I love your website and your book. I'm probably not your typical builder, but this is the best forum I've found on the entire internet for owner-builders. Thank you. Rich in Suffolk, VA

bob's Forum Posts: 14
Journal Entries: 4
Interview Answers: 23
Average Forum Rating: 3.38
Send Private Message


Image from bob's blog

Subscribe to this journal...

construction phase 1

Posted to deltona-fl-custom-home by bob in deltona, FL on 7/6/2008 6:21:50 AM

After the shell came the hard part, which included windows, trim flooring, and fixtures, etc.

But the shell was not a HARD process, only the concrete, which should be, ha.

Photos

Lot slopes right to left and front to back	You can see the second pile behind me as shadow to the pic - these were to fill around the basement.	The front was offset (stepped) to increase the strength of the wall although we used 12" block and filled with 3000# concrete. You can see the front backfill pile in this pic.
The natural slope was hard to see with all the growth. We shopped for lots that said 'needs fill'.

pics part 1 walk thru

Posted to deltona-fl-custom-home by bob in deltona, FL on 7/5/2008 8:18:17 AM

I have found a rough cost of $350 per ton, or approx 100 sq ft, of flagstone for the front porch and will see if a local retailer has it or even a freight company can get some to Deltona soon. My friend, a project manager between projects, said we could do it for (beer and pizza the expensive labor) a weekend project with me. The neighbor had a pool deck repair and they quoted $450 for resurface of the front steps/entry. I like the flagstone look.

Part 1 (Bonus down to family room)

Well, I started up in the bonus room and went to the walkout basement with the pics. Some of the problems/fixes will be backed with construction pics, so look what I am in and how much I will be doing to finish, because we needed to move in ASAP and will take our time to get the interior done.

Photos

Balcony down to family rm. Future Library needs some trim and custom shelves.	Bonus (theater) from balcony Needs: carpet, sound, sink, refrig., and cabinet.	Bonus stair door on right and porch balcony on left in family rm.
Family rm.

Bettie's Forum Posts: 12 Journal Entries: 6 Interview Answers: 26 Average Forum Rating: 3.85 Send Private Message Image from Bettie's blog 7/7/2008

Jennifer, I too have been reading this site for about 2 years and decided to take the plunge.  I have been planning for more than a year.  I had my plans drawn up in 2007 and made many many changes.  I am building a 4287 sf house in Georgia. My biggest frustration has been dealing with sub-contractors.  First I tried to hire a builder/GC and their prices were way out of my budget.  One GC quoted me $560 for a garbage disposal, that is when I say hold up I think I can do this.  His $560 quote did not include his 15% markup. Right now, I have obtained my builders risk insurance, paid the city to tap into the sewer and water line, paid for my permits.  Yes, I have my permits.  Cleared the land.  I am ready to begin but still do not have my lumber bids.  One lumber company has had my bid for more than 2 months.  So I called on Thursday 7/3 and he faxed me over an incomplete proposal.  I sent out over 30 sets of plans which cost a pretty penny.  I do have a framer, foundation, plumber and electrician.  They are ready to begin once I get some lumber.  I would love to stay in touch thoroughout our mutual project to vent and bounce ideas.

Click here to reply...

EXTERIOR/LOT/PLAN

Posted to deltona-fl-custom-home by bob in deltona, FL on 7/4/2008 8:45:42 AM

Sorry, I had so much going on that I didn't start till I finished, so this is it. NOW I WORK.

Photos

FRONT	LOT	REAR SOUTH EAST
REAR NORTH WEST

working on the flooring 1

Posted to deltona-fl-custom-home by bob in deltona, FL on 7/4/2008 7:32:31 AM

I have been in for over a year and now have to: (1 thru 100 items to finish) 1. Sand the floor, add a rosewood design and threshold at front door. Make a center design for the kitchen. Anyone have any ideas or pics that you could offer?

See pics.

Photos

This is the center of the kitchen and the entry is behind the camera

This is the direction to the front door