Anyone got good advice for me?

Question

Husband and I are in the process of building a new home. Any home owners of custom built homes have any advice for us?

We have our plans: 1500 sq ft, 3 Bed, 2 bath, formal dining room, great room w/ fireplace, bayed breakfast nook, full basement, 3 car garage. We have our general contractor/builder. We have our loan. What I am really asking, I guess is...Is there anything you did that you wish you would have done differently and would like to share it with us or give advice on anything that may help things go more smoothly. This is our first home.

Answer 1

The most important thing is not to make rush decisions... Take your time to consider options before committing yourself to something you might get fed up with or regret in a year's time. If decision-making is proving torturous, as it does for many people, hire a designer even for only an hour or two to help keep you on the right track.

Keep yourself organized... keep names of companies handling different aspects of the project with their contact information, make & model of all items chosen (even dye lot number if applicable), pictures of things you're considering, names of people you've spoken to at different suppliers', bills, invoices, agreements, and so on... All this stuff should be in a binder or expanding file and with you as much as possible - you never know when the general contractor or some one will call requiring information right away.

Stay calm, and try to enjoy the process. Good luck!

Answer 2

My sister and her husband just built a house, and there were two big things they wish they had done differently.

First, they had entertainment nooks built in to the wall in the great room. It sounded like a great idea at the time, but it's tricky having the stuff hard wired in to the wall like that, plus you don't have too many options for furniture arrangement.

Second, they went with stainless steal appliances that looked great in the showroom, but don't really work with small children or a heavily used kitchen. They always look dirty with fingerprints all over them.

Mostly I would say to really think about how you want to live in the house before you make anything too permanent.

Answer 3

You have opened a broad spectrum. If in fact as you say you have your plans, builder, loan and are ready to proceed, then take a deep breath and move ahead. This can be an enjoyable experience. If you are building with 'allowances' for things such as cabinets, floor coverings, lighting fixtures, appliances......use your budget to your advantage. Buy these items on a 'need' basis rather than a 'want' basis. If you get excited about the shopping and have fun with it, you may find that you can save enough money to 'upgrade' in the areas that are most important to you. If you spend time in your kitchen, than carefully check the quality of the cabinets....I dont mean oak or maple, rather the quality of the hardware, the construction of the drawer boxes. Insist on quality boxes, real plywood, not particle board drawers....Insist on dovetailed joints, not pressed and hot glued. Look for good, and stylish hinges. Ask about the style and quality of interior doors, and millwork(trim). Check the references and find out what type of person you are really dealing with.
Is your builders reputation ....'fast' get you in a house quick? Or is it one of quality.....People will say things such as, when he was all done, it was perfect! Does he come back to make necessary repairs or perform punch list items/
Good Luck, and enjoy the experience. Keep a watchful eye on your budget......remember $a few hundred is not a big deal on a home project, unless you find yourself saying this ferequently!

Answer 4

Lofts are the best way to go. Not the whole house of course, but on one part of the house it looks very unique, modern, and classic. When we built our house back in 2004, i decided to make the living room a little Loft with 4-5 stairs rising a level of the living room. I've gotten so many compliments on it. It really fits in well.

Answer 5

I see people every day struggle with this. The key is to sit down and decide what details are the most imprtant to you both. Look at all finishing products before you upgrade anything. Talk to you contractor and find out details like what he's including in his bid. For example Flooring, light fixtures, bathroom/kitchen fixtures and find out exactly what he estimated per square foot installed<---important. Pick out everything in advance and don't be surprised if you go over budget, cause you will. Hope you enjoy your new house.

Answer 6

scotty2 has good insight. but why only 1500 sq feet? it`s what makes you both happy then discuss with the builder if it can be done, look into the future any kids? would you have the room?

Answer 7

I don't like basements, but that is me! I recommend Hydronic Radiant Heat, Durock Allfacing Siding (rainshield system) and SIPS built homes here are few sites, read other questions I responded to and keep on posting...I like "slab on grade homes"

Answer 8

I have a 3,000 sf house with another 2,000 sf addition (for my mom). My biggest regret? Not having enough storage. My friend was smart, they actually built a separate storage room.

Answer 9

What kind of advice are you needing? Give additional details, and I will edit my answer, if I have any good advice. Been in construction 30 years.

Answer 10

my husband is in that business ... get a few quotes before you agree on who is doing what....... most expensive is NOT necessary the best!