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Journals
Name Visits Posts Pics
QuarterlyHouse29,71813599
TuesdayOrlando, FL
LittleLakeCorner25,91098585
7/8/2008Groveland, FL
ICF-Keller-Tx24,56031122
FridayRoanoke, TX
cosdreamhome21,89174147
5/5/2008Colorado Springs, CO
toolehouse21,75988144
12/3/2007Reno, NV
TheHoskensProject19,73947108
7/17/2008Melbourne, FL
Powderhorn10,29248176
10/4/2007Florida
Homestead10,0604350
TuesdaySmithville, MO
OwensNewHome10,05158149
MondayChandler, AZ
WilliamsinVegas9,98328104
TuesdayHenderson, NV
Bobs-Blog8,98165415
4/8/2008New Florence, PA
Wheres-Waldo8,7324483
4/2/2008Marion, OH
Beaver-Creek-Ranch7,6619142
6/3/2008Santa Rosa, CA
PennsmithLostValleyT...7,15253209
6/22/2008Dripping Springs, TX
Working-Wilton7,14325205
7/22/2008Wilton, NH
TheWillemsHome7,121175
9/10/2007Galloway Township, NJ
Our-Ohio-ICF-home6,6102027
3/20/2008Mansfield, OH
DreamHome6,49422147
4/10/2008Orlando, FL
ICFAnnArborMichigan6,25228344
5/22/2008Dexter, MI
WeAreBuildingAgain5,4552756
11/15/2007Orlando, FL
CanyonCove4,97110
9/12/2007Provo, UT
Thomas-Home--Raintre...4,63827180
4/9/2008Lee's Summit, MO
Arkansas-First-Timer4,0353278
7/7/2008Trumann, AR
Gordon-Lake-House3,8721851
1/3/2008Oakland, IA
CastleHeims3,7421732
8/16/2008cedar rapids, IA
Luray-VA-1stTimeBuil...3,69073
10/4/2007Luray, VA
Florida-Waterfront-C...3,65731
12/29/2007PB, FL
Plant-City-Craftsman3,50736
5/29/2008Plant City, FL
Taking-the-Plunge3,471618
9/18/2007Springfield, OH
Building-the-Dream-i...3,38770
11/29/2007Gladstone, OR
Louisiana-Mediterran...3,29529183
5/23/2008Lafayette, LA
Bert-3,07331
3/20/2008Southern, CA
ClearwaterHills3,04226
12/14/2007Paradise Valley, AZ
Bruce in Petrolia, O...2,84252
10/4/2007Petrolia, ON
The-Ponderosa2,692822
11/4/2007Perry, OK
Avenida-Del-Sol2,6821352
7/31/2008Peoria, AZ
Crystal-Falls-home2,6781212
Mondaycedar park, TX
Raider-Bills-Tenn-Ho...2,649421
5/16/2008Largo, FL
Ingram-Fleming-ICF-H...2,58048
11/29/2007Plant City, FL
VilanoBeachCasa-de-S...2,5722884
7/19/2008Saint Augustine, FL
Riley2,5042876
2/13/2008Cave Creek, AZ
joeb2,40240
4/15/2008oakland, FL
Sowle-Family-House2,38859
4/29/2008South Burlington, VT
httpownerbuilderbook...2,28283
2/19/2008Clayton, NY
The-Larnerd-House2,254521
1/21/2008Newport news, VA
Spicewood-TX2,20633
10/20/2007Austin, TX
95821-Addition2,155714
6/24/2008Sacramento, CA
DDs-ICF2,11333
1/27/2008New Smyrna Bch, FL
1860s-Texas-Rehab-Ne...2,09434156
SundayBoerne, TX
ComfortHome2,05930
8/30/2007Dublin, OH
Poplar-Creek-Farm2,055525
9/10/2007Oakland Park, FL
3022,049716
8/14/2008Belfair, WA
Pahrump-Project2,046316
3/2/2008Spokane, WA
Heart-of-PA1,97334
6/15/2008Lewistown, PA
Blue-Springs-Project1,886823
2/24/2008Broken Arrow, OK
STEPHANIES-DREAM1,8791757
12/30/2007Lower Burrell, PA
Helpful-Tips1,87520
9/13/2007Encinitas, CA
Beckynray1,86030
10/24/2007Powhatan, VA
RozBuildingAdventure1,84110
9/14/2007San Pablo, CA
Superstition-Views1,83729160
3/6/2008Mesa, AZ
AirparkRemodel1,826611
8/14/2008Hillsboro, OR
backwoodsproject1,80710
8/30/2007Dry Branch, GA
Cajun-Homestead1,7921293
6/22/2008Lafayette, LA
ArtistHaven1,77465
2/26/2008Kansas City, MO
RabbitRun1,66627145
8/14/2008Afton, VA
kittyfhughesnet1,63725
9/27/2007Noblesville, IN
6158-in-Montgomery-T...1,61241
12/23/2007Conroe, TX
Tanglewood1,6065744
ThursdayColorado Springs, CO
Sheldon-St1,58630
3/21/2008Orlando, FL
2008-Cedar-Ln1,5471333
5/7/2008seaville, NJ
Scott-Family1,50310
9/25/2007Trinity, AL
mike-and-tori-darnle...1,50051
6/2/2008Rainbow, CA
Trinity-Bible-Church1,35112
9/26/2007Fredericksburg, VA
Kanak-ICF--Virginia1,33190
3/26/2008Fredericksburg, VA
Hawaiian-Bungalo1,253871
7/7/2008Holualoa, HI
FlagholeRoad1,22726
10/25/2007Franklin, NH
SchnabelEstate1,20624
11/16/2007Avon, IN
EurekaHouse-ICF1,205715
3/6/2008Berkeley, CA
Green-for-Dean1,18710
11/10/2007San Jose, CA
ViceroyHomeCaliforni...1,15184
7/11/2008Arnold, CA
Odd1,15010
12/8/2007Boston, MA
Lake-Pleasant1,13121
11/14/2007Erie, PA
EurekaMT-Timberframe1,053143
1/24/2008Eureka, MT
dmaceld1,0161388
5/26/2008Nampa, ID
Casa-Nostra1,00123
12/2/2007Bangor, PA
Victor--Susan-089681250
7/30/2008Ruckersville, VA
Greg--Kathys-New-Hou...95420
4/3/2008Barryton, MI
DomeSweetDome94511
1/1/2008Charleston, SC
Collier-Home93411
2/1/2008Little Rock, AR
inniagara93410
11/24/2007Niagara Falls, ON
AboveTheAppleTree90010
12/8/2007La Farge, WI
lance86130
12/29/2007Grand Prairie, TX
AlaskaICFREMOTEHouse8241938
8/17/2008Wasilla, AK
BobDonna81110
12/12/2007Sacramento, CA
Quail-Bluff-Pasco776929
6/10/2008Pasco, WA
Casa-Bella77110
1/14/2008Pueblo West, CO
Cyberdoc-Residence77120
4/25/2008San Diego, CA
JourneyBackHome74610
2/3/2008Oviedo, FL
Naperville-Webster-S...74433
ThursdayNaperville, IL
Schrammelot73616
2/2/2008Pierson, FL
Off-Grid72331
4/20/2008Florissant, CO
Paul5869610
1/19/2008Warrenton, VA
ericdc68931
3/8/2008Uniontown, PA
The-Ridges6831113
7/31/2008Logan, UT
SEAlabamaHome67610
2/6/2008Enterprise, AL
Our-House62410
2/24/2008Miami, FL
StansTLH55988
7/3/2008Tehachapi, CA
Hidden-Valley-Texas55410
5/7/2008Southlake, TX
Penetang-Craftsman52836
7/27/2008Penetanguishene, ON
Katabatic-Wind52636
6/29/2008Huntsville, AL
Alvin-House50520
4/14/2008LaPorte, TX
Fortune-House49910
4/17/2008Mooresville, NC
Mayfield-House49610
3/31/2008Mayfield, UT
Latest-update473810
8/4/2008Sierra Vista, AZ
Dreamy-Design-in-Glo...46310
7/9/2008Clifton, VA
Dennis-Dream-Home4531478
Today @ 6:12 AMReadington Twp, NJ
beamanhouse43010
3/27/2008Manistique, MI
Capernall-House42742
5/15/2008Belleville, MI
dream-home-ohio42560
7/30/2008zanesville, OH
Nimmerrichters-Fores...39310
4/2/2008Waldorf, MD
SOPHIA--SAMUELDELAWA...3841022
7/7/2008Smyrna, DE
TheBeachHouse36065
6/23/2008Shoreline, WA
Andel-Ranch33610103
8/16/2008Rogers, TX
Lin-Washington32110
5/29/2008Fresno, CA
Ingraham-House-Chape...29020
6/29/2008Cary, NC
West-Texas-Ranch-Hou...27211
6/18/2008Andrews, TX
Spyders-Web25710
6/10/2008Norman, OK
CP-Graham-WA25710
6/12/2008graham, WA
Howard-Georgia-Retir...24955
8/14/2008Harlem, GA
deltona-fl-custom-ho...249414
7/6/2008deltona, FL
Tristan--24060
7/25/2008Lebanon, NJ
SouthernEcoHome2401016
8/11/2008Jacksonville, AL
Lake-City-ICF23910
6/17/2008Lake City, FL
ANDREA23640
8/2/2008Dallas, TX
Les23210
6/10/2008Logan, UT
famborgie21510
6/26/2008Lockhart, TX
need-help-Jim21411
7/8/2008Bandon, OR
TheHouse23218822
6/24/2008Bronx, NY
vinbeazel17611
6/18/2008Tehachapi, CA
Keener-Road16120
7/8/2008Elizabethtown, PA
NC-Pond-House13632
8/4/2008Wilmington, NC
Seven-Peaks136715
7/14/2008Graeagle, CA
MargaritaVilla11624
8/4/2008Raleigh, NC
Thompson-Valley-Home3821
8/19/2008Monticello, FL
Construction-Lending3110
8/19/2008Tempe, AZ
Pete--Rhiannon1610
YesterdaySpringfield, MO
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Initial thoughts2
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Questions I need ans...3
To Do - Interior16
To Do Exterior7
Water / Sewer2
Home The Book Bookstore Forums Construction
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Mark Smith, Managing Editor
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8/28/2008

I thought it was very kind of you to offer your book free to people that couldn't afford it. Who says there is no kindness and altruism left in the world?!
Pat W. in Sewanee, TN

Future Owner-Builder Survey

What is the average monthly utility cost in your current home?

<$50
 
0.79% (3/378)
$50 - $100
 
5.56% (21/378)
$100 - $150
 
15.61% (59/378)
$150 - $200
 
26.19% (99/378)
$200 - $250
 
21.43% (81/378)
$250 - $300
 
12.70% (48/378)
$300 - $350
 
9.52% (36/378)
$350 - $400
 
4.23% (16/378)
$400 - $450
 
1.59% (6/378)
>$450
 
2.38% (9/378)
Average: $220
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Latest 5-Star Post
You can move a post to the front page simply by voting!
Hi ElliotWith the changes in the economy, and specifically the housing market, the banks are (wisely) tightening up on builder loans. I spoke with one the other day that stated that they had stopped lending for "spec homes", because they just weren't selling. But as we spoke, and he learned that this was to be my primary residence, he said they could probably help (as it turned out, we're not working with that particular bank, but he did lend some good insight).I do know that Timberland Bank is
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Ric in Mill Creek, WA
Previous Owner-Builder Survey

How many trades did you do yourself?

0
 
13.89% (10/72)
1
 
4.17% (3/72)
2
 
13.89% (10/72)
3
 
18.06% (13/72)
4
 
16.67% (12/72)
5
 
9.72% (7/72)
6
 
8.33% (6/72)
7
 
2.78% (2/72)
8
 
1.39% (1/72)
>8
 
11.11% (8/72)
Average: 3.93
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Latest Post
I had really wanted to go with a geothermal system for our new build in Sacramento, CA - but, after looking at the costs, we're going with a standard system.  Our house will be 4125 sft, single story - slab on grade, on 5 acres of relatively flat land.  Based on our energy calcs - we will need a total of 8 tons for heating/cooling. The three geothermal bids that I got ranged from $60k-$70k (not including the trenching that I'd have to do +$10k ) (drilling was way too expensive at
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long in Sacramento, CA
Latest Journal Entry
This second week of framing has our house really taking shape. We experienced some delays because the mason placed an important support pier about 2 ft off from where it should have been, so we had to have him come back and pour a new footing in our basement. That happened on Monday and framing has continued since. The bidding wars also continue for fireplaces, HVAC and stairs. It's been insane, but we are retaining humour throughout thankfully. The last & highest HVAC bid came in at $44K--
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Gabriela in Readington Twp, NJ
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Construction Bargain Strategies
113. Get Your Insurance Valuation Down. Here's another stream of outgo that often goes overlooked: your homeowner's insurance premiums. The premiums are set each year according to a very conservative index of what similar homes to yours cost. Your premiums are based on an imputed valuation of similar homes, though they may be at very inflated prices. You can get your valuation down. It won't cut the amount they have to pay if your home is destroyed. They have to replace it. But they calculate the cost of a home with all the trimmings, such as land, which doesn't have to be replaced if the house is destroyed, and concrete work and landscaping, which are likewise almost never replaced if your home is destroyed. I was able to get my insurance company to reduce the valuation of my home by a third. They wanted an appraisal of the house, so I gave them the revised house valuation from our county after I appealed my property taxes and succeeded in reducing the county's valuation. This cut my premiums by one third or $200 a year. See what evidence it will take for your insurer to reduce your house valuation and gather it up for your adjustment. Make sure the fine print in your policy doesn't prevent you from getting full replacement cost in the event of disaster, even if a contractor is used to rebuild.
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Thought from the Book
In my survey of general contractors I found that they marked up materials by an average of 24%. But the number could be even higher. An architect in Nevada told me that he set up a purchasing company to help his clients save money on materials. He said his firm openly marked up the materials by 35%. Yet, they almost always beat the material prices offered to clients by contractors.
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You Get What You Pay For?

by Mark A. Smith

I've grown to despise the expression "You get what you pay for." It's a favorite of general contractors who condemn owner-building. It's spoken with some gravity as if it were a higher truth known to the wise.

But it just isn't true. We see people saving 35% by owner-building every day of the week. They have the same house, the same kitchen sink, the same garage door, the same sliding window as the person who used a contractor and spent 35% more.

What is it about that kitchen sink that makes it better when you've spent $338 instead of $220 like Elaine and I did? Or heaven forbid, if you paid $450 or $600, the listed "retail price"? When a contractor is running the job, you have an excellent chance of paying retail for house components, although they are widely available at deep discounts.

Yes, you pay more for a general contractor and what does it get you? A better design? No, that should be the province of the designer working closely with you. Better quality? Not if you are checking the work that goes into the job each day. The average custom contractor provides on-site supervision only a couple of hours a week when you're building. Expertise? You can hire an independent inspector for that who will provide objective input. Peace of mind? Yes, if you are clueless about the process.

But you won't be clueless. A successful owner-builder plans thoroughly before breaking ground. You wind up knowing your house and what's in it better than any third party can. Along the way you resolve design issues to your satisfaction and see better ways and better components to meet your needs.

The reward for this is not well understood. You pay less, but you get the same valuation as a contractor-built house. On an average home, you would save more than $50,000. Mind you, this is pure equity, it is tax- free wealth.

So, did you get what you paid for? You paid less, but got much more. I prefer the saying, "The best things in life are free."


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