House Plans...

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 02-28-2008, 06:28 PM   #1
Pro
 
ruskent's Avatar
 
Trade: Outdoor D/B
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,884

House Plans...


I have been interested in building houses since my first day laboring on the framing crew when i was 13. It looks like in a few months i should have enough capital to buy my first lot. I really want to get my hands on a lot before people start to think things are getting better and raise their prices!


My main concern is what the acctual house will cost me to build. I know house plans are designed around alot most of the time. I know what style and size house i want to build. I just need to make sure it is fesible and profitable enough venture to take the risk. Would it be possible to get a set of plans drawn up so i can price out the house? It seems that without a detailed set of prints i really can't figure out the price. I know the plan may change alittle bit if i need a walkout basement or something depending on the lot, but i figure i should be able to get within 5% of true cost?

Also, knowing the construction cost of the house will help me figure out the optium lot size/value to make the house worth the most money.


So is it worth it getting plans drawn up before buying the lot?

Any advice would be helpful.

ruskent is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 02-28-2008, 06:33 PM   #2
Pro
 
jmic's Avatar
 
Trade: manager of excavation division
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: danbury,ct.
Posts: 3,660

Re: House Plans...


For you to live in or for speculation ?
__________________
___"Remember You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression"______________________
Joe
jmic is offline  
Old 02-28-2008, 06:45 PM   #3
Pro
 
ruskent's Avatar
 
Trade: Outdoor D/B
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,884

Re: House Plans...


Speculation. I know I need to wait for the market to improve.
ruskent is offline  
Old 02-28-2008, 07:16 PM   #4
Pro
 
oldfrt's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeling
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northwest Connecticut
Posts: 2,038

Re: House Plans...


It seems like it would be hard to speculate construction costs for a project so far in the future, and not have to build in an allowance for rising material and labor costs too.
Just add those facts to your %,


Seeing you know the size and style,sometimes you can find the prints on line.
I think I paid about $300 for a set of detailed prints that were close to my own plans and then paid a draftsman $100 to make personalized changes.
I already had the lot and was restricted by side yard setbacks This will be a concern ,and you may limit yourself to a certain sized lot for your own plans.
oldfrt is offline  
Old 02-28-2008, 07:29 PM   #5
Pro
 
ruskent's Avatar
 
Trade: Outdoor D/B
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,884

Re: House Plans...


I know the area i am looking to buy the lot and what sizes. I would be looking to start building in the fall.

I am looking to build in the 275-300k price range. Houses are still moving in that range.
ruskent is offline  
Old 02-28-2008, 07:41 PM   #6
I might not be good,but I
 
valerko's Avatar
 
Trade: Framing and remodeling
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NY state,Dutches county
Posts: 51

Re: House Plans...


Depending on state,area,typo of finish......
I'm doing 2 raised ranches right now in NY about 1 1/2 from city.They'll go on the market for around 375k
Just the houses alone without the lot and site work should be around 125k
They're about 2000 sqft ,couple of roof lines(not just the square modular type raised ranch),700 sqft unfinished basement(above grade) and 2 car garage,3 bedrooms,2 bths,kitchen family room,dining room,nicely finished with HW ,tile ,carpet for bedrooms,lots of EYE Candy

Hope that helps.
valerko is offline  
Old 02-28-2008, 07:45 PM   #7
Mod / ArchiBuilder
 
Cole's Avatar
 
Trade: Design/Build Outdoor Living
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: ArkLaTexOma
Posts: 6,611

Re: House Plans...


What style of house, what size?
Cole is offline  
Old 02-28-2008, 07:48 PM   #8
Pro
 
ruskent's Avatar
 
Trade: Outdoor D/B
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,884

Re: House Plans...


Quote:
Originally Posted by valerko View Post
Depending on state,area,typo of finish......
I'm doing 2 raised ranches right now in NY about 1 1/2 from city.They'll go on the market for around 375k
Just the houses alone without the lot and site work should be around 125k
They're about 2000 sqft ,couple of roof lines(not just the square modular type raised ranch),700 sqft unfinished basement(above grade) and 2 car garage,3 bedrooms,2 bths,kitchen family room,dining room,nicely finished with HW ,tile ,carpet for bedrooms,lots of EYE Candy

Hope that helps.
That helps alot. Where i am looking to build is 1.5 hours from the city. And i am looking to do a similar size house also.
ruskent is offline  
Old 02-28-2008, 09:36 PM   #9
The Duke
 
KentWhitten's Avatar
 
Trade: Cabinet Maker
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Portland, Maine
Posts: 10,083

Re: House Plans...


I don't want to deter your ambition, but it doesn't sound like you've done enough educating yourself on this end. I would highly suggest investigating ALL your costs and yes, this needs to come from plans. It's not a plan without a plan. You don't really need a detailed plan, you need YOUR plan. Most builders get the builder prints, about 12 sheets or so, but unless you're going to pay someone to deck it out complete, you will need to be the one figuring your prices and details and you should be doing that anyway.

It's your money coming out of your pocket and if you miss something and didn't plan for it, it can really make your excitement in building your first spec home completely disappear and force you into a very bad situation.

Besides, there is no harm in doing a starter home and working your way up from there. Starting big means you can also fall big, just watch your step and cover your bases.
__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine


Salmon Falls Cabinetry
KentWhitten is online now  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
House Moving?????? Glasshousebltr General Discussion 22 09-21-2011 09:21 AM
Did you see Flip this house - Cat House? SuperiorBuilt Off Topic (Non Trade) 18 01-24-2011 05:17 PM
House Plans - Details johnstaci General Discussion 11 07-04-2008 08:22 AM
finishing house exterior lionhntr Carpentry 3 03-19-2007 11:13 AM
Brick Footer and Water Proofing emtaboy Excavation & Site Work 24 07-24-2006 09:48 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?