I wish you all the best. You're starting off on a better foot than me because I didn't have this site nor did I have the book. But everything worked out. I'm sure all your ideas will all come together. Mike in Bronx, NY

The Beginning

Posted by Bryan in Springfield, OH on 3/18/2007

Well, after over a year of debating between paying a builder and building for ourselves, we've decided to take the plunge and become owner-builders. My wife had concerns mainly due to her lack of experience with the home-building process and belief that it must be harder than we think or else why would builders charge so much. We have her stepfather to help us. He has over 30 years experience working part-time in the framing and general construction world. Also, his friend is a home builder with over 30 years experience. His view is that he's had a lot of people help him along his way and he wants to pay that back and help us when we need guidance. 

I've been reading this site, The Owner-Builder Book, and other books and sites for over a year now. We decided that we can handle the management piece and get the home we want for the budget we want much easier by putting our time into the process. I can't take the time off of work to do too much of the work myself, but even subcontracting most of the trades should still yield a better, less-expensive result than paying one of the builders who bid on our project.

Our lot is 1.25 acre on the end of a cul-de-sac and our home plans are around 3,700 sq. ft. We designed the plan ourselves using Punch's home design software. A drafter/designer cleaned them up and made them acceptable to the county plans office. At least, we hope so! We're talking to them and looking to turn the plans in within the next couple weeks.

More to come as the project moves along.