*
The family and I are relocating to Tallahassee, FL from Alabama and are considering the prospect of building new. As a long time reader of FH, I’ve gotten many great ideas I have used on my personal properties that has consisted of mainly old house rehab. Now that we are going where I don’t know any building trade people much less never having built a new house, I’m wondering how to insure the whole process works smoothly. Here’s a few questions: 1. Are there any books etc. that outline the building process that highlights the do and don’ts? 2. I would like to do a lot of the finish work such as have kitchen cabinets built and installed, paint and wallpaper, light fixtures and fans. Will this be OK with the builder? 3. Like everyone, we are on a fairly tight budget so help along those lines would be appreciated. 4. What’s the best way to find a good, reputable builder? thanks
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
A standardized approach, quick-to-install hardware, and a simplified design make building custom casework cost-effective.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
Wayne,
Good luck with the move and the new house.
1. I don't know personally of any books that outline what you need to know, but I know they are out there. Check with FHB or your local bookstores. There is a thread going on here about construction books that you may want to read. Jesus, quite the dog fight going on over there. Mr. Smith really started a mess.
2. You'll have to take that up with the builder you choose.
3. Everybody's on a budget. Even the millionaires we work for don't want to get ripped off.
4. Find the best lumber yard in town. Ask them about the builders in that area. Also, find some of the larger residential subs (plumbers, HVAC, electrical, etc). Ask them who is good and who to stay away from. Most homeowners who got ripped off won't tell you about it. They don't want to look stupid for having hired a crook. However, the subs won't hesitate to let you know what they think. Hey, this is our business. If I had a bad experience with a builder, I'll tell you all about it.
This is just a starting point.
Good Luck,
Ed. Williams
*Wayne: My builder was fine with doing the framing, sheathing, and siding and turning over the rest to me. And working with me while I put in the below-grade plumbing and pre-drilled the joists for my pipe runs. I found him on references from several other people who all said he was fast, cheap, honest, and did good work. Which he did. Had it sided and roofed 22 days after the concrete was poured. $2,000 under budget.
*
The family and I are relocating to Tallahassee, FL from Alabama and are considering the prospect of building new. As a long time reader of FH, I've gotten many great ideas I have used on my personal properties that has consisted of mainly old house rehab. Now that we are going where I don't know any building trade people much less never having built a new house, I'm wondering how to insure the whole process works smoothly. Here's a few questions: 1. Are there any books etc. that outline the building process that highlights the do and don'ts? 2. I would like to do a lot of the finish work such as have kitchen cabinets built and installed, paint and wallpaper, light fixtures and fans. Will this be OK with the builder? 3. Like everyone, we are on a fairly tight budget so help along those lines would be appreciated. 4. What's the best way to find a good, reputable builder? thanks