Home Buliding and Interior Design

I have a drawing in my email from the builder. I can email it to you, which would be much easier than describing it. I designed the shower myself. The builder wants an additional $12K for taking out the standard tub and shower, and putting this one in. In my opinion, it is way too much, but I am not a contractor so I don’t know. The house is located in Arizona. This question is probably best for a licensed contractor or builder, but I welcome anwers from anyone with an opinion!!

Hi there,

I want to build a small (1000 sq.ft.)home on a TIGHT budget. I just want alot of open space, like a loft, but I’d also like HIGH ceilings, maybe slanted ceilings, plant shelves, inset lights or track lighting, maybe a couple of columns, etc. I’m told that a Type-V home is easy to get plans approved (the home will be in Los Angeles) and approvals can take over a year if the home is complex and the plans needs to be changed several times.

What cool stuff can and can’t be done to Type-V standards? I’ve got a Type-V sheet, but I don’t understand all the technical stuff. I’ll get a builder to do the real plans, but I’ve got to give him a starting point. Feel free to point me to books/web sites, etc., and through in some ideas!

Thanks!!
Hi there,

I want to design my own small (1000 sq.ft.)home on a TIGHT budget. I just want alot of open space, like a loft, but I’d also like HIGH ceilings, maybe slanted ceilings, plant shelves, inset lights or track lighting, maybe a couple of columns, etc. I’m told that a Type-V home is easy to get plans approved (the home will be in Los Angeles) and approvals can take over a year if the home is complex and the plans needs to be changed several times.

What cool stuff can and can’t be done to Type-V standards? I’ve got a Type-V sheet, but I don’t understand all the technical stuff. I’ll get a builder to do the real plans, but I’ve got to give him a starting point. Feel free to point me to books/web sites, etc., and through in some ideas!

Thanks!!

I just received a bid to build our custom home. Approximately what percentage of the bid price is “wiggle room” for the builder to negotiate with me?

Has anyone out there possibly done this? If so, how much did it ultimately cost (approx.). From securing the land, to hiring an architect, to paying for construction and materials, etc. Figure an acre of land, 3500 sq. ft. house. Are taxes on custom homes the same as others built by a nationwide builder? What are taxes on the land while you build?

I want to be able to build custom homes is a degree in Construction Management what I need to look into?

In about 18mos I am thinking about building a custom home. I hear rumors that you save more custom building than just buying, is that true? To build a 6-7 bedroom house, would that be less than just buying a 6-7 bedroom house? What have been your building experiences? What do I pay for in this process?

I am just beginning to research if we want to build a home from a builders home plans they offer or choose something a little different. I know there are cost savings by going with a builder who builds from just a few plans. But I wonder how much more it would be to find a builder who will build my dream home on our own land.

Take a look at this 1900 sq foot custom home and let me know if you have any ideas. We are in Ohio.

http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/french-country-house-plan-43015pf.asp

Thanks!!

Even though you have to also buy land to put the modular on. Is it usually the same as a regular home or somewhat less expensive?

I work for a custom home builder and am currently working on new floor plan ideas. When purchasing a new home what are some features that make / break a home for you? Is there anything specific you look for when you tour potential homes? Please keep in mind that these homes are priced mid-higher end for our region. What are the average number of bedrooms and baths you look for? Is there a specific kitchen cabinet finish or granite finish you look for? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as we build mainly spec homes that go on the market and then need to appeal to the mass of home buyers.

There’s someone that makes single-room houses (with attic) that I think I saw in a CNN story. He’s made 10 of them for people so far and also sells the blueprints. Does anyone know the website or his name?

My husband builds custom homes and he uses pics. as references. What can I get him to keep all of the photos and reference information in to show to new clients? I want it to be better than a photo album, but not too expensive. What do home builders usually use?