And Then There Was One

I’ve narrowed my choice down to one builder. They are an on-your-lot builder. I actually had them on my list over 8 months ago but crossed them off for a few reasons.

1. At the time, they did not have a floor plan that would work with my purchase lot.
2. The customer must do all the site development, which includes:

• Clearing & Excavation (remove trees, dig hole for house, external drainage, footings, trench for utilities, backfill, driveway)
• Septic design, permit, installation
• Temporary Utilities (Power, water, Sanican)
• Power & Water
• Permitting – they recommend using a permit specialist

I had hoped I could find a builder that would do the entire project. You can, but basically that’s the custom builder route. The last custom builder I was talking to could build within my budget, but once again, I was unable to find a floor plan that would work.

I’m chalking the 8 month delay up as “meant to be”. The floor plan that is the best with the on-your-lot builder is in the development/drafting stage. It did not exist until about a week ago. So, it was meant for me to be delayed so I could find the perfect plan at the right price. I sat with the pre-construction project manager for 4 hours, going over 50 million decisions on the house. I learned I have good taste because everything I “want” is an upgrade. The most important things to me are the floor plan taking advantage of the view, meeting architectural guidelines, not giving up what I had in my last house, energy efficiency and mechanics (electrical, plumbing, HVAC).

For now, it’s back to waiting for the plans to be finalized and pricing (which I never got from the first builder). My goal is to submit the preliminary plans for design review to meet historical architectural guidelines along with the building permit by the end of this month. I’m most likely prepping the paperwork myself as permit folks are backed up with work. I know how to fill out forms and follow directions. It will be a pain, but it will save me about $1500-2000 doing it myself.

:: rolls up sleeves ::

Hopeful Timeline:

• Design Review and Building Permit submitted by September 1st
• Approved Design Sept. 16th
• Approved/Granted Building Permit by November 1st
• Foundation December
• Framing in January
• Move in August/September by next year (which still feels SO FAR AWAY!)