Hello,
In the last few days I have considered planning and building a new home by myself, without a contractor’s assistance and the cost that comes with it. How feasible is this? Anyone done it? I have intermediate to advanced carpentry skills, and feel that this would be a project that could a) save money; b) be something to really be proud of; and c) result in a better-built, insulated, appointed home than I could ever get from a contractor who is primarily focused on his/her bottom line.
Your thoughts for or against are welcomed and encouraged!
Thanks,
Mark Mowry
Replies
If you ask this at Breaktime (go to the top of this page and click right after "Other Taunton Sites:"). If you really do know what your doing, it may be feasible. Seems though like there are constantly people on the site telling how expert they are at building and then they don't know a stud from a rafter from a joist; they don't know codes; they don't know why things are done certain ways. If you really do know all that is necessary, then it may work. Good luck. PS, I've found from experience it really helps to have a person assist you--if for no other reason than to help hold the other end of a board when you are nailing, or to hand you a tool when you're on a ladder, or to call the EMT's if you mess up!
Mark,
Most people don't actually save money when they contract for themselves. The reason being that subcontractors are less likely to show up for you - they get recurring business from a contractor and it isn't really any skin off their nose if you get upset. So you end up taking longer to do the job, paying those higher interest rates on your construction loan for longer, etc. And that's if you really know what you are doing. There are still all the mistakes that you make in the areas that are outside your expertise. There's a whole lot more to building your house than carpentry. That doesn't mean you should abandon the idea: there's a lot to be said for building your own home, it's just that saving money isn't really one of them.
You might consider an outfit like UBuildIt. There was a woman who posted a thread on her addition with all the details on the FHB (breaktime) forum. We considered it for our own bathroom remodel as well, but our local firm doesn't really do remodels, only construction. It seems like the best of both worlds - you get the pride and enjoyment of being involved in the construction of your home. You also get access to subs that are screened and get "repeat" business through the firm, even though it is always for a different homeowner/gc.
Good Luck - hope it goes well for you.