build your own home?

[tipitina]

I have been hearing more and more people talking about this. Particularly people doing their own sub-contracting and such. Supposedly saving bunches of money. Anyone have experience or know someone who does at doing this?

[ladrones]

I have been helping a coworker who is building his own place. Really the only things he is doing is sheetrock, flooring, Hanging doors and fixtures.Everything else subcontractors did or will do. We just finished the sheetrock last week. He subed out the tape and texture.

I would recomend you set a timeline and stick to it the best you can. You really don't want to be building your house for more than 3-4 months. I know my coworker just finished month 2 and he is burned out pretty good. It's a tough gig if you already have a full time job.
He is saving a ton of money. He built a metal shop to live in illegally while the home is under construction.

[soon2retire]

Why would living in his shop till his home was built be illegal? I've heard of several folks where I work doing the same thing. Didn't know it was illegal.

[gacman]

homebuiler

I'm a superintendant for a builder in austin, and 2008 looks to be a slow year so I will be available for side jobs like helping someone build their own home. I would imagine it could be failry tough or frustrating for someone doing their own home for he first time.

[brshcntryhntr]

Living in a metal bldg. isn't against any law. I imagine it just violates the homeowners association's code. Probably won't be the most popular guy in the neighborhood though. Legally I don't believe the homeowners association can do much about it.

[ladrones]

Why would living in his shop till his home was built be illegal? I've heard of several folks where I work doing the same thing. Didn't know it was illegal.

It was a zoning issue mostly related to impact fees.

[soon2retire]

I see. Most of the folks to which I was referring live on their own land out in the county....none to very little zoning laws.

[ktheis]

My girlfriends parents are doing it right now. House is supposed to be finished sometime in march. Iv talked to them about it and yes, it is hard work but you save big money and learn alot in the process.

[Landrover]

Why would living in his shop till his home was built be illegal? I've heard of several folks where I work doing the same thing. Didn't know it was illegal.

I know it is a HUGE no no in our area. You cant even put your travel trailer out there!
I wil watch this thread as i am not sure how to go about building our new house in 08'!

[tipitina]

gacman shoot me an email at matallica69 @ hotmail whenever you get a chance. Thanks!

[mnsmokepole]

send me an e-mail I will give you my phone # My wife and I did it and had a ball. robert.johnson@frontiernet.net would be glad to talk to you about it.

[az2tx]

home builder

I'm a superintendant for a builder in austin, and 2008 looks to be a slow year so I will be available for side jobs like helping someone build their own home. I would imagine it could be failry tough or frustrating for someone doing their own home for he first time.

What kind of houses have you been building? I just bought a lot in Boerne and I'm planning to build in 08

[PEC]

Building your own home can save you some money but you can also go in the hole. First thing to think about is time frame, a builder can probably get you in at around 4 months were as you may not be so luckey. Remember subs will normally put you on the back burner to take care of a regular contractor that will be giving them more work later on. If time runs to long on you interim interest can eat your lunch. Also subs normally will give the general contractor a better bid than they will you. Material savings through a contractor will lessen the gap on your savings. Another big deal is headache. You put all you time figuring subs and one don't show up you are now thrown for a loop. Where a contractor will most likely have a backup. Because if you put off the subs you already have for too long they may put you at the back of the list, throwing you farther behind. I would recommend a cost plus builder if you elect to go that route and one that lets you write all the sub checks so you know exactly where your money is going. If you elect to do it your self have a few sub contractors on backup for the no shows. I know this is long but hope it helps.

[bowhuntertex]

[QUOTE=PEC;428455]Another big deal is headache. You put all you time figuring subs and one don't show up you are now thrown for a loop. Where a contractor will most likely have a backup. Because if you put off the subs you already have for too long they may put you at the back of the list, throwing you farther behind. QUOTE]


As a contractor myself this is exactly what happens. If I am scheduled to do work for someone and another contractor puts things behind I am moving on to the next job. Contractors can't afford to sit and wait for someone else to get done. Having backups is a great plan. building your own home can be a lot of stress as well. Building your own home can be fun and rewarding, but it can be a huge nightmare. What ever you sub out< make sure you get multiple bids

[Landrover]

Cost plus builder or Flat Fee Builder???
Those are my choices! I understand the latter, just 10% of what the house cost to build.....$400,000 house I owe the builder $40,000.
Now could you guys CLEARLY explain the Cost Plus scenario and exactly what are my responsibilities? How is my risk increased???