I met with a new builder referred to me by a septic installer, who was referred to me by a bobcat operator, who I discovered at our school fundraiser auction. This builder created a cost to build based on my plans and showed me a number. $139,000 over my budget. My goal when I decided to sell, was to at least have what I had at my last house. My previous home was a little over 1800, 3 bedroom plus bonus room. I want what I had, plus a 5 piece master bath, a laundry ROOM (instead of a laundry closet) and a bigger garage to build stuff.
I had the Property Brothers experience today. On the show, buyers give a list of everything they would want in their dream home. The brothers take them to a home that matches everything on their wish list. Buyers are ecstatic, wanting to put an offer in immediately, only to find out the price is way over their budget. They get their reality check and are then taken to homes they can afford, ones that need a lot of work, which the Property Brothers take care of, within their budget.
The builder I’ve been working with keeps telling me that he can build THIS home within my budget. I have yet to see it in writing. I don’t have a general budget/bid yet.
The dream home:
The proposal from the backup builder is to have them redesign this home, but smaller, to fit within my budget. If I like what they come up with, then it’s back to plan drafting and engineering (another $4000). Oh, and maybe another design review from the Town. It’s only money….and time, which is money…
Carrie's Building Journey 