Where should I start with building my own home? What types of permits and such do I need?

Question

Does any one know what I need to do to start my own home? I know I need a building permit but what else?

Answer 1

This is a really big project, and one that requires a lot of skills. Because you don't know where to start at all, I have to wonder if you realize what you are getting into. First thing I would recommend is some careful consideration.

Here's what you would need to start.

(1) A plan- know what you are going to build, drawn out in detail and carefully cross-checked in terms of dimensions. This would include some kind of finish schedule.

(2) Property to build on. There must be a compatibility between house and site. Things that must work include:
* Setback, sideyard and easement clearances.
* Compliance with covenants for the development the property is part of.
* Flood plain classification and water table depth on the property.
* Knowledge of ground conditions. For example, I know a developer who sold 3 houses with basements in a new project, then dug the first one and found the project had bedrock at four feet.
* Provision for sewage disposal, which may require space for a lagoon or septic system.
* Utilities, such as electricity, gas, water. I know of one house built in a rural site assuming they could use well water, because neighbors did. They waited to drill until after the house was built. Eleven holes were dry.

Items 1 & 2 are needed in order to get a permit- or a loan, or an estimate of costs.

In most areas, you need a permit to build the house. You may also need a permit from the health department for your sewage process, a permit for each trade- electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and in some cases permits that allow you to connect to utilities. These can be important. For example, a rural water system may not be allowing new taps. You may have the pipe crossing your property and be unable to get service. Some utilities have big Tap fees; it may cost $1000 or more for a water meter or sewer connection.

If you plan to actually build it yourself, you need to know what trades your authorities will allow you to do. Some will allow the owner to do their own wiring, some will not. Some that do have a basic test you must pass to qualify.

I would start with a visit to the building inpection office in control of thr location you want to build in. Have a general idea of the size and features of the house you want. Ask them to layout the basic requirements; find out where you stand. You won't be ready to buy the permit, but you will be a lot more informed. It is also true that these guys usually appreciate your tapping their knowledge, and they may be more helpful as you go along because of it.


Custom Builder-

Answer 2

I agree with Turnhog! Are you sure you know what you are doing? If you have never built anything before, STOP! Go pay some money, and take a course in home building. They are available just about anywhere, and take you through the whole process, from start to finish. If you still want to tackle the project after that, research other home builders in your area, that have built their own house. They will tell you some horror stories, that they encountered. If you still want to tackle the project after that, call a couple of remodelers, and have them on standby, just in case. Building a house is an art, performed by experienced contractors, that have earned their reputation, through hard work, and determination, and yes, with some trial and error behind them. Keeping a job moving forward, is the most essential element, but it is not something that is taught. Knowing when to call which contractor, to man the job, and knowing enough about "his" profession, in order to know if he is doing the job, or doing a job on you. On a fast paced job, contractors might have 1 to 2 days, to complete their portion of the project, this includes any inspections that are required. Materials need to be placed on the job at the right moment, so that the materials themselves, don't slow progress on the project. Certain contractors need to be finished, before others start work, to keep forward progress. Ground work must be completed, tested, and inspected, before steel can be installed, before concrete can be poured. It can be daunting, to say the least. Do yourself a favor, and get all the facts, before you throw good money away, that you will need to decorate the house, after it is built. Good luck!

Answer 3

As a building contractor and former subcontractor, I don't recommend anyone to build their own house. Obviously I have nothing to gain by saying that, but it's in your best interests. Your question itself shows how little you know of the building process and the liabilities you will impose upon yourself. First, rarely have I seen anyone SAVE money. Quite the opposite, they spend more! Why? Being a former subcontractor, I worked for the do-it-yourselfers all too often. They didn't understand the gray areas about who did what and were easily taken for a ride. Thus, I always added 20-30% to my builder price to do their work in order to make the same amount of money. Lumber yeards give builders (repeat customer) better prices too, as do all vendors. Since most of the homebuilders I know average 10-15% overhead and profit on a house, how are you saving money. Plus, I can tell you plenty of horror stories of houses that were beyond repairing. That's when they call me crying, but it's too late. Do you know about city/county/state/federal codes? How about lot selection and which one is better? What about existing soil conditions, what slump concrete should be poured, what size headers, joists, rafters, etc. are needed to span certain distances? Do you know the difference between copper water lines and alternatives, such as Pex? I could go on and on with such questions. But don't forget about liability. What kind of insurance do you have or need? Final point, how much will your new house truly cost you to build it yourself versus how much will it be worth in a tough market. Good luck.

Answer 4

You need to have a perk test for placement of your septic system if you are not being hooked up to a town sewer system. You need to have a well dug in an area zoned legal in relation to your septic system (if you need well water). Your property will need to be cleared and graded You will need somebody to dig your foundation and/or basement and a mason. Most of the rest you seem to have covered assuming your husband will do the roofing and insulation Perhaps somebody to put in a driveway and sidewalks Landscaping, unless you plan on dong that

Answer 5

~a lot or ground to build on
~a construction loan (unless you're flush w/ cash, then have papers to prove it)
~house plans that include elevations for elec, hvac, plumbing, framing
~if you are going to be the contractor, get names of reliable subs (drive around other construction sites and askfor the boss man)

Answer 6

Go see your local building and planning department. The regulations vary from county to county. Your land will stipulate much of what you can and cannot do.

Answer 7

Go to city hall and ask them.