Building a vacation home

[stupidgringo]

My wife and I are buying a lot at Canyon Lake. We'd like to build a cabin or barn-type vacation home in the 1400-1500 sq ft size range. Ideally it would be 2 bedrooms plus a loft with 2 full baths.

I'm looking for recommendations on builders, plans, septic installers, well drillers, and general advice. I'll probably go stick-built, but I'm open to panelized homes, but the home can't be "constructed" off site per hoa rules, so I think modular - with sections pre-assembled - is out.

Any guesses on the $/sq ft prices I should expect?

I'm also considering hiring a builder to construct a weathertight shell, and finishing or subbing the rest myself. Any guesses $/sq ft for just a shell?

Thanks.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

I'll do your roof... we're good 2 low cost.

Keep in mind that it's cheaper to UP vs. OUT as concrete gets expensive.

 

[Longhorn_Fan68]

Please, please, please hire an architect to help with the design and coordination of this process. Their fees *should* pay for themselves in what they help you save.

Perfect example: my boss' brother decided he was too independent and did not need to hire his brother, who is an architect, to help him with his ~$150k addition. So, fast-forward to the present where the project is complete and his brother has paid out all of his funds to his general contractor. It appears that the general contractor did not pay his subs and now they are exercising their liens on the property and my boss' brother's only choice (at least at the moment) is to REPAY all of the subcontractors so they will release their liens. As of right now he is basically paying $300k for a $150k renovation. That's just one example of many I have run across.

Let me know if you'd like to talk to me or get some referals for other architects. I've designed a house at Canyon Lake, so I'm familiar with the criteria out there.

Most of all, good luck. It can be a very challenging but rewarding process.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

No offense, 68, but how does an Architect insulate him from a builder who doesn't pay subs?

 

[Longhorn_Fan68]

Architects can review contracts, pay aps and certify percentage complete. They serve as a go-between the owner and contractor and AIA Contracts are much more legally binding than most agreements between contractors and owners. Basically an architect can help the owner make sure there is never more money paid out than there is value on the job. Etc, etc.

As it stands right now, there isn't much protection between the contractor and the owner.

 

[jimmyjazz]

Unless there is something specific about the lot that makes building difficult, I would think you could get a decent home of that size built for $95 - $120 per square foot. The details will matter. (Granite/hardwood/appliances, etc.)

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

Jimmy is correct.

"Wholesale" is going to start in the range of $ 90.00 per square foot. Obviously, the more you do on your own the less it might cost (unless you screw something up & have to get a professional in there to fix it).

Also, do it yourself often = takes forever to get it finished.