Presently living in Louisiana, we are planning to build on some property we own in WA State. The question is whether we should manage the build from LA, or should we consider moving there first to keep an eye on things on a daily basis instead of bi-monthly. We plan on doing some of the actual work ourselves, most of it in the finishing on the inside after the house is able to be occupied. The problem with moving there first is that I have some machines, both wood and metal working. This just complicates the double move but otherwise is manageable. Comments appreciated especially from contractors. Thanks!
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BY managing the build I'm presuming you're planning on self contracting? If so you better get your butt up there......or get in the Prozac line.
Any chance that you will be building any type of outbuilding,polebarn,etc? Maybe contract that first?
Miami
Since many of our projects are second homes, we are often building for owner who are relatively far away. We will often go for months without seeing the owner and maybe talking only once a week. Are you comfortable delegating? Are you willing to accept a decision that might not quite be what you had in mind but has been carefully considered and professionally executed? Are you capable of understanding a construction problem over the phone? Can you make decisions quickly with less than complete information? Do you sweat the small stuff? If you cannot answer yes to most of these questions, you can have a hard time with any constuction project but it is essential that you be there often, so that you do not drive yourself and your builder crazy. Of course a clear and complete set of plans is helpful but they are really secondary to your state of mind. If you proceed from a distance, be reachable by phone to handle pressing questions. Most of all, find someone you can trust.
Can you spell:
P R O J E C T M A N A G E R?
Hire one now, someone you can trust, or be there 24-7 until its done.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
I believe that building a house long distance is a big mistake. The contractor you hire may follow the plans exactly,but when you see what is completed it often times is not what you expected it to look like.A lot of work can be completed in two months, then it may take just as long to make the changes.I personally would move there first and save money and grey hairs!
We lived in PA and built in NC. I was the GC and planned to do a bunch of the work. At first figured out I could drive there and motel-it every few weeks. Luckily I sobered up before even starting construction. Got an apartment as close as possible and was on site every day all day, and even then it sometimes wasn't enough. No way in hell I could've done it long distance. So much happens just between 8 and noon, let alone bi-monthly. Good luck.