New Home Construction

jammons4

Member
Jun 4, 2006
77
0
6
Parkersburg, IA
First of all - Hello to everyone. I've been a member of CF since the FB coaching search, but have never done any posting. From reading many threads over the last few years, I know there are a lot of well informed people on this message board. I would like to take advantage of some of the knowledge all of you have.

My fiance and I are considering building a new home in the Grimes, IA area. We have looked at some floorplans from many different builders in the area, but I have had thoughts of doing the general contracting on my own. I know there is a consulting company in the Des Moines area (UBuildIt) and there are tons of books available.

Anybody have experience with this? Suggestions?
 
If you decide to go another route and are looking for a builder, I can give you a recommendation for the folks that built our home - also in Grimes.

However, I can't speak to what you're after. It's a fun yet tedious process. Good luck!
 
I have a great builder that will help you out. He is going to build our next house since I finally found someone who I can trust, and that means a lot. Let me know if you want the name.
 
Yes, you can self contract your house. I have had three friends successfully complete their projects. :yes::wink::smile:

You will have to put up with some tough issues at times, but having list of good subcontractors willing to bid is most important to your project. Since subcontractors are looking for work, you may save up to 20% by doing your own thing. If you are meticulous, it may help if you choose to do you own. Having design drawings ready to use up front is necessary also.
 
Also, talk to "DaddyMac" on here as well - he's going through the same process as you. He and his wife will be building a house here shortly, and he's going to be doing the GC role himself.
 
I work for a builder so I am a little biased. I know you can buy floor plans off the internet though.
 
Don't buy floor plans off the internet - hire young architects willing to do the design work for relatively free to build their portfolio - especially ones that do sustainable design and know how to design homes to be more efficient so you have little to no utility bills in a weather-diverse place like the midwest (Hi, my name is Justin, and I'm an architect) :)
 
Just curious, nowhere near building, but what does it cost to build a (2800 sqft?) two story 4 bed/(4bath/2full) house. I know what lots cost depending on area.

Can anyone give me a ballpark estimate?
 
We do some concrete work for a few homebuilders. Three build a great house most of them in the 200,000 + market

Chas Johnson Construction
Marien Construction- Waukee
TruView Enterprises

they have a designs on many houses they can build
 
Just curious, nowhere near building, but what does it cost to build a (2800 sqft?) two story 4 bed/(4bath/2full) house. I know what lots cost depending on area.

Can anyone give me a ballpark estimate?

A lot of builders range in the $100 to $125 per square foot. This depends on finishes and things, but this would give you a general idea.
 
for single family home, unless you're putting in lots of high end finishes, you should be able to stay under the $100/sq ft range. The good thing about homes is you don't need steel, which is the #1 construction cost these days in any area (for large scale construction).
 
Just a thought......some subcontractors are struggling, and you DO NOT want to be left in the lurch in the middle of your project. Do your homework, and hire reputable, long standing companies.

Agreed. I wanted to contract this ourselves - but not only did I not know the regulations governing new construction in Grimes - but I had no idea who were the good/bad subs. That alone detracted me from doing it ourselves.

If I did it again, I may be more apt to go it alone. We were so happy with our builders though, and have become friends with them, that it would be tough to do that.

Working on converting them into ISU FB season ticket holders. So naturally, if they're Cyclone fans, they're good people. :yes:
 
I'm possibly (more than likely) looking to build this year too. I have couple of builders in mind, but if some of you guys would PM with those you've had good luck with too, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

What extra services did they offer?
 
I'm possibly (more than likely) looking to build this year too. I have couple of builders in mind, but if some of you guys would PM with those you've had good luck with too, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

What extra services did they offer?
Where at?
Ames?
Grimes?
other?
 
Don't buy floor plans off the internet - hire young architects willing to do the design work for relatively free to build their portfolio - especially ones that do sustainable design and know how to design homes to be more efficient so you have little to no utility bills in a weather-diverse place like the midwest (Hi, my name is Justin, and I'm an architect) :)

I as well would like to throw myself out there in the same manner as isuarch80/ Justin has.

Architects (even if only used as a planning consultant) can EASILY tailor fit a floorplan to your exact needs, especially if you can't seem to find what you want. Some of the plans I see from catalogs/ websites drive me crazy! This is a really easy task for architects who are used to coordinating complex programs/ buildings. They can also give advice on easy sustainability issues (unless of course you're against that).

And yes, young arch's (gulp) usually moonlight for little or no fee. PM me w/ any requests.
 
Do you have the knowledge to be a GC? I'm really surprised that someone would build in this market. It would seem to me that you could get a bargain on a house right now. Builders are throwing in extras to keep the prices of the homes up. I applaud you for it but trust me, if you really want to save money you will have to spend a ton of time at the house during construction. You should be there to haul garbage, do general cleanup and make sure the subs are there working when they say they will be. If you have any work that you will be doing yourself make sure you alot plenty of time. You will also have to prepare yourself for a few go arounds with the subs because there will be overruns and they will push you unless you stand your ground. If you are doing it because you want that dream floor plan that noone else has come up with I would suggest hiring a builder who has jumped these hurdles before. I don't want to discourage you but lets just say I wish I had spent that summer boating instead of worrying what my house looked at every phase of construction. It still burns my @ss every time I look at my kitchen, deck and master bath. If i had just moved in I wouldn't know the stories behind them. Go Cyclones.
 

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