
Phillip in Fayetteville, GA said: Passion and attention to details.
Kathlyn in Orlando, FL said:

Organized, disciplined. 

Backbone.

Careful. Don't proceed till you understand.


Kari in Colbert, WA said: good with money and a lot of persistence and self discipline.
Mary in Yuma, AZ said:

Patience.  Willingness to put the time in to planning and organization.  Ability to deal with the subs who are often a pain in the &%#^ without aggravating them to the point that you go to the bottom of the list.   Be confrontational without being a jerk.

Most important, be able to pay the subs in a timely manner.  Of course, when you are satisfied with their performance.


Mark in Provo, UT said: Resourceful and organized. Able to communicate. Plan-ahead. Attention to details. Presence at job site during construction.

Richard in Sequim, WA said: Systems engineering background ("hands-on" engineer)
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Latest Post
Melissa,My home is fairly traditional construction.. We're stick and brick with 2x4 walls in most circumstances.  My home is fairly "traditional" in terms of construction, with a few differences:1) We heat/cool only 3/4 of the home.  The rest is a "guest" area that is isolated an on it's own HVAC.2) We use solar water with a back-up.3) We're foam insulated.To answer your questions:Yes, I like foam insulation just fine.  Ours is basic open cell foam.  No out gassing that I'm a
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dcg in Lago Vista, TX
Latest Journal Entry
I had posted a while back about the problems with an existing farm terrace on our property. After considering our options over the winter we decided to eliminate the terrace on our property by re-grading the farm field. In early spring ask the Conservation District out to our site to review our plan to keep it all on the up and up. After some discussion, they provided their blessings on our plan.   I also got an estimate from the excavator to include the farm terrace work in our site work
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Mary
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Construction Bargain Strategies
104. Buy From a Freight Liquidator With thousands of items going into your new house, it's possible you may be able to get steep discounts on high value items from a freight liquidator. A Google search turned up freight, customs, and furniture liquidators. In some instances you can get on an email list specifying the types of materials you are seeking and be advised of goods as they become available. Search on the Web for "liquidator" or "liquidation", or unclaimed freight.
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Thought from the Book
You are in a uniquely opportune position to get a property tax adjustment as an owner-builder, and it can be a big savings. My evidence before the Board of Equalization was that my home cost less to build than they assessed it for. They accepted that argument along with my statement about costs. I interviewed assessors in several locations around the United States and they all acknowledged that receipts for construction costs would be considered good evidence for adjustment.
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How Do You Learn?

by Mark A. Smith

When you plan to build a house, there are many things you could learn that will save effort and money and create more quality, convenience, and value.

The trouble is, most of us forget the things we learn. There is a theory called the "Half-Life of Human Knowledge" that says we forget half of what we learn in a day, half again in a week, half in a month, and we have only 2% left at the end of a year. As my high school French teacher explained it, "Then it's a question of whose 2% is bigger."

In an Owner-Builder Workshop session, we challenged our students who had read our book to recall the "Ten Commandments of Owner Builders," the most important money-saving principles we know on the subject. Half the class could recall one commandment out of ten. Three people knew two, and one person could recall three of the commandments.

Management guru Peter Drucker said, "When you get a new boss, first decide how he or she likes to communicate. Some prefer written communication, some prefer face to face." You may be like that. Some learn well by reading, and should read everything they can before building. Some learn best by listening and can benefit from audiotapes or disks. Some learn best visually and should watch lots of videos on the subject.

According to Confucius, whoever we are, we learn best by doing. "I hear, I forget. I see, I remember. I do, I understand." Unfortunately, by the time you "do" a house, it will be too late to take advantage of your learning for that house. And you'll learn plenty.

Elaine and I have tried to take advantage of all the above in preparing for our next building project. We read copiously, search the Web, listen to tapes, and watch videos. In addition, we help others who are building, which consolidates our learning. You might make a friend by helping another owner-builder or by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, for example. It all helps grow your 2%.

 


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simplexhomes.comLooking for Contractor-Consultant in Orlando 7
outwatercatalogs.comInterior Faux Brick for Loft look
cabinetoutlet.comKitchen cabinet outlet in CA

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