New member here. Enjoying reading all of the invaluable posts. Peter in Jupiter, FL

George's Forum Posts: 33
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Time To Design

Posted to BigOakBuilderTX by George in Wharton, TX on 7/20/2007

We are excited. We finally decided on a home designer after interviewing four. It's surprising how different each one was. All had good qualities and bad. We decided on the one that was the most expensive (that's his only downside). The thinking is that a few thousand more would outweigh the other issues we had such as second-guessing ourselves. This house is intended to be with us the rest of our lives and because of the building envelope (trees and views) which will restrict the depth of the house, we need a design that is carefully thought out. With this designer, we will not be wondering if the house could have been better halfway through the build.  We have very little concept of house design so we reached up higher than our conservative sensibilities would have liked. All I can tell myself is that there will be many other opportunities to save money with this project. The first meeting next week we will talk about how the rooms will flow as you go through the house.  

Down the road, when we get our first set of plans we will hire an interior designer who was recommended by friends to help iron out any issues the house designer doesn't catch. I thought this was a good idea, because we are trying to eliminate any lasting mistakes that we'll have to live with after the build. More money up front, less problems the next 40 years. It's a no-brainer.

Here are some pics of piddling on the property :) 

Photos

Posted by Anonymous on 7/25/2007 7/25/2007

George Glad to see another builder-to-be in TX! I will be keeping an eye on your posts from beginning to end.  We plan to begin building in two years. Right now we are just planning and planning. Would you mind sharing: Where did you purchase land? How long did you look for land? Are you planning to do multiple builds or stay in this one house? Please post any great deals on supplies you find along the way. Good luck!

Posted by Anonymous on 7/31/2007 7/31/2007

Thanks! We'll need some luck. We looked for property for a few years and ended up getting this 12-acre site, and it wasn't even listed for sale. It never hurts to ask. The owner bought the property about 15 years ago, and his plans for development changed, so after some pestering by me, he decided to sell. I will be happy to exhange ideas and good deals we find. Our timeline for building is about the same as yours, so we are in the same boat. Good luck with finding some property. You can email me at bigoakbuilder@yahoo.com. We are about 50 miles outside of Houston.

The Beginning of B.O.B.

Posted to BigOakBuilderTX by George in Wharton, TX on 4/19/2007

Bob likes tools. 

Bob likes fixing things with his tools.  

Sam is the only one that can see Bob.  

Sam is three years old. 

It is somewhat disturbing that my child sees someone that I cannot. So I calm myself with humor and following the principles of The Owner-Builder Book, we call ourselves Big Oak Builders or BOB for short. And with the future in mind, the business cards are printed in hopes of contractor prices when the purchases begin. The land has been purchased and a quarter mile of road laid. A dream home notebook has begun and our first interview with a home designer is in two weeks.

From what I've read and heard, I am certain that we have no idea what we are getting into. Sounds like fun.  

Here are pics of the property.

Photos