CAT | Owner-Builder
Tips to Install Granite Countertops
5 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Great Products, Kitchen Remodel, Owner-Builder
Whether you’re building a new kitchen from scratch or just freshening up an existing one, the install of granite slab countertops can provide a great new look. Here are a few tips from a builder to install granite countertops in your new project. Pros of Granite: Heat and scratch resistant, beautiful natural color, and custom […]
Inspiring Dream Homes for Owner Builders!
2 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Cool Design, Owner-Builder
We all have a dream home in mind that we will one day build as an owner builder. A home that will inspire us every day to be our best. A home that will help us to live every day like it was our last. A home that pushes us to help those around us […]
I was watching an episode of House Hunters on HGTV last night. You know…the show where a home buyer looks at three properties and chooses one of them. (I’ve been known to watch the entire marathons they run on the weekends. It really helps to better understand home buyers.) So, in last night’s episode the […]
Which Remodeling Projects Increase Home Value Most?
1 Comment | Posted by armchairbuilder in Bath Remodel, Kitchen Remodel, Owner-Builder
As a builder, I’m frequently asked…which remodeling projects increase home value most? Now is a great time to update your home. The best contractors are available. Material prices are competitive as supply has overshadowed demand. Mortgage rates are at historical lows. So how do you determine which remodeling projects will increase home value most? What […]
Buying Land for a House: Check for Rock
3 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Save Money
So you’re buying land for a house. As with any home you might buy, you want to make sure there are no surprises that could cost you extra money. One item you will want to investigate prior to purchase is the subsurface soil conditions. If there is rock hidden under the ground, your construction costs […]
What Types of Homes Are We Building Now?
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
I was just going through the latest census numbers for new housing and noticed a few items that caught my attention. As you would expect, new homes are evolving over time to meet our lifestyle choices and economic circumstances. Let’s take a look at some of the items from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Characteristics of […]
Costs to Build For Owner-Builders
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
The National Association of Home Builders conducts a yearly survey of professional home builders for the detailed costs to build a new home. The results of this year’s study was published last week. This New Construction Cost Breakdown by the NAHB, can be very valuable to the owner-builder as it gives average costs across the country […]
Old Growth Lumber: Reduce and Save Money When Building
2 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Owner-Builder, Save Money
In order to build a typical 1700 square foot wood framed home in the U.S., an equivalent of one acre of land needs to be clear cut to provide enough lumber. Alternatives to using old growth lumber for building materials are gaining ground every year. Not only are these alternatives good for the environment, […]
Owner-Builder Liability
5 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
Liability is something every property and business owner should be concerned with. As an owner-builder we want to prevent lawsuits, but we also want everyone to be safe around our new building projects. So in addition to requiring insurance for you and your subcontractors, you will want to take an active role in keeping your […]
Home Plans: Tips For Storing on Your New Home Site.
1 Comment | Posted by armchairbuilder in Great Products, Owner-Builder, Save Money
Most local building departments require you to have a set of architectural home plans for your building project on your construction site at all times. This allows them to look up items they may question during a building inspection. Another reason to keep a set of home plans on site is for your subcontractors. Rather than give […]
