MRBXXXFVVS1
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2019
- Messages
- 1,450
Has anyone built a custom home or remodeled a home? Do you have any advice? Is there anything you'd do differently next time?
Has anyone built a custom home or remodeled a home? Do you have any advice? Is there anything you'd do differently next time?
@kipari Thanks for the advice, super helpful!
@missy Wow, 3 months for a remodel down to the studs is very very impressive! My friends that did gut jobs had the construction drag on for a year or so!
Since we will likely be stuck at home for the next year or so, I'm trying to figure out if we should build, or buy and renovate, a much larger house so we have more space.
Or we could stick with our current home and get a second vacation home.
The cost to build according to my estimates is around 3X the cost to heavily renovate a comparable house (not gutting it). When you include the purchase price of the home that needs renovating, the total cost is about the same. We'd prefer to build, but the challenge is finding empty land or a tear down.
I like the second home idea in theory, but I don't know realistically how often we'd use a vacation home. Decisions decisions.
@chrono I agree completely about wood floors. While it’s a personal choice I think wood floors are amazing and nothing looks prettier. And it wears well too. Not to mention it’s the cleaner choice I think.
Since I mentioned my DH building things for our homes here are 2 of his own creation.
Here’s the stone bbq my DH built at our first beach house. It’s gorgeous.
IMO.
And here’s the outdoor table he built for our current beach home. It seats 12 comfortably. Though these past few months no company has enjoyed our house besides us. Covid blows.
That is impressive and very beautiful! Love the table too.
@chrono I agree completely about wood floors. While it’s a personal choice I think wood floors are amazing and nothing looks prettier. And it wears well too. Not to mention it’s the cleaner choice I think.
Since I mentioned my DH building things for our homes here are 2 of his own creation.
Here’s the stone bbq my DH built at our first beach house. It’s gorgeous.
IMO.
And here’s the outdoor table he built for our current beach home. It seats 12 comfortably. Though these past few months no company has enjoyed our house besides us. Covid blows.
Divine Missy!!!
I'm needing outdoor furniture and my jaw dropped at that table set!!!
Wow, so much great advice! I will definitely be referring back to this thread! Do you know how much % over budget and timeline the builds or remodels took?
If we build, I'd prefer to go with a "full service" builder that will take care of everything. If we renovate, I'd prefer to also go with a "full service" contractor (not sure if this exists) and have it all completed before we move in. However, DH thinks it might be a fun project for us to DIY. I'm not sure how I feel about checking on the construction frequently due to COVID-19. I'm honestly a little overwhelmed with all of this detail (which is probably not a good sign).
Plus I have to add that finding good contractors is hard. I've never been able to find one as good as @missy regardless of budget.
We have interviewed about 20, about half weren't up to the job, 5 were not available for the time period and the one we picked was the one who seemed most professional, reactive and was the only one who seemed to have a very efficient organization.
He was mediocre on many fronts. Drives me nuts.
Built a (semi) custom home. I guess it's semi because we had a few plans to choose from but we modified certain things. Few things we would have done differently and are happy with:
1. Pleased with adding a wall light and closet light in every room. No need to worry about floor lamps and dark closets.
Do you mean recessed/can lighting and/or an overhead fixture? We're building in less than 6 months, and dark rooms are a pet peeve of mine. I also hate seeing cords for lamps.