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Building a house

I sold a house a few years ago to a Columbian buyer. He had an option request to add a kitchen sink sprayer next to his toilet so he could clean his ass. Seemed like a good alternative to splurging on a bidet.
What kind of spray diameter was that sumbitch looking for? You can get a washlet for $25 on Amazon.
 
My friend who I hired as a laborer in 1989 now owns said company......they are building a nursing home in Fla......the material cost was $1.64 million dollars.......his lumber salesman called him a few days after they was awarded the bid.......the material package went up $440K........I would hate to eat that......

I represent quite a few builders and contractors, almost everyone is bidding T&M these days, absolutely no way to guarantee material prices. Plus there is a labor shortage . . .
 
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I represent quite a few builders and contractors, almost everyone is bidding T&M these days, absolutely no way to guarantee material prices. Plus there is a labor shortage . . .
When I first went into business I used T&M not to exceed on all of my work.......most people like the idea.....espicially when you explain how you calculate "what if" into your price........and I hustled to give them their hours worth.........
 
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Do you know if there are any differences between the way you finance and pay for a new build, which make take close to a year and a more conventional home purchase?

Were starting to get our savings rolling and should be able to do a 10% down payment on a house come this time next year (has to be 10% as I already have a home I won't be getting rid of). We wouldn't want to start the build then.. but maybe 6 months before so we have enough saved at time for the closing. Idk if thats how people finance new builds or not.
80 was all over it.

Two types - construction and construction to perm.

With construction advanced are made as you request (with invoices) and you pay interest only for "x" months. 12 months is standard. Note is payable at completion and usually covered with a new mortgage. Expect 2 or 3 interim inspections and a final. Will add $400 to $600 to appraisal fees.

Construction to perm works the same but converts to principle and interest payments at the end of the construction period. Very likely will be either a balloon loan or ARM.
 
Housing prices are unlikely to drop, but you will face much higher interest rates. More inflation is likely too so if you want a house in the next 15 years, you might want to go ahead and purchase.
Nobody on the Paddock is concerned about interest rates. They all pay cash! :)
 
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Also, to avoid TP shortages again, just make sure to install an electrical outlet near the toilet. Bidet, ATKOT. 💩
My wife wanted a bidet in her bathroom and I just rolled my eyes. Finally, I installed one. Now I won't use anything else to go poop. That thing is nice.
 
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It appears I will be building our “dream home” this year. I know it’s probably the worst time to be building one with lumber and labor costs, but where I live it’s an equally horrible time to buy and inventory is very low and my family is growing and we’re out of room.


We have meeting number 2 with the architect tonite to hopefully finalize design and then await a quote for cost. With that said, for anyone who had built or is experienced with it, any suggestions? Anything you wished you had done different? Anything to absolutely avoid? Just trying to get as much honest feedback as possible before this huge step.

I'd spring for 2x6 exterior walls rather than 2x4. Can run spacing a little wider, but also for aesthetics. I like a deeper set back to the windows when looking out. Would probably use that for some interior walls for the look and to install more and stronger pocket doors.

They have some newer composite 2x6 studs that I saw recently that have foam in between layers of wood. They don't transmit as much exterior heat and cold into the interior as 2x4 stud walls.
 
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I'd spring for 2x6 exterior walls rather than 2x4.

They have some newer composite 2x6 studs that I saw recently that have foam in between layers of wood. They don't transmit as much exterior heat and cold into the interior as 2x4 stud walls.
You talking about SIPS? If so, the 2x4 walls will provide plenty of insulation for a standard midwestern home.
 
Not just talking about thermal insulation.
You can achieve adequate r-value in a 2x4 wall with modern insulation for most houses in the US lower 48. A 2x6 wall is an unneeded expense and overkill with the materials currently available.
 
You can achieve adequate r-value in a 2x4 wall with modern insulation for most houses in the US lower 48. A 2x6 wall is an unneeded expense and overkill with the materials currently available.


Maybe he's talking about this. This guy claims a regular 2x lumber has a r value of 6.something and this engineered piece having an r20.

There are always drawbacks. What are they?

Tia 80


 
Maybe he's talking about this. This guy claims a regular 2x lumber has a r value of 6.something and this engineered piece having an r20.

There are always drawbacks. What are they?

Tia 80


I watch Matt's channel. Always has interesting things to discuss but my Lord if I had that guy build my house with all of the latest products he pimps for his sponsors I would have been 100% over budget. Sort of like Mike Holmes when it comes to building. You know you are going to get a well built house but you better be ready to break the bank doing it.
 
You can achieve adequate r-value in a 2x4 wall with modern insulation for most houses in the US lower 48. A 2x6 wall is an unneeded expense and overkill with the materials currently available.
Try reading it again. "Wasn't just talking about THERMAL insulation."
 
Nobody on the Paddock is concerned about interest rates. They all pay cash! :)

Interest rates??? What is that? Hell, we are not even concerned about price, most of us buy houses out of our petty cash, or just put it on one of our ultra high limit credit cards, which we pay off monthly with our trust income, and stock dividends. Unless we join Augusta National that month, in which case, we may have to cash in a few tax free bonds.
 
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In all seriousness, my son in law is in the interview process to get hired by a national firm doing LEED certification. He is an architect with all his qualifications (except seismic, I think), if that is the correct term.

Do any of you guys build with these certifications in mind? I know enough about LEED to be dangerous (except that I want him to have a steady paying job, for obvious and selfish reasons!!!)
 
LEED is a grift. Tell him to look into WELL certification as well. It is the new fad certification that middle managers will want to tout more than LEED at this point, IMO.
 
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Try reading it again. "Wasn't just talking about THERMAL insulation."
Try explaining it better than "They don't transmit as much exterior heat and cold into the interior as 2x4 stud walls." If you are talking about more than thermal insulation. Because that is the only thing you referenced.
 
Try explaining it better than "They don't transmit as much exterior heat and cold into the interior as 2x4 stud walls." If you are talking about more than thermal insulation. Because that is the only thing you referenced.
Maybe he’s referring to its SOUND insulation properties ???

Also, there is no such thing as “transferring cold,” girthang. Only heat can be transferred - the direction just changes. (Cold is just a lack of heat.)

In summation: enthalpy.
 
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You might want to make sure Your garage doors are wide and tall. If You have a basement make sure there is a bathroom in it.
 
Be sure to get the cultured stone fireplace, travertine marble in the kitchen and/or bath, faux wainscot in the dining room, and don't forget to run your cable lines to above the fireplace.
 
My wife wanted a bidet in her bathroom and I just rolled my eyes. Finally, I installed one. Now I won't use anything else to go poop. That thing is nice.

Yeah man my brothers wife had them installed at their house. I laughed and made fun of him until I tried it. Wow. Now my house is fully equipped as well.
 
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I have 2 or 3 friends who were ready to begin construction when Covid hit and the increases to materials cost them both over $50K. My only suggestion is to do it like you want the first time. If you plan to stay in this house a while build it just like you want. I know too many who 5 years after building were either remodeling or complaining that they wished they had done this or that different but was trying to save money.
I second this advice. We built 3 years ago and almost immediately regret a few things that we should not have pinched pennies on. Like more windows. all doors 36 inch, a poured sidewalk when they poured porch. Double and triple check everything and like others said, visit the site every day. Last advice from me is dumpster dive. They will throw away a lot of useful materials.
 
I am estimating I will be paying about $15k more to complete the basement than if I would have just had it done a few years ago when we built the house. Not terrible considering the crazy prices right now but still $15k I could have paid on the mortgage rather than trying save a buck thinking I would complete it myself. So, if you are going to build, build what you want now and let the contractors do the work for you because it’s likely they will do it much better and in the long run cheaper than you doing it yourself.
 
Checking back in on this. We're starting to plan for a move (or a Build) for spring 2022, give or take a few months. I think a build is the LEAST likely option.. just too long of a wait.

But this is getting out of hand. I'm looking at homes that are now going for almost DOUBLE what they were assessed at just 5 years ago.. which I know is not the same as what a house is "worth".. but even then... every hours is 15% or more than what it's worth. Most are 25-30% more.

For the housing people, what's your take? Are these prices here to stay? Feels like something has to give.. People buying homes in the last year are spending too much.
 
Checking back in on this. We're starting to plan for a move (or a Build) for spring 2022, give or take a few months. I think a build is the LEAST likely option.. just too long of a wait.

But this is getting out of hand. I'm looking at homes that are now going for almost DOUBLE what they were assessed at just 5 years ago.. which I know is not the same as what a house is "worth".. but even then... every hours is 15% or more than what it's worth. Most are 25-30% more.

For the housing people, what's your take? Are these prices here to stay? Feels like something has to give.. People buying homes in the last year are spending too much.

The issue is the last time we had a housing crash is because people couldn’t actually afford the houses they were getting loans on. This time it’s due to having the money for it, low rates, and in my area a lack of inventory. The prices will definitely go down when rates increase as that will slow demand, but will it “crash” or go back to what prices were 2 years ago? IMO no. A house that would’ve sold for 100k 2 years ago and is selling for 150k now might sell for 130k in 2 years, but it’s not going to go massively down, in my opinion. And in my particular area a lack of inventory will actually probably keep the prices up for a while with only a small dip down.

When I made this thread I thought it was a terrible time to build, but it’s actually worked out for the best because even though I’m paying 15% more than what it would have a couple years ago it beats paying more than that right now and getting stuck in a bidding war for a house that I would probably want to make some changes to anyway. I think prices might go down a little but I think it’ll balance out due to higher rates so it’ll probably equal out in the long run.
 
The issue is the last time we had a housing crash is because people couldn’t actually afford the houses they were getting loans on. This time it’s due to having the money for it, low rates, and in my area a lack of inventory. The prices will definitely go down when rates increase as that will slow demand, but will it “crash” or go back to what prices were 2 years ago? IMO no. A house that would’ve sold for 100k 2 years ago and is selling for 150k now might sell for 130k in 2 years, but it’s not going to go massively down, in my opinion. And in my particular area a lack of inventory will actually probably keep the prices up for a while with only a small dip down.

When I made this thread I thought it was a terrible time to build, but it’s actually worked out for the best because even though I’m paying 15% more than what it would have a couple years ago it beats paying more than that right now and getting stuck in a bidding war for a house that I would probably want to make some changes to anyway. I think prices might go down a little but I think it’ll balance out due to higher rates so it’ll probably equal out in the long run.

Yeah I recall reading from some economists that houses really don't fall much. Once they rise, they're generally there to stay (aside from a big recession like in 2008). I do wonder if people are still buying homes they can't afford. Several friends are stuck getting into homes for well above what they budgeted for. And many without even doing an inspection. That HAS to bite a good portion of people down the road, causing them to sell and take their losses, or go into foreclosure. Another site was saying that the 30-90 day, and 90 day+ delinquencies are on the rise.

As we reopen the US economy, I'm curious to see if these builders go full steam on builiding and finishing the developments, causing the pendulum to swing back, and inventory rises.

I'm really just looking for SOMETHING that will cause this to drop back to normal, but it might be a while. Glad to not be a first time home buyer, though. I think some young couples, who already went through two huge recessions, aren't going to get slaughtered again by this.
 
A friend of mine put his house on the market last month. He talked with 2 realtors. The 1st suggested a listing price. When he told the 2nd realtor that her suggested price was 12% less than the other realtor, she mockingly said well, good luck with that price. He picked the 1st realtor, and 2 days after listing, with 8 showings and 3 offers, he accepted an offer for 4 1/2% over his asking price. Other showings were scheduled, but he was happy to get it over with. I called my realtor about some rental property I have and we're going to put it on the market. She said there are just very few listings so it's a great time to sell.
 
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A friend of mine put his house on the market last month. He talked with 2 realtors. The 1st suggested a listing price. When he told the 2nd realtor that her suggested price was 12% less than the other realtor, she mockingly said well, good luck with that price. He picked the 1st realtor, and 2 days after listing, with 8 showings and 3 offers, he accepted an offer for 4 1/2% over his asking price. Other showings were scheduled, but he was happy to get it over with. I called my realtor about some rental property I have and we're going to put it on the market. She said there are just very few listings so it's a great time to sell.

The thought of dumping rental property has crossed my mind. Zillow has my house valued at about 33% more than what it was when I purchased 2.5 years ago. And I wonder if because it's rental property, if I couldn't bump that up to 40% through a bidding war. But then we would still have to turn around and buy our real house, for the same type of markup. Plus, I really don't want to lose rental property.
 
It appears I will be building our “dream home” this year. I know it’s probably the worst time to be building one with lumber and labor costs, but where I live it’s an equally horrible time to buy and inventory is very low and my family is growing and we’re out of room.


We have meeting number 2 with the architect tonite to hopefully finalize design and then await a quote for cost. With that said, for anyone who had built or is experienced with it, any suggestions? Anything you wished you had done different? Anything to absolutely avoid? Just trying to get as much honest feedback as possible before this huge step.
Firstly, you're correct on your added expenses. Whatever package you choose will probably be 50-60% higher than this time, last year. As for suggestions, stay on top of the work being done on your build. Don't trust the contractor, if you use one. Many don't stay on top of subcontractors to ensure it's done properly. Educate yourself on building and don't hesitate to call out shoddy workmanship. Don't accept it. Always pay after the work is completed. Never in advance.
 
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Oh, and I always advise people to figure in extra room in all bathrooms. Nothing worse than a toilet jammed right in the corner. I had to remodel my parents' master bath after my mom's hip replacement. Not even enough room for her walker.
 
Firstly, you're correct on your added expenses. Whatever package you choose will probably be 50-60% higher than this time, last year.
well I definitely hope you’re off on that percentage, but we’re expecting the quote in the next two weeks so I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
 
well I definitely hope you’re off on that percentage, but we’re expecting the quote in the next two weeks so I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
I hope so. I am familiar with a different market than you're pricing.
My wife's family own various construction businesses, and I know the industry. Some good friends of mine got completely hosed late last year by a contractor on cost. He didn't lock his prices, and their package went up 50% in 4 month's time. I warned them about that guy.
 
According to google there are 3 in my city with the closest 17 miles away.

PM me here and I’ll see if I can save on your lumber if you want to. If I do great, if I don’t at least you know you got a solid deal, and if you have a builder that wants to control it that’s ok too
 
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