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Journals
Name Visits Posts Pics

QuarterlyHouse32,25813599
8/26/2008Orlando, FL

LittleLakeCorner30,084100604
9/27/2008Groveland, FL

ICF-Keller-Tx26,85431122
8/22/2008Roanoke, TX

cosdreamhome23,83773147
5/5/2008Colorado Springs, CO

TheHoskensProject21,77152117
FridayMelbourne, FL

Bobs-Blog15,31165415
4/8/2008New Florence, PA

WilliamsinVegas13,04928104
8/26/2008Henderson, NV

OwensNewHome12,39878271
SaturdayChandler, AZ

Homestead12,3515677
11/29/2008Smithville, MO

Wheres-Waldo10,4654483
4/2/2008Marion, OH

Working-Wilton9,23828249
12/8/2008Wilton, NH

PennsmithLostValleyT...9,13253209
6/22/2008Dripping Springs, TX

Beaver-Creek-Ranch8,69510149
12/18/2008Santa Rosa, CA

DreamHome8,00923161
10/3/2008Orlando, FL

Our-Ohio-ICF-home7,6392027
3/20/2008Mansfield, OH

Ann-Arbor-ICF7,37628370
9/1/2008Dexter, MI

Thomas-Home--Raintre...5,75527180
4/9/2008Lee's Summit, MO

Arkansas-First-Timer4,7963487
9/10/2008Trumann, AR

1860s-Texas-Rehab-Ne...4,70638169
WednesdayBoerne, TX

CastleHeims4,4412053
11/25/2008cedar rapids, IA

Louisiana-Mediterran...4,23629183
5/23/2008Lafayette, LA

Plant-City-Craftsman4,18736
5/29/2008Plant City, FL

Bert-3,72831
3/20/2008Southern, CA

95821-Addition3,719714
6/24/2008Sacramento, CA

crystal-falls-home3,5801615
10/29/2008cedar park, TX

Riley3,5142876
2/13/2008Cave Creek, AZ

Tanglewood3,4328251
SaturdayColorado Springs, CO

Avenida-Del-Sol3,2991352
7/31/2008Peoria, AZ

Raider-Bills-Tenn-Ho...3,289632
12/22/2008Largo, FL

VilanoBeachCasa-de-S...3,2683499
YesterdaySaint Augustine, FL

Sowle-Family-House3,11459
4/29/2008South Burlington, VT

joeb2,97040
4/15/2008oakland, FL

The-Larnerd-House2,920521
1/21/2008Newport news, VA

httpownerbuilderbook...2,86483
2/19/2008Clayton, NY

DDs-ICF2,83033
1/27/2008New Smyrna Bch, FL

Cajun-Homestead2,7831293
6/22/2008Lafayette, LA

Airpark-Remodel2,7111116
11/25/2008Hillsboro, OR

Pahrump-Project2,697316
3/2/2008Spokane, WA

3022,591716
8/14/2008Belfair, WA

Heart-of-PA2,53689
9/10/2008Lewistown, PA

Blue-Springs-Project2,532823
2/24/2008Broken Arrow, OK

RabbitRun2,44229157
10/22/2008Afton, VA

Superstition-Views2,37929160
3/6/2008Mesa, AZ

ArtistHaven2,30265
2/26/2008Kansas City, MO

Sheldon-St2,13530
3/21/2008Orlando, FL

2008-Cedar-Ln2,1101435
9/19/2008seaville, NJ

mike-and-tori-darnle...2,09951
6/2/2008Rainbow, CA

Hawaiian-Bungalo2,099871
7/7/2008Holualoa, HI

Kanak-ICF--Virginia1,93790
3/26/2008Fredericksburg, VA

Dreamy-Design-in-Glo...1,93010
7/9/2008Clifton, VA

Victor--Susan-081,9031897
12/17/2008Ruckersville, VA

EurekaHouse-ICF1,794715
3/6/2008Berkeley, CA

ViceroyHomeCaliforni...1,696104
12/2/2008Arnold, CA

Andel-Ranch1,69333402
12/17/2008Rogers, TX

Dennis-Dream-Home1,65123168
SaturdayReadington Twp, NJ

Greg--Kathys-New-Hou...1,64920
4/3/2008Barryton, MI

dmaceld1,6471488
9/16/2008Nampa, ID

EurekaMT-Timberframe1,647143
1/24/2008Eureka, MT

Collier-Home1,51611
2/1/2008Little Rock, AR

Naperville-Webster-S...1,44674
YesterdayNaperville, IL

Casa-Bella1,44110
1/14/2008Pueblo West, CO

StansTLH1,435109
11/1/2008Tehachapi, CA

AlaskaICFREMOTEHouse1,4321938
8/17/2008Wasilla, AK

Off-Grid1,40531
4/20/2008Florissant, CO

Cyberdoc-Residence1,38620
4/25/2008San Diego, CA

Quail-Bluff-Pasco1,326929
6/10/2008Pasco, WA

JourneyBackHome1,28810
2/3/2008Oviedo, FL

ericdc1,28131
3/8/2008Uniontown, PA

Schrammelot1,278211
11/8/2008Pierson, FL

Our-House1,23410
2/24/2008Miami, FL

The-Ridges1,2161113
7/31/2008Logan, UT

Paul581,18110
1/19/2008Warrenton, VA

SEAlabamaHome1,16910
2/6/2008Enterprise, AL

Seven-Peaks-Faswall-...1,14719115
11/25/2008Graeagle, CA

Hidden-Valley-Texas1,13210
5/7/2008Southlake, TX

Latest-update1,123810
8/4/2008Sierra Vista, AZ

SouthernEcoHome1,1071721
10/17/2008Jacksonville, AL

dream-home-ohio1,09760
7/30/2008zanesville, OH

Fortune-House1,07810
4/17/2008Mooresville, NC

Alvin-House1,06620
4/14/2008LaPorte, TX

Katabatic-Wind1,05647
10/16/2008Huntsville, AL

SOPHIA--SAMUELDELAWA...1,0401130
9/28/2008Smyrna, DE

West-Texas-Ranch-Hou...1,03211
6/18/2008Andrews, TX

Penetang-Craftsman1,01636
7/27/2008Penetanguishene, ON

Mayfield-House1,00510
3/31/2008Mayfield, UT

deltona-fl-custom-ho...1,004414
7/6/2008deltona, FL

need-help-Jim99911
7/8/2008Bandon, OR

Capernall-House98642
5/15/2008Belleville, MI

Nimmerrichters-Fores...96210
4/2/2008Waldorf, MD

TheBeachHouse9591120
12/11/2008Shoreline, WA

Krusehome91920
12/27/2008Lake City, FL

Spyders-Web91310
6/10/2008Norman, OK

Lin-Washington90010
5/29/2008Fresno, CA

beamanhouse89810
3/27/2008Manistique, MI

CP-Graham-WA89010
6/12/2008graham, WA

Ingraham-House-Chape...88320
6/29/2008Cary, NC

Howard-Georgia-Retir...87067
11/9/2008Harlem, GA

Tristan--83260
7/25/2008Lebanon, NJ

ANDREA81640
8/2/2008Dallas, TX

famborgie81010
6/26/2008Lockhart, TX

Les79410
6/10/2008Logan, UT

NC-Pond-House78532
8/4/2008Wilmington, NC

Eschete-Dome776514
11/17/2008Lafayette, LA

TheHouse23275422
6/24/2008Bronx, NY

Keener-Road74220
7/8/2008Elizabethtown, PA

MargaritaVilla73924
8/4/2008Raleigh, NC

Help-with-Goulds-and...72210
9/16/2008tampa, FL

Jon-and-Mollys-House71415
9/25/2008Ellicott City, MD

Pete--Rhiannon71143
9/19/2008Springfield, MO

threegables6921596
12/26/2008Waukesha, WI

Thompson-Valley-Home61821
8/19/2008Monticello, FL

Castle-Rock-Lakehous...606650
12/21/2008Necedah, WI

Proctor-ICF59811
9/25/2008Fredericksburg, VA

Consulting59410
9/2/2008Orlando, FL

Kevin--Kerrys-Dream57535
10/17/2008Northvale, NJ

Cherry-Valley-Vista57412
10/5/2008Duvall, WA

Elijahs-Home56346
12/6/2008Vero Beach, FL

Accessible-House540310
10/14/2008Munford, TN

Elmhurst-Modern47312
10/14/2008elmhurst, IL

Where-to-start46451
11/2/2008Lemoore, CA

BrunkHouseAlmaKansas43126
12/26/2008Garden Grove, CA

Back-Home-In-Crisp3878109
YesterdayEnnis, TX

The-Woods-Journal38311
11/6/2008Doraville, GA

NorthPoleHome24614
11/19/2008Anchorage, AK

ranch-house20210
11/25/2008springfield, IL

Littlewoods19720
12/1/2008Amite, LA
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Thanks, you guys - this really is a great crowd.
Lisa in Groveland, FL

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Previous Owner-Builder Survey

What are the three best things you did?


Brock in Walla Walla, WA said:

Placing the house on the lot to maintain the best view, hardwood floors which was a new thing for me, designing and building custom mantels for the fireplaces


Pat in Round Rock, TX said: I bought the AutoCADD plans from and Architect redesign the house to fit our needs without changing any achitectural features.  I made my wife's closet about 120SF added a safe room/wine cellar made the third garage door 12' wide and 28' deep to fit a four door 1 ton truck, added the 400SF outdoor kitchen and 400SF Sundeck, 620SF game room/media room
steve in anthem, AZ said: french doors, attic, garage, see thru fireplace, step down living room, jacussi tub.
Dayna in Riverton, UT said:

Kept a tight schedule.  Our financing costs were almost half of what our friends were.  We built in 4 months, they were almost 1 year for the same size home in the same town, many of the same subs.

Asked everyone we knew who had done any home improvement or construction for suppliers and contractors/subs they were happy with.

Walked through tons of model homes picking out exactly what we wanted for cosmetic finishes.  Also asked many people what they would change about their homes if they could so we knew exactly what we wanted.  FYI, people always responded with more closets and larger garage.  We did the extra closets and passed on the larger garage.  Regretted not doing a larger garage, but are planning on it this next round.


Eric in seaville, NJ said: radiant, superior walls, custom cabinetry
Mike in Marion, OH said:

Did as many trades myself as I could. But if it would save a lot of time or I was not competant at it I would sub it out.

Electrical, Roofing, Siding, drywall, flooring and trim work saved the most doing these myself. Next best would be painting.


Ken in Orangevale, CA said:

1. Let the architect provide elevations and floorplan.

2. I did the rest of the design.

3. Negotiated materials and labor costs.


Roger in Petoskey, MI said:

1.  Came up with my own lists of specs and materials.

2.  Got multiple lists.

3.  Showed up daily to use to identify the inevitable problems.


John in Port Republic, MD said:

Built the house and finish it.

Have lived in the house and love the floor plan. It works very well and we love it.

decks, we built them and they look great!

 


Kenneth in Lees Summit, MO said:

1) O-B myself

2) Hire an architect - Greg was fantastic.

3) ICF construction, this so much nicer than stick-framed.  You don't understand until you walk in one of these, they are so much more subsstantial.  It is like closing the door on a Ford Escort and comparing it to closing the door on a BMW 7-series.


ray in richmond hill, GA said: foam insulation,large rooms,hardwood floors
Brian in South Burlington, VT said:

Built front entry steps of brick

Wired entire house with help from Brother in law.

Ran all the radiant heat by myself


Evan in Middleville, MI said:

Designed my own plan

Framed it myself

Plumbed it myself


Brian in Manvel, TX said:

Not waste money on a GC

Run a very tight schedule. Trades were asked when they would finish, and given 1-2 days cushion.

Expect the worst and plan for the best


Jedda in Brighton, ON said:

Shopped around.

Small amount of self-work.

Drew our own plan.


Craig in Green Bay, WI said: all brick
Foam insulation
didn't cut corners to save a dollar

Karl in Reno, NV said:

1. Start

2. Everything else

3. Finish


definitely in hampton, VA said: organization and wiring layouts
Aimee in Kalamazoo, MI said:

deciding to owner-build; using our framer; upgrading to ICF


Richard in malabar, FL said: N/A
Max in OKC, OK said:

Multilevel

Kitchen - lots of cabinets

Loft


Karlie in Ogden, UT said:

Learned how to better communicate with the contractors and let them know what I wanted and expected, learned to be better organized, became better at being creative when the budget needed adjustments.


Kathlyn in Orlando, AL said:

Picked a plan we loved, and products we loved.
Took the challenge.
Kept working after we were cheated.


John in Erie, CO said: ICF walls & radiant heat.
Design.

Kari in Colbert, WA said: electrical, painting, trimwork
Mark in Provo, UT said: Elaine had a good eye for a livable design with good curb appeal.
Our written budget kept us within our means.
Extensive planning allowed us to work in lots of neat features for a bargain price.

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Latest 5-Star Post
You can move a post to the front page simply by voting!
Brain, I would like to say in retrospect that if you built a 3,600 sq ft home for $240,000 you did a excellent job. You should be proud. Maybe consider selling it if you feel over extended. You can also go to the bank and get your loan reconstructed to fit your needs under new federal regulations. I'm sure you have lots of equity.
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Linda in Fresno, CA
Previous Owner-Builder Survey

What is the air conditioned or heated size of the home you owner-built?

< 1,000 s.f.
 
2.33% (2/86)
1,000 - 1,500 s.f.
 
6.98% (6/86)
1,500 - 2,000 s.f.
 
9.30% (8/86)
2,000 - 2,500 s.f.
 
18.60% (16/86)
2,500 - 3,000 s.f.
 
11.63% (10/86)
3,000 - 4,000 s.f.
 
22.09% (19/86)
4,000 - 5,000 s.f.
 
19.77% (17/86)
5,000 - 6,000 s.f.
 
6.98% (6/86)
6,000 - 7,000 s.f.
 
2.33% (2/86)
>7,000 s.f.
 
0.00% (0/86)
Average: 3,203
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Latest Post
  Mike , Sorry,I don't have any sub list,but if you get any good referrals I would be interested in them.  I will be building in Alma in a couple of years and it is never too early to start my list. Thanks, Mike    
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Michael in Garden Grove, CA
Latest Journal Entry
Finally the rain stopped & the ground dried enough to allow concrete trucks to drive on it... Reset the forms & reebar, put the sand back that had washed away & then - Aaahhhh - Soild concrete! Soooo nice!  
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Bob in Ennis, TX
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Construction Bargain Strategies
166. New Guys Sometimes a supplier is introducing a new product line and will discount it heavily to get market share. Sometimes qualified subs are just entering a new specialty. They will offer low prices to gain entry to the market, and still guarantee their work. My framer was very qualified but had worked for a general for years. I got him just as he went into business for himself.
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Thought from the Book
The first reason you need to spend so much time on-site is to prevent disaster. An amazing number of things can go wrong, and will. The lack of communication is a common problem on a construction site. You must explain, explain, and explain. One couple in Florida took a vacation during construction and patiently told the framing crew before they left that they wanted the family room to be six feet longer than the plans specified. When they returned they found the family room had been built six feet shorter than the plans specified.
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Five Useful Ideas from The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home

by Mark A. Smith

We highly recommend "immersing" yourself in self-contracting information before your build. Very often a single idea can save you more than the cost of your last vacation. By becoming familiar with the good books on the subject you will find unexpected ideas to help you build a better house for less.

One such good book is The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home by Lester and McGuerty. (See our Bookstore.) Here are a handful of ideas that might make a difference to your project, culled from just the first 100 pages. Aw, what the heck, how about a double handful:

Page 11 "Have materials delivered early so they can be exchanged or corrected before they are needed."

Page11 "Put payment amount and payment schedule in writing and have it signed by both parties."

Page 12 "Don't try to do too mych of the actual physical work yourself. Your time and skills are often better used managing the job."

Page 23 "Look for any situations that can void Worker's Compensation coverage. For example, in some states, drywall subs experiencing accidents while using drywall stilts are not covered."

Page 24 "Don't build in an area where homes are more than 15 or 20 percent lower in value than your planned home."

Page 24 "Don't attempt to save money by buying a less desirable lot. Curb appeal can affect the value of your home by 25% percent or more."

Page 29 "Eliminate as many hallways and walls as possible. Hallways waste building materials and add to heated space while making a house seem smaller."

Page 40 "Most material suppliers will be glad to store purchased items for you and deliver them when ready for use."

Page 42 "Pay schedule: 45% afer rough-in. 45% after finish work complete. 10% two weeks after finish work."

Page 48 (Regarding taking out interior walls) "Air is the cheapest building material you can use."

Page 50 "[Self-] Work can distract you from your more important job of overseeing the work of others. Your most valuable skill is that of boss - scheduler, inspector, coordinator, and referee."

Page 52 "Use a glued-and-screwed tongue-and-groove plywood floor to increase the allowable span of the floor system. This system stiffens the floor and eliminates squeaks. It also eliminates the need for a separate underlayment."

Page 54 "Use 22 1/2 inch windows if your studs are 24 inches on center. No header needed. Use several for a big window effect."

Page 56 "Burn or bury trash if you can. It is cheaper than hauling off the material."

Page 96 "If you do not own a pickup truck and can't borrow one, try to buy an inexpensive trailer than can be attached to your car. You can sell it later after the project is over."

Page 99 (If you cut down trees yourself) "...Cut them four feet from the ground: the bulldozer needs a good piece of the tree to pull the roots out of the soil. If you don't have a fireplace, consider selling the wood."


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