Want To Build Own Home, Or Have Shell Built And Finish Myself, Some Questions...

Little

Whats going on everyone. I'm trying to find out some info on building my own home. Here is a little info about my plan.

I have the capability to build a house from the dirt up, meaning i have all the equipment and knowledge to install my own sewer, water, foundation, excavations etc. My father and my two uncles built my dads house back in 1986 and are all excellent carpenters that do nothing but top notch work and remodels. Now, I have limited carpentry knowledge, but i am very capable of doing anything i'm shown with a little supervision.

My question, do any builders do just the shells, all wall inside and out, roof, etc? I would finish the rest, all the plumbing, electrical work, sheetrock, floor, etc. This would be my backup option if my father and uncle would not have enough free time to be able to help me do this. I'm in central jersey btw.

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Commercial Construction, Central Jersey

BKFranks

I framed a house about 7 years ago and the only thing the GC was contracted to do was the foundation, framing, electrical, and plumbing. The homeowner wanted to do everything else himself. Not hire anyone, but do it himself when he could get the money. Do you have money to build this, or are you going to need a loan. Will a lender give you money to only do the shell of the house?

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loneframer

I built nothing but shells for almost 20 years. I'll frame it, sheath it, install windows/ doors, apply housewrap, install siding, etc.

Brock

as long as there is no construction loan involved. My stepfather did it like that. I got it dried in and he took over from there on his own and eventually finished it.

Little

I would def need a construction loan of sort, have about 50,000 cash in hand as well. I'm just getting ideas on what we would want or can do. I just wasn't sure if a builder would do something like that.

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Commercial Construction, Central Jersey

Winchester

From what I know you won't get a loan from the bank without a licensed contractor doing all the work.

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Ryan

Little

Ok well thats something i would have to look into.

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Commercial Construction, Central Jersey

loneframer

I got a construction loan to build my own home as I was listed as the GC. Subbed out alot but did all carpentry with my crew. Used a hometown bank. Make sure you get a builders risk insurance policy over and above any general liability policy you may have. Your bank should require that anyway.

woodworkbykirk

as others have mentioned it depends on the contractor you hire really.

the closest ive done to something like this is we cut the roof off a house, did the 2nd story addition, sided the place, hung the drywall and the ho took over from there, laid the floor trimmed the stairs, trimmed the upstairs, and set the bath vanities.

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putting down subfloor with glue and screws, well i saw dr. smith and the robot too , i had a martian burger and a sonic shake

BuilderOne

I would think your best bet is to General contract out the work and hire someone to specifically do that. RIght?

Little

Can anyone recommend a great book or site to start to learn how to frame and and such?

When a piece of land if for sale and the ad says all discovery responsiblity of owner... what does that entail?

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Commercial Construction, Central Jersey

stokes771

I believe that discovery means that you need to locate any sewer/electrical/water and get it to where you need it.

fast fred

When a piece of land if for sale and the ad says all discovery responsiblity of owner... what does that entail?[/quote]

it probably has a bad title, which could lead to trouble

loneframer

Where in Central Jersey. Im pretty closeby. I have done a lot of homeowner/general contractor deals. I can teach you more in a weekend on your job than you'll learn in a book. Let's make a deal.

loneframer

Make sure you title search the property for unsettled leins, etc.
Property may also fall under wetlands or pinelands guidelines for buildability.

mics_54

Be sure and become friends with a general contractor and keep asking him how to do everything and where to get the best deals etc. He won't mind....really.

RED HORSE 554

LITTLE construction Loans can be achived at a owner builder method. check with the loan officer and the building department to find the requirments.

TimZilla

Here in North Carolina you are allowed to build your own house as long as you live in it for two years. The you are able to sell it. The problem is, there is nobody, and I mean nobody who will give you the loan to do so unless you have a licensed contractor.

With that being said I will tell you that you do not want to attempt a task like this if you have a full time job. Also, if you somehow get the money, be careful of what you do, make a budget and believe me it is very easy to run out of money and only have half of a house. Then you will definitely never find anyone else to lend you more. This happens a lot and people have a half @$$ house with no money. Also, if you are not a contractor people will run all over you. They will put you on the back burner and they will cut you no kind of deal on materials, unless you lie to them and tell them that your about to start a sub division and your looking for a good vendor.

Buy a fixer upper on the water somewhere and have fun fixing it up.

DO NOT TRY THIS.

BattleRidge

I basically just do shells for new construction. I just find paper pushers and do framing, roofing, siding, windows and sheetrock. Its pretty nice really, dont have to bitch about anyones work but your own.