Buying vs Building in today's market

[teocalli]

Shelly,

I'm thinking that it would be a home away from home, a place used so frequently by either myself or other family members that it'd essentially be occupied as a primary residence for much of the year.

 

[TNJed]

For instance, since I already have my lot I intend to be my own general contractor and build for cash..no rigid time line. I will contract out the major parts and do as much myself..ie painting, electrical fixtures, tiling and some plumbing.
I shall wait 1 or 2 more years.......

But paying cash means you can't have it today! Perish the thought!

I like the way you think. Lets form a co-op and have a good ol' fashioned SoWal barn raising

 

[beachmouse]

Shelly,

I'm thinking that it would be a home away from home, a place used so frequently by either myself or other family members that it'd essentially be occupied as a primary residence for much of the year.

A primary residence in spirit is one thing. A legal primary residence is another matter with its own set of legal. tax. and financial implications, for good or ill.

 

[SHELLY]

Shelly,

I'm thinking that it would be a home away from home, a place used so frequently by either myself or other family members that it'd essentially be occupied as a primary residence for much of the year.

I've heard that many times before....how far is the commute?

.

 

[scooterbug44]

I highly suggest building a home if you will be using it that frequently. If you wanted it mainly as a several week/month vacation home that produces rental income the rest of the year, there are a ton of nice homes for sale, but since you will be spending so much time there it is "practically" a primary residence, you will probably want different features than are typical in the homes being built to accommodate vacationers.

I am wary of older construction because of potential mold issues and the fact that newer building requirements such as impact windows and doors will help you get lower insurance rates, but newer isn't necessarily better as the construction quality can vary greatly.

Please don't try to do your own electrical work and plumbing as suggested above if you decide to build! That has disaster written all over it!

 

[dsilvar]

Please don't try to do your own electrical work and plumbing as suggested above if you decide to build! That has disaster written all over it!

Mr Bug,
Please don't assume everybody but yourself is a dumbass...I think there are levels of competence...you know what yours is, I'm sure.

 

[redfisher]

What's a reasonable cost/sq.ft. now versus a year ago...Has anyone built recently enough to quote accurately?...

 

[Rambunkscious]

PSF building costs are between 100 and 500 dollars, or more, or less.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Mr Bug,
Please don't assume everybody but yourself is a dumbass...I think there are levels of competence...you know what yours is, I'm sure.

 

[Here4Good]

PSF building costs are between 100 and 500 dollars, or more, or less.

Why not just say between zero and infinity?