Building My Home

Been plagued with permit issues but finally going again. There is a creek in the back of the property (more than 250' back in the tree line) that has caused way more trouble than its worth. I had to end up getting a storm water permit which between paying the civil engineer and all the fees it cost me $1113 and about 5 weeks of time. All to promise I wont let my dirt end up in the creek and if it does end up in the creek, I have to pay to remove it. Anyway, Footers are being dug in the morning and everything is good. Hoping to be in by Thanksgiving!

 

Next they will want you to install a bulkhead. Was wondering what was going on. Hopefully no loopholes or bs to deal with the rest of the way.

 

We looked into this a while back. I think the current consensus is, it is cheaper to buy than to build. This did not use to be the case back during the real estate boom. However, while house prices plummeted from their all time high, labor and material costs did not keep the same downward pace. Of course you have to factor in the value to you of having it built exactly as you want it, vs. someone else's idea.

My next door neighbor who built recently on his property described it like this; "Figure out what you think it will cost and double it"

 

I built a new house in 2012. When we moved it became our home.

 

If you have access to a local farmer, you could place a row of small straw/ hay bales to control run off.

 

Or move to Alaska. Outside of Anchorage/Eagle River north...........zero zoning issues. ZERO (Kenai ,south, is a different story)

 

Good luck on the house

 

Looking great Mike!!! So jealous!! Id love a plot like that! Maybe in a few years!

 

I'm looking forward to see the house when your are done. (When is the house warming party by the way? How many Tundras can you fit in your new drive way?????)

 

I had one built in 2013, it was a residential plot and I got to choose a model and go through a design center. It was fun but what a headache. I was glad someone else did the build because that is way to consuming.

 

The inspector actually allowed me to use the mulch from the trees instead of a silt fence. Saved me about $1500. I took the tractor and dumped buckets all the way around the cut.

 

Plenty...

 

We built what was to be our retirement home in 2010, 1 floor, 3 bedroom,well insulated, 1500 sq ft,with attached oversize 2 bay garage. I worked swing shift in a paper mill, so was not interested in building a house in my spare time, cause I didnt have much spare time. So found a builder I trusted, cause I had seen several homes he had built in the past, and knew the owners, who were pleased with the build, and turned it over to him, he took care of everything from the site work (clearing the property)to putting in the blacktop driveway, and seeding the lawn once the house was finished. All in 45 days no less! This is the 3rd home my wife and I have owned, and the 2nd home we have built in the last 38 years and it was the easiest, and most exciting house we have done!

 

Here's the driveway. It's about 200 feet from the road to the front of the house.



Found this guy hanging in the driveway tonight. About a 3 foot black snake.

 

Footers are dug. A few really deep spots but overall not too bad. Just need some rebar and we're ready for concrete.

 

Keep him around, good for rats and mice

 

Oh yeah, he climbed right up a tree.

 

Looks like you got a new friend Mike, haha

 

I'm going to have to subscribe to this thread - wife & I are about to do the same thing. We got so tired of looking at houses and found nothing that justified doubling up mortgage debt that we just said screw it, lets build something that fits for us. Kudos to you for that lot though... The problem i find is that when looking at lots, especially in summer, you pull up to the side of the road and just look at a wall of trees & shrubs. Really have to stretch your imagination to envision what it will look like after all the work you're putting in!

But thank you for the pics - your lot & clearing look great - inspiration that i shouldn't give up!

 

Good luck to you in your build! If I went back and did it again, I would go ahead and pay the builder to do everything (clearing, permits, etc.). But me being the person I am, I was trying to save a little money and do some things myself. Told the builder to quote the house from going in and digging footers. All site prep was on me.

Funny thing was, I thought I could go in with chainsaws, a few buddies and a wood chipper and clear the lot myself. Well after 2 days and a body that couldn't take anymore, I was 1/32 done. Called a buddy and ended up paying $3500 to clear and grade the lot. Best damn $3500 I ever spent! But now that all the permits are in hand and the site is prepped, I have handed it over to the builder and so far I am liking how fast he has jumped on things. I think we'll get along just fine.

In all seriousness though, it has been a struggle so far. There hasn't been anything that has been easy but you just have to keep your vision in your head and know it will all be worth it in the end. Take it day by day and don't let it get between you and your wife. If you do build, post up a thread here, I'd love to see it.

 

Got the pier footers poured today and some rebar was put around the perimeter. Perimeter gets poured Monday.

 

Haha! Your wife and I see eye to eye on the tide.

 

Clemson-Auburn!!!!! Can't wait!

 

Took my buddies drone out to the lot this morning.

 

Absolutely! I even have a time lapse camera mounted on a tree facing the house. It takes a picture every 10 minutes and at the end of construction, will put it all in a continues video. Which of course I'll post here.

 

Cool stuff Mike

 

Perimeter footers were poured this morning and the sand was dropped off for the mortar. 36 yards of concrete total for the footers.

 

Following.

 

Fun to see it finally going up. I can go over there and stare for hours. Foundation getting done. Should be complete by weeks end.