What are the reasons I would build my own house?
The most obvious reason of building your own him is saving between 30%-40% on the overall cost. Next, you will be able to build the exact house features you want. You will also save in construction time and lastly, there will be an overall improved quality of build.
Do I need to have a Contractor’s license to build my own house ?
No. The local Building Department will have you complete an Owner Builder Affidavit.
Can I get a loan to build my own house?
The short answer is YES. Most mortgage companies have a product called Construction to Perm loan. Typically, you will be required to purchase land outright and use as collateral, plus have funds to get you through phase 1 of construction which will be reimbursed upon Bank inspection (typically, 10%- 15% of overall budget).
Can I build my own house if I don't have any construction experience?
You absolutely can! I have provided resources in the form of spreadsheets and podcasts, as well as the ability to schedule consulting time at a reasonable fee that will ensure your success. Additionally, you will have access to your local building officials that are a free service paid for by your tax dollars.
How long will it take me to build my own house versus hiring a builder?
A hired contractor has little to no benefit from building your home in a timely manner. A contractor can justify his/her existence by over-complicating the process, not to mention justify change orders in which she/he would benefit further. It is common for a builder to take 12-15 months to build a custom home, where Buildversity client's report an average of 5-6 months.
How will I find subcontractors to provide the labor I will need to build my own house?
Our clients have been encouraged to web search and read reviews, as well as visit local projects where examples of work can be seen. Should you desire, Buildversity offers a sub-contractor vetting service at a reasonable fee.
How will I know what inspections are required by the building Department in my County?
Upon issuance of permit application,
you will get a list of all required inspections from
the Building Department. You can also ask for an information inspection at anytime to discuss order of inspections at no cost.
How much of my time will it require weekly, for me to build my own house?
Buildversity clients have found the time they spend weekly is comparable to that of hiring a contractor. Not counting material selections, as this differs greatly from one person to the next, 7-14 hours is a good rule of thumb.
What is the biggest risk I am taking by building my own house?
Anxiety and stress of the unknown. This will be greatly reduced through trust and use in the program. Building officials will not allow a home to be built incorrectly and the time and money savings make the rewards far outweigh the risk. Trust me.
Who can I call if I have questions at different stages during the build?
Building Inspectors are always available free of charge to answer any questions you might have. Should it be during normal business hours, Buildversity is always available to schedule consultation calls to answer any questions.
How do I know what to consider when choosing a lot to build on?
Location, soil analysis, proximity of utilities, drainage and additional dirt requirements (note, it can get costly to build a house pad with imported structural soil).
How do I know if the architectural plans I chose is cost effective to build?
Buildversity will give a non-biased opinion and a full analysis of cost exposure.
How do I know if I'm getting a fair price from a subcontractor?
Utilizing the provided Buildversity budget spreadsheet and procuring 3-5 bids for every trade will give you confidence in what you are going to pay.
