Build vs Buy?

[AAbsolute]

I am a big proponent of building instead of buying, but that is because I am rather particular about what features I want (shocking, eh?) and quality levels.

Prices have gone down quite a bit IMO, but asking what it costs to build a house per square foot is like asking what a pair of shoes costs - too many factors to give an acurrate answer. If you would be willing to post more details like square footage, construction type, finish level etc. there are many people on the board who could give you a better ballpark figure of current prices.

There are some good contractors around, and some not so good ones. Make sure your contractor is licensed in Florida, thoroughly check their references, complaints against them, and examples of their work.

Also, look at their feet - dirty/well worn workboots will build you a much better and cheaper house than flip-flops w/ no sock tan line!

What builders do you know that do good quality work at fair prices? Can you give the Thread Author (Miss Sunshine) and the rest of us some examples of the builders you are talking about who perform efficiently? Thanks

 

[AAbsolute]

That would be hard to say. The overall costs have dropped as labor is no longer at a premium and materials aren't stretched thin. Again though it's entirely in what your wanting. I'm sure I could find you a house being built for around $2,000/sq ft vs. a house for $200/sq ft. Your best bet if your going to build is to start with an Architect. This will give you a standard for which you want and then it can be bid out. Be leary of contractors that come in well below others. This is either a red flag for change orders down the road or flat out ignoring Architect's specs.

What builders do you know from this area who build quality homes at efficient pricing? Can you give the Thread Author, Miss Sunshine, and the rest of us some examples of quality homes at good prices? Thanks

 

[ClintClint]

As a developer, I always found some value in talking to the County building inspectors. Not the head guy at the County, but the field people who actually go out and inspect the homes. Preface your conversation as being "off the record" because they can't "recommend" anyone, but they can certainly tell you who does exceptionally good or poor work. A few tactful questions will also get the question answered of who the real a$$holes are. This has helped me keep poor quality builders out of my subdivisions and could even help on the purchase of a new existing home.

 

[dunebug]

I would also like to see a list of reputable builders. I agree with one of the posts that the best builders have paint on their pants and dirty hands.

 

[dunebug]

Maybe someone can help me with this? I always hear that the price of square footage can increase by the type of appliances, granite, door, and tile you get. How about the cost excluding the above, what is the cost to frame, put a roof, sheetrock, electrical, plumbing...etc a home. I thought that this would be the most costly part.

 

[AAbsolute]

I would also like to see a list of reputable builders. I agree with one of the posts that the best builders have paint on their pants and dirty hands.

I talked to a homeowner yesterday who paid his builder $265 per square foot in Watersound. Beautiful home. The home took about 1 year. The cost of materials only is about $85 per square foot on that one. That put the labor at $185 per square foot on a 3,200 square foot home. $185 x 3,200 = 592,000 labor for 1 home. Does that sound about a fair rate of pay? You could pre-suppose an average of 2 working men on the job for 40 hours per week. 10 workers rarely, 0 workers often. The home was constructed between 2006 and 2007.

I know that local builders had their choice of customers. I just can't get in agreement that this was ever a fair rate. I don't know anyone who says that you can't get an equivalent or superior home built in Atlanta, Nashville, Dothan, Birmingham or Jackson for six figures less.

There has long been a network or cartel if you would in this area who supported high, high pricing. Is there anyone who can mathematicly support the theory that past pricing was proper?

 

[AAbsolute]

Maybe someone can help me with this? I always hear that the price of square footage can increase by the type of appliances, granite, door, and tile you get. How about the cost excluding the above, what is the cost to frame, put a roof, sheetrock, electrical, plumbing...etc a home. I thought that this would be the most costly part.

I would like that answer as well. Discount me and my firm from the equation as abberations with no basis in real life if it pleases your cause. Let's hear from a reputable builder who has charged $240 per square foot for construction.

 

[woodworker]

This all gave me an idea for my new avatar - my dirty spray boots - some Benjamin Moore, a little Shewrwin Williams, ML Cambell, woodglue, etc. - ha!

Anyway, I would like to hear from MissSunshine, if she hasn't given up on us yet -

What style or grade of house are you considering, if you build? I would think up graded or semi-luxury with lots in your price range, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe just tell us the appointments that are important to you.

This info would narrow things down a bit. Use this list, for example -

A)- Vinyl/Hardie Plank siding, shingle/metal roof, tile/carpet/laminate wood flooring, vinyl windows, laminate/granite countertops, hollowcore doors, off the shelf fixtures(think Home Depot), Sears appliances. Basically a "get a normal home in Sowal" house, save money.

B)- Hardie Plank/wood siding, metal roof, hardwood/upgrade tile/stone flooring, higrade vinyl/aluminum clad windows, granite countertops, solid wood doors, higrade fixtures, Viking/Jenn Aire appliances, woodwork in most rooms (crown molding, wainscot, custom staircase, etc.). Think Watercolor, Watersound, Seaside, etc.

C)- Stucco/wood over concrete block/ICF structure, tile roof, marble flooring and countertops, wood windows, highest grade appointments, extensive woodwork, secret doors, wine cellar, butler's quarters, spend as much per square foot as possible house.

I think as far as hurricane safety, they should all be built the same with the exception of structure and roof style.


I'm not saying every house fits into bracket A, B, or C - just wanting an idea so you don't get misled.

 

[AAbsolute]

Is there anybody out there? - Pink Floyd

Maybe someone can help me with this? I always hear that the price of square footage can increase by the type of appliances, granite, door, and tile you get. How about the cost excluding the above, what is the cost to frame, put a roof, sheetrock, electrical, plumbing...etc a home. I thought that this would be the most costly part.

Attention highly skilled builders with excellent reputations from Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound and Rosemary Beach: Please step up to the mic. and help us with a straight talk answer. Please support your own construction costs to Dunebug's simple question.

 

[flipflopflo]

Hi everyone...I post here on occasion and wanted to join in.

My husband is a former Walton County Building Inspector....he left several years ago as the pay wasn't supporting our family. He passed his contractor's exam in 2005 and can build residential (he prefers custom homes) as well as some commercial...he hasn't done this yet though as we have had many health related obstacles with his mother, our son and myself as well as the market collapse at the same time. His license is inactive at the present time due to not having something to build to purchase the insurance for...a requirement in activating the license.

I can't speak for him. but he is here if anyone would like to talk to him. He knows this area well as his father did some of the very first constructions along the beach starting around 35 years ago.

He has always built under someone else's license as their superintendent, etc., but is very familiar with the beach area. As a matter of fact he was in charge of the first pool at Rosemary Beach as well as a number of houses there. You would have to talk to him about the others he has done as I just can't recall them all.

His name is Greg Hallman and can be reached at 850-835-4485.