I really, really like The Owner-Builder Book (not to mention the amazing website) for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it gives people information they need and the confidence that they can build their own custom home. Experts in all fields try to convince us that they have an informational advantage and use it to play on our fears, make us feel incompetent, cheap or even stupid. George in Gainesville, FL

Kerry's Forum Posts: 1
Journal Entries: 3
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Average Forum Rating: 4.00



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Got the Permits!

Posted to Kevin--Kerrys-Dream by Kerry in Northvale, NJ on 10/17/2008

We got our building permit today, so we are officially good to go! Only a week and a half wait! And that was with them needing to meet with my architect for clarification of a few things!

Now I just have to finish off my permit paperwork for the plumbing and electrical and see how much more they are gonna charge me. So far for the building part, I am at $1,187! Does this seem to be the norm to any of you out there? I can't imagine how much more I'll be up to with the plumbing and electrical. And then there is the fire code one! Have to hardwire the smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors, and get an inspection on those as well.

It's funny how that little piece of yellow paper that says PERMIT makes this all so much more real and exciting! 

I have been watching on eBay for a few days now and just got my tankless water heater for $300 cheaper than my plumber could get it! Thanks a little bit in part to the fact that eBay gave me a 10% off coupon I got online today. Couldn't have timed that one any better! My luck usually gives me the coupon the day after I buy the big ticket item. Could this be my turning point?

One more bit that truly explains my Murphy's Law luck... I have a friend who works for LG and was able to get me all my appliances at 45% off. One glitch... you guessed it, they got delivered today!!! Didn't even rip the roof off yet, but hey I have all top of the line stuff ready to go! If I needed them now, they'd tell me they were on a six month back-order or something. I think I will just look at it as a sign of how the project is going to go. Ahead of schedule rather than behind! Sounds good doesn't it?! 

I also met with a Hardie Board guy today to get an idea of how expensive to do the siding in that rather than vinyl. Well, for my project it apparently is $20,000 more! It is beautiful, but $20,000 is a lot more than we can go over. It was all the trim that would kill us!

I am putting on a photo of the before and the architect's plan of the after.

Photos

This is the 'before' front	The 'before' back	The 'after' front
'After' side	'After' back. The glass blocks are actually the backsplash of the kitchen cabinets.

Posted by Jeff in Hartland, WI on 10/18/2008 2009, 2010 Merit Award Winner Jeff's Forum Posts: 74 Journal Entries: 20 Interview Answers: 250 Average Forum Rating: 4.37 My Construction Website Jeff's Selected Image 10/18/2008

Hi Kerry, Congratulations. Now the fun can begin.  In terms of Hardie siding, I'd get a second, third, maybe even a fourth bid. We had multiple bids at 14k to 18k for siding (which included both materials and labor), but when I got separate quotes for materials from the lumber yard, and labor from the framer, I'm saving about 40% over the lowest combined bid. I looked at competing houses, and every one of them uses Hardie siding, so for me, vinyl wasn't even an option.

Digging Time!

Posted to Kevin--Kerrys-Dream by Kerry in Northvale, NJ on 10/15/2008

Well, the revisions have been done by the architect and handed in to the town for approval. Should have the permit early next week. Spoke with the town today, and they are okay with us having the foundation dug before getting the permit. So that means as soon as we get the permit I can schedule the first inspection. A little bit of a time-saver!  Want to get this thing going so we are at least closed in before it gets too cold! 

Will post some pics soon.

Getting Started

Posted to Kevin--Kerrys-Dream by Kerry in Northvale, NJ on 9/28/2008

So, we are putting a second floor addition and a 10x15 hexagon bump-out on the front of our 1,100 sq. ft. ranch. It is going to look COMPLETELY different and awesome! I can't wait to see it in real life after spending so much time putting it on paper. After all is said and done, it will be a 3,029 sq. ft. dream!

So, our final set of plans are done and being submitted for permits this week. That alone seems to have taken forever! I just wanted to make sure that everything was perfect given the space we have. 

After so much talking about doing this for so many years, it's kind of scary and exciting to think that the time is finally here. We are waiting on one more bid for the foundation (first one is probably the one we are going with) and then we will be moving! My biggest fears are the weather holding up while we are open, and keeping close to the budget. Everybody's fears I suppose!

It'll be great recording it all and getting advice and support here!