I live in Florida (Space Coast), and my wife and I have our mind set on a few cusom floor plans we like. But what is the process, if I already have an idea of what we want to buy?..Do you know of any sites that I could go to? My wife and I want to save money and have our own custom home built... What advice do you have to share with me???
2006-11-03 05:09:12 · 4 answers · asked by DJones 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
To be honest I believe that the first thing you need to do is hire an architect anyway. They know what steps you need to take and can ensure that the plan you have selected is correct for your needs and meets local ordinances. Also, in order to get a loan you are probably going to need work done by an architect, and, depending on the home site, a geotechnical engineer.
YMMV, but this is true in my locale.
Full disclosure - I am a civil engineer working in the construction business.
2006-11-03 06:05:55 · answer #1 · answered by mjd, PE 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing that if you had experience with this you wouldn't be asking here.
You have some things to consider, not the least of which are the local zoning restrictions and ordinances. You don't want to buy a lot and then learn that your floor plan can't be put on that lot because of zoning or setbacks.
That alone suggests you get a professional's help, an architect or a builder.
The plans probably aren't all you need. You need someone to determine exactly where the corners are, match up the utility connections, having planned beforehand for gas if you want to use that, considered any variations in materials needed for a sea-air environment....
You don't know the local contractors. I'm sure some are great. I'm also sure some are not. I'm pretty sure you don't know what to pay them, and probably don't know about the rule of "always owe your contractor money until you never want to see him again".
I suggest you visit with some architects. If I were in your shoes, that's what I'd do.
2006-11-03 06:30:04 · answer #2 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say indentify the lot and land first (make sure it's buildable first), then hire architect or depending on your financial situation, you could go to the bank and see how much loan they are willing to give to build a home.
2006-11-03 07:08:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First step would be to read this web site and see if the market is dropping or not.
http://www.breakingbubble.com/index.htm
2006-11-03 15:24:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋