Hello everyone, I just found this site and have found some great advice from it already. Dale in Tampa, FL

Dave's Forum Posts: 1
Journal Entries: 4
Interview Answers: 64




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First quotes sky-high

Posted to h20dave by Dave in Waterloo, AL on 9/10/2010

Well, we have a home design that meets the desire of my wife and I and will fit well onto our land. But the initial quote for construction is almost 30% higher than anticipated. I am not sure if the quote is real or not. I think that the contractor double-billed on some items, and included unfinished areas as finished. So we walked away from the contractor completely. I had planned on doing the general contracting myself, but job changes now have me traveling 30% of the time and the construction site is two hours from our home. So we have had to reconsider a lot. 

Currently we are considering moving away from timber hybrid-type construction, as the cost appears out of sight. So we are thinking of going with a conventional construction with just time accents. If we can get some reasonable quotes, then we will proceed in getting the detailed plans drawn up. We have to change where we are getting this done. Initially, we were having the timber company draw them up, but with the cost being through the roof, even 30% above the timber company's own estimate and 50% above the average square foot for the area, we need to find a designer to finish the job.

Will let you know how the next round goes.

Posted by Brian in Dome-ville, central, FL on 9/23/2010 Brian's Forum Posts: 86 Journal Entries: 108 Interview Answers: 248 Average Forum Rating: 3.87 Image from Brian's blog 9/23/2010	Hang in there, Dave! Get lots of quotes and consider all options. You will not be sorry for going with exactly what you want, even if you have to make it smaller at first and add on later. Or go with two stories and leave the upstairs open and unfinished (attic?) until you have time and money to finish it yourself, if time and money are a problem.
Posted by Dave in Waterloo, AL on 10/29/2010 Dave's Forum Posts: 1 Journal Entries: 4 Interview Answers: 64 Image from Dave's blog 10/29/2010	Thanks Brian We are now working with a Energy Star certified builder with the initial plans that we had. Our goal is to have an energy-efficient home, with the design elements that we like. It appears that we will be able to work with him to identify the cost drivers as necessary to help keep the cost in line.

SIP, ICF, Foam, Cellulose

Posted to h20dave by Dave in Waterloo, AL on 6/23/2010 2:43:09 PM

Well, it has been some time since we updated our site. Things have been moving slower that we had hoped, amazing what how the economy can impact us. This past winter we finished our conceptual-design work, and had Natural Elements refine the design and prepare initial drawings so that we can get quotes and continue the development process.

Initially, we had hoped to build with SIP panels. The Natural Elements technical expert, (builder) recommended us to avoid them due to the high cost. So we designed it to this point with 2x6 walls, and anticipate using one inch of foam and then cellulose insulation.

But now after attending a green seminar, I am now back considering SIP panels and even ICF, and maybe geothermal. So I am not sure what direction which way to go at this point.

I had planned on doing a lot of the general work myself, but maybe reality is setting in, as this site is 100 miles from our current home. I have to admit that I will not be able to be present as much as probably will be required.

But due to the economy, we will push back construction till next year. This may be good for us to resolve the construction method, and continue the refinement and planning of all aspects of the house. This should help avoid any change orders once we start.

7/1/2009

Posted to h20dave by Dave in Waterloo, AL on 7/21/2009

Well, it has been a while. Since we purchased the property we started last year from the water and built a dock. It was built with the ability to add on to it. 

This spring, we cleared part of the top of the hill where the home site will be. We installed a septic tank and field and city water. As a temporary housing solution we have located a 30' RV on the property.

Our thought on our project is to take it one step at a time. This way we can get used to the land and the possible activities that we will enjoy. Interestingly, in late June the evening got cool such that a fire was desirable to keep warm, and this in Alabama. This was a surprise to us. Which has made us re-think our outdoor room, and the amount time we will use it throughout the year.

I have done some preliminary home designs. We have determined that I had to switch the side of the house that the master bedroom and kitchen will be on. My thoughts are to develop a fairly detailed design and then go to an architect to reduce time and cost. Has anyone else done this, does it work?

Photos

View out to the dock

Cleared land septic tank is down and to the right. The home will be located 2/3 the way across the gravel pad.

Just Starting

Posted to h20dave by Dave in Waterloo, AL on 12/31/2007

We have purchased our land! We are anticipating building in two to three years. But the land is waterfront, and we desire to use it in the meantime. Currently we are working through the house concepts, and trying to determine a rough footprint of the house. This is so that we can do some rough excavating and install a septic system in the next few months so that we can place a trailer on the land. This way we can enjoy the property, view the land through the year, and obtain a better appreciation of the area.

We are considering a house with SIP panels for two reasons. It is the style of home we desire, but also that we can get the house dried in relatively quickly. We think this will benefit us, as we live a distance from the property. 

Has anyone used the timber-frame companies such at Natural Elements or Hearthstone of Tennessee?

Photos

View from the future home location