Home Plans, Owner Builder Needs
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
How often do you hear…It all starts with the foundation? Actually, it all really begins with the home plans. A good, complete set of home plans can save you a boat load of headaches on your project. As an owner-builder, you have many options when it comes to home plans. From pre-designed stock plans to a custom […]
Is there an easy way to determine the cost to build a home? The National Association of Home Builders periodically surveys professional builders to find out what it costs them to build a home. This survey gives average house costs for new single family homes constructed across different states in the U.S. The numbers are […]
Replacement of Sewers by Pipe Bursting Method
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Fix it!, Owner-Builder
If you’ve ever had problems with your house sewer lateral (the pipe that runs from the house to the street), you know how frustrating things can get. A simple obstruction within the sewer line can cause backups into the home which can cause a huge mess. On top of that, the bathrooms, showers and kitchen […]
Shower leaks can be a tremendous headache for homeowners. Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a new shower to find water leaking through the new surfaces which can cause major damage over time and possibly even mold. Here is a recent reader question who has this problem and wanted some guidance on diagnosing and repairing […]
If you are thinking of adding a bedroom to a new or existing home, it’s important to think about the building code requirements during the design phase. One very important, and often overlook, requirement for bedrooms is the need for egress. Whether you are finishing a basement with a bedroom or just turning a space […]
For those of you that are looking for a gift for that special someone, you may want to check out our e-Book that covers all the details of building a new home. Here’s a description for the e-Book to help you decide whether it’s right for you. Feel free to ask if you have any […]
A clothes dryer exhaust vent should be carefully designed into the architectural plans of a new home to prevent potential problems from occurring. Some common problems with exhaust vents include rodent entry, lint buildup, cold air access, and potential fire hazards. Let’s take a closer look at the dryer vent to help ensure a trouble […]
Owner Builders Save 50 Percent on Custom Options
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
Last week we talked about how owner builders can save twenty to twenty five percent by general contracting out their own home. This is the fee the builder charges for managing the project. We also discussed how an owner builder can save even more by taking on some of the physical labor themselves. From painting […]
General Contract Your Own Home… Save 20-25 Percent
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home
November 12th, 2014 So is it possible to general contract your own home and save money in the process? The decision to take on this project shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are subcontractors to deal with, building code changes, and complex design problems…just to name a few of the issues that come up during a […]
Reader Question on Floor Squeaks: I just read your article about floor squeaks, and it is so helpful! I am experiencing the HVAC floor squeak you described in one room in my house. Luckily, there is an unfinished basement underneath. You mentioned I need to make sure there is a 1″ gap between the joists […]
