Buy a house or vacant lot?

**hi n dry** · 01-20-2007, 12:52 PM

It now appears that buying a vacant lot maybe the best way to go.
An exception maybe houses that were built in 2002 or later. Of course this would depend on whether the house is competitively priced .

Insurance discounts are available for houses that conformed to the more stringent 2002 building code. Especially houses that installed high impact windows /doors.

Now that some material costs have come down a little and builders are hungrier you can now build a nice house for around $150 sq. ft. But be careful, some neighborhoods are more expensive to build in than others.

This means that you can now build a nice 1500 sq. ft house built to your taste for about $225k.

Also based on on current sales and listings you can now buy a lot on 30A in strolling distance to the beach for around $200k or less. Be sure to buy a lot with at least 30 ft. above sea level elevation to give you adequate protection from a storm surge.

You end up with a nice hurricane resistant beach house that qualifies for insurance discounts on your pick of lots for a total of approximately $425k!

I look forward to all your input.

**bdc63** · 01-20-2007, 01:44 PM

Can you really build "a nice house" in South Walton for $150 per sq ft? If that's true, than I would agree, that sounds like a pretty good way to go.

Here in suburban Baltimore (MD) the rates are still more like $250. I don't think that you could build a basic tract house (ie. no architect) with vinyl siding, laminant counter tops, popcorn ceilings, and painted moldings for $150.

**JoshMclean** · 01-20-2007, 01:46 PM

My dad builds homes with crown, wainscoting, granite, ss applianes, cypress flooring for about $165-$170 per sqft. That's about the cheapest I've seen around here. You could go very basic for about $140 I think.

**JoshMclean** · 01-20-2007, 01:46 PM

Forgot, that's hardi-plank siding also.

**bdc63** · 01-20-2007, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by JoshMclean

My dad builds homes with crown, wainscoting, granite, ss applianes, cypress flooring for about $165-$170 per sqft. That's about the cheapest I've seen around here. You could go very basic for about $140 I think.

Think your dad would travel to Maryland to put an addition on my house?

I have a very nice guest room, and I'm a great cook!

**hi n dry** · 01-20-2007, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by JoshMclean

My dad builds homes with crown, wainscoting, granite, ss applianes, cypress flooring for about $165-$170 per sqft. That's about the cheapest I've seen around here. You could go very basic for about $140 I think.

Your price for all those features sounds good. But in my world that house would be considered "upscale".

What do you mean by "very basic"?

**Camp Creek Kid** · 01-20-2007, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by JoshMclean

My dad builds homes with crown, wainscoting, granite, ss applianes, cypress flooring for about $165-$170 per sqft. That's about the cheapest I've seen around here. You could go very basic for about $140 I think.

I'm assuming that is his cost, but not how much he sells the house for.

**JoshMclean** · 01-20-2007, 04:28 PM

No, that is what he would charge someone. My version of basic would be limited tile flooring, no crown molding, wainscoting, no wood flooring. That would still be hardi-plank siding and possibly granite counter tops. It is all 2x6 frame construction. I will ask him if you have any specific questions. Price also has a lot to do with the size of the home. Those prices would be correct for around 2,300 sqft and up. Price would rise some if a smaller home was chosen.

**JoshMclean** · 01-20-2007, 04:31 PM

You can see my personal home that I have listed in another link below. I have it listed at $187 a square foot. I would take $465,500 for it which would be $181 a sqft. Though, that price is including the lot that it is on. I don't think you'll find that quality construction for that price. Correct me if I am wrong, I just haven't seen it in the MLS.

**Bobby J** · 01-20-2007, 04:39 PM

My father is also a builder and he said if you are creative you can get a home built for under $150 sq foot! Lumber is a little high right now (up 25%). You can make up the difference with labor coming down. Anyway Pm if you need a good builder.

**Smiling JOe** · 01-20-2007, 01:52 PM

hi & dry, I agree with your post above. Over time, that has changed back and forth, and currently, I believe it is possible to build cheaper than it is to buy complete, depending on the last purchase date & price of an existing house. Also, you can build it as you like, and meet the 2006 wind codes set in Aug for window and door ratings / windloads. Ask insurance companies for more ways to make a better protected home, and you will cut some costs here and there -- ex - knowing to build a hip roof rather than a gable. The costs differences are small, but they do add up, and will do so even more when rates increase.
You can also ask the power company for advice to making a more energy effecient home, and cut back on the monthly power bill slightly. In the right neighborhoods, you can easily build a nice home (I guess our definitions of "nice" can vary, but I am a simple man) for $150/sf.