CAT | Build Your Own Home
Why would anyone in their right mind buy a perfectly good new home and start remodeling the day after closing? Well, the truth is, it happens all the time. The reasons for tear outs in new homes run the gamut from the desired product not being offered to builder option prices being too high. Let’s […]
Foundation Drainage, The Major Quality Components
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Quality Check
One question I’m often asked as a builder is…“What’s the proper setup for a quality foundation drainage system for a home?” Whether you’re building a new home or repairing your existing place, there are a few key items that should be in place to prevent problems. Things like stone placement, footing drain tile and filter […]
Building your own home as an owner builder can help you achieve tremendous cost savings. From pocketing the general contractor’s markup to doing some of the actual labor yourself, this project has huge money saving potential. Having friends help with your new build can also add to your cost savings. But just because your friend […]
Material Deliveries: Avoiding Damage, Delays & Theft
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
In many parts of our lives, getting things done early is a good thing. However, when we are building a home, this is just not the case. Having materials for your new home arrive on the job site early can lead to all sorts of problems. Let’s take a look at some of the […]
Buying Land: Minimize Cost Overruns
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Save Money
When you’re buying land to build your future dream home on, it’s extremely important to do some due diligence prior to finalizing the deal. From zoning to soil checks, a little extra work performed upfront can save you tens of thousands of dollars and a bunch of headaches. I drove by a new custom home […]
Leveling the Playing Field for Owner Builders
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
Is it really possible for owner builders to compete with professional home builders when it comes to price and quality? The short answer is…Yes. There are some great resources available to help those wanting to build their own new dream home. From professional builder management tools, to builder consultants, to house plan packages, these resources […]
Permit Previously Built Project: A Reader Question
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
Here’s a reader question that came in to Armchair Builder last week… My wife and I bought our house back in 1996. At that time there was an unfinished room above the garage. HVAC and electrical were already in place. With the help of a contractor friend of ours we finished the room (sheet rock, […]
Add Living Space to Your Existing Home
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
Are you looking for cost effective ways to add living space to your existing property? There are several different ways to add space without going through the hassle of moving. Some of the methods to add living space are more cost effective than others. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular options […]
Owner Builders Hiring Contractors Vs. Employees
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
Owner builders thinking of building their own new home should be very careful when hiring. Whether the worker is considered a contractor or an employee has major ramifications for the owner. If the worker is considered to be an employee by law, the owner builder will be required to withhold payroll taxes, carry workman’s compensation […]
Owner Builder Advantages
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
Are you thinking of building a new home? Or do you want to remodel or add on to your existing home? You could hire a general contractor or home builder like me to handle all the details but this will definitely cost you. Builders provide a service and they deserve to get paid for their […]
