I've been contemplating/researching the O-B approach for about a year and now after reading this forum, I think I'm ready (I think!) Tony P. in Tampa Bay, FL

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It's been a long time.

Posted to outspokenbikeguy by Michael in Sanford, FL on 3/29/2007

It been a long time and a lot of work since I last wrote.  Arden and I did get all of the needed permits but because we own a bicycle shop and the amount of work we have during the holidays we gave up until January '07.   So when January came I was set on go! and go I did.  Demo is a great thing I walked around with a big grin for a week.  Now that the old is gone its time to start the new. We worked a couple of weekends getting the lot ready for the foundation.  Augustine is the man (concrete guy) it was a lot of fun and a big time learning experience for me.  Survey, Footer, Setback and Steel inspection, Pour Footer, Stemwall Block, Backfill Stemwall, Plumbing and Electrical rough, Plumbing and Electrical inspection, Mono Foundation, Soil bug treatment inspection and a slab pour, sound like a lot of work well it is. All that was about one month worth.  When you first look at just the slab it looks small,  that we Arden and I looked at each other and said at the same time "it look so small" and then the dreaded words "are you sure this is right" Yes baby ( you have to learn to say baby in just the right way) but don't forget she is your sounding board, you know that little voice in the back of your head you hear so listen it may not be right. Arttie and crew are amazing the frameing went up so fast in just a few weeks we just about have all the frame and roof on the house and soon it will be dryed in. more to come

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Add it all up!

Posted to outspokenbikeguy by Michael in Sanford, FL on 9/25/2006

Hey all,

Arden and I went back to permitting today to drop off everything needed for the building permit with a $200 deposit. We should get the building permit in about ten days. This is a big step for us. When we sold our home just about two years ago, we were thinking eight months, maybe a year, to get plans and permits. That was about two years ago. Time flies. It doesn't feel like two years of camping, it's not so bad living in a 32'x8' camper trailer. It's amazing what you can do without if you have to. Needless to say the walls are closing in on us.

Sunday we went to HD for five hours just to complete the budget worksheet. After getting costs on all the loose ends, we went home (the camper) and added it all up.  Keep in mind the builder quote was $440K to build this home. The cost we added up was on the high side and this is just for budget only. I think as we move into building this home I can find lower cost and better labor quotes. When we add it all up it came to $290K. That's a $150K savings. That's a lot of money.   

Michael

Posted by Cara in Orlando, FL on 9/26/2006 Cara's Forum Posts: 38 Journal Entries: 136 Interview Answers: 59 Average Forum Rating: 4.04 My Construction Website Image from Cara's blog 9/26/2006

Congrats on just getting to the dropping-off part! I remember our similar trip to HD, walking up and down every aisle trying to figure out what we needed/liked. Don't forget too that once you get into the project, you will find various ways to cut the HD costs (coupons, credit cards, negotiation) even further. In spite of the fact that we have been able to save from initial estimates, we've had overruns elsewhere - it pretty much all evens out in the end, but it's good to have "extra" cash from unanticipated savings to make up for overruns. You guys deserve a special prize for living in the trailer while you are planning - I suggested that to Jason but he said NO, lol (he is 6'6" and it would be a little cramped for him)! I agree with you guys, though, it makes a lot of sense and is worth it in the long run. Can't wait to see more pics! Cara

On the way

Posted to outspokenbikeguy by Michael in Sanford, FL on 9/22/2006

Hi all,

It seem like a lifetime since I last wrote. Arden and I have been trying to get all the permits needed to start building our dream home. The septic tank certification for the old tank and drain field went well; it cost $350, but the permit for the new tank and drain field took five weeks and cost $400. This week we got the demo permit to remove the old house, it cost $85. After two trips to the permit office, we have everything needed to apply for our building permit, this is set for Monday. I got a low bid of $2,900 total this week to remove the old house and slab and part of a driveway. The high bid was $5,400. Anyway this work is set for Monday in two weeks. During this off time we've been working on getting bids on all the jobs. We made a dozen copies of the house plans and have been getting bids. A local builder gave us a cost of $440K to build this home. To owner-build it, best we can tell, somewhere between $240K to $280K. Time will tell...

Michael

Photos

Posted by Cara in Orlando, FL on 9/23/2006 Cara's Forum Posts: 38 Journal Entries: 136 Interview Answers: 59 Average Forum Rating: 4.04 My Construction Website Image from Cara's blog 9/23/2006

Hi Michael, glad you'll be able to use the sub list. Where in Sanford are you building and what's your house plan like? Cara

little steps

Posted to outspokenbikeguy by Michael in Sanford, FL on 6/7/2006 7:49:20 PM

Wednesday, June 07, 2006 10:41:06 PM

Hi all,

My wife and I have 2.1 acres in Sanford, Fl. just off  Markham Rd. on the Seminole Wekiva Trail bike path.  My wife found it riding her bike it was for sale by owner. After nearly two years of planning and changing and planning some more we have stamped and sealed plans.  Existing is a good well and septic a 1100 sq.ft. home built 27 years ago that we are removing from the property.  The first steps in permitting is a septic tank certification.  This in tails a pump out and size certification of tank and drain field its a 900 gal tank and 20' x 20' 400 sq.ft. We plan on using this septic system for the garage bath and install a new septic system for the main home.  The permit application we be summited tomorrow  6/8/6 

Posted by Doug in FT.LAUDERDALE, FL on 6/8/2006 Doug's Forum Posts: 1 Randomly Selected Image 6/8/2006

Michael :    We own an acre just west of you in Sorrento.Are you planning to owner build?If so what type of construction are you planning . We are still in the early planning stages . Hope to be able to relocate to Sorrento early next year .                          Doug B. Ft.Laud.

Posted by Michael in Sanford, FL on 9/22/2006 Michael's Forum Posts: 0 Journal Entries: 4 Image from Michael's blog 9/22/2006

Hi all, It seem like a lifetime cents I last wrote, Arden and I  have been trying to get all the permits needed to start building are dream home.  The septic tank certification for the old tank and drain field went good, it cost $350.00 but the permit for the new tank and drain field took five weeks and cost $400.00.  This week we got the demo permit to remove the old house, it cost $85.00.  After two trips to the permit office we have everything needed to apply for are building permit, this is set for Monday 9/25/6.  I got a low bid of $2900.00 total this week to remove the old house and slab and part of a driveway.  The high bid was $5400.00 anyway this work is set for Monday Oct 2.  During this off time we've been working on getting bids on all the jobs, we made a dozen copies of the house plans and have been getting bids.  A local builder gave us a cost of $440K to build this home in Feb 06.  To owner build it best we can tell  somewhere between $240K to $280k time will tell.. Michael