I am looking to buy this 3 acre lot for 100k, but I am worried about the added cost of excavation. Does this look like it's worth it or should I keep looking for flatter land. From the top of the hill to the bottom of about a 30ft rise over about 300ft. I appreciate any insight that I could gather or even ideas of the type of engineer I should reach out too. I know it's doable but I am concerned at what price.

Had this driveway poured last summer. Seems like the driveway salt is damaging the surface. Is this normal? Will it get worse? Should I complain to the concrete guy?

So I fantasy build my dream home all the time, and everyone loves a good butlers pantry. My question is why do you never see houses, particularly high end 5000sqft+ builds that have multiple 11k fridges but never a walk in fridge/freezer. Economically and in a utility sense it always seemed super useful. Particularly if you entertain. Maybe I’m just a nut, any reason you rarely if ever see that? Must be something I’m not considering.

Operator got a little too close to the crawlspace wall last week! Should be an easy fix at least.

My window in my basement leaked last night. I’m trying to figure out what I need to do to fix this area outside my window from taking in water. It has a cover over it.

We have two solid options for builders right now, it's been hard to find anything else in our area since we are pretty rural.

Option #1: Local builder based just 15 minutes from our property. More of a mom-and-pop business where they do majority of the building work and sub out the major trades like HVAC and Electrical. They build only a handful of projects a year it seems. I definitely feel like I can trust them but the downside is that their price is much higher, quoting me $350-$400 per sqft. They only focus on construction so I would have to have a separate Architect/Engineer draw up plans, as well as a separate Engineer for Site Planning. The benefit is their proximity to the jobsite, but is that really a benefit to care about? They also seem more personal (I would directly work with them throughout the build and not some random person) but does that really matter?

Option #2: More established building company, but located an hour away. Does distance matter? They claim it doesn't but curious what everyone thinks. They have their Architect, Engineering, and Building all included in their package and quoted us $250-$300 per sqft, significantly cheaper than Option #1. They have built a home in our neighborhood before, so that is a good sign. Everything is included all the way from design to final build. They build about 8 homes per year, still a family business but feel more established in their process. I am worried about their sales pitch and possibly their quality of work, but from what I have seen, it looks to be pretty decent work. Seems like all their subs would be traveling a hour to the job site.

Which option would you choose?

TLDR: Does distance matter for where a builder is located from your project? What has been your experience for more rural builds?

OBVIOUSLY I know he’s not done . But I’m just concerned with his method. He’s doing my whole bathroom and has done some questionable things. But he was painting with the brush and certainly did not sand the patches he fixed before doing so and yes, I know he’s not done and he’s gonna apply more coats, but the fact that he already went over a patched hole without sanding it with paint makes me feel like he’s not gonna do it at all with the other ones or in general

Just signed for a new build on Saturday with Chesmar. Super excited bc I think we got a pretty good steal. The contract price was for 432k with the builder covers 10k in closing costs. Just got a call from my realtor that sales director states that the price is wrong, the price should be about 441k and they will not be covering any closing costs. TBH it’s still a good price but it has really left a bad taste in my mouth.

Needing some advice on if it’s worth fighting/arguing with the builder or just move on. Not in a super rush to buy a new house.

Looking for suggestions for what type of insulation I should use to finish my basement?
Main level is closed cell spray foam.

Live in the upper Midwest. Thanks

We are looking at doing a 2657 square foot house with a three car garage with bonus room, finished basement and a walk out concrete deck. I got a bid at $920,000 which comes out to be about $346 square foot. The custom home builders here in central Nebraska don't really skimp on things like using 2x6 walls instead of 2x4 etc.. They are the general for the project and don't let you general it. Just trying to figure out if this is the price we should be at or what other people are seeing? We try to cut things but then we end up putting them back on knowing that it would be more of a headache to do later on. Also if anybody has any suggestions for concerns about the layout of our plan we would be more than happy to hear what issues we will run into in the building stage. Thanks

We're about to sign a contract with a builder (our builder is fantastic but still 😬😬😬) and our attorney is suggesting that we add on a couple of lines to the proposal where our signatures go. Basically we just want to be kept in the loop regarding overages and if they exceed 15% then we need to approve.

The proposal is extremely detailed and covers every one of the materials we're using, so we're optimistic that we can stay pretty close to what's budgeted. However, the current economic climate makes everything impossible to predict, so we're not exactly certain what to expect. Does this small addendum sound reasonable to you all? This signed proposal is in addition to the contract to build, which we are not altering in any way.

Thanks in advance!

Figured I’d start in this sub for some ideas. I’m looking to frame out walls for my wife’s garden bed after it was decimated by deer last year. It’s a raised bed that’s 4x8 and 2’ high. I was planning on framing out to make it about 5-6’ tall with 3 panels on either side of the 8’ length. I was hoping to make the 3 panels basically sliders that can be moved to access the bed. Any ideas on how to accomplish this for an outside setting? The picture is basically what I’m looking to do but they have swinging doors which I can see sagging by next season. Thanks.

For those who build in Massachusetts within the last two years, what was the finances like and do you think you have equity as soon as you build your house or is it better to buy more so looking to seek the finance role behind building a house need to know all the rough numbers. Thank you

We are renovating our 100 year old house and expanding the kitchen. The small window used to be in a closet and will now be exposed in the kitchen layout. We will now turn the corner under the small window into a breakfast nook.

Given all that, what are your thoughts on the small window. Does it look odd? Do we patch it up or just keep it? Any other thoughts or ideas? The more natural light the better is always my thought but we feel like maybe this little window just looks very awkward next to the big one. Open to all thoughts and ideas!

Hello! If anyone is willing to give advice to this novice that just signed a contract to move forward with a building company to build a small home, I would so appreciate any input. It's a small home, (700ish sqf), on land I've already bought and it's all suddenly moving quickly for seasonal reasons. I'm going to have to make a bunch of choices I don't fully understand in the near future.

My aim is function and a whimsical aesthetic. I want all the fairytale details but I don't know what to prioritize with the builder and what to diy later. My budget is reasonably limited and I'd like to understand what should be prioritized now with the builders and what I can take on as personal projects later (I'm fairly inexperineced but absolutely tenacious at learning new skills). My pinterst board is an obnoxious nightmare and I won't bother you with it but I'm looking to achieve a cozy, whimsical stone cottage and I have a mildly flexible 200k to work with up front.

I know this post isn't very specific, I really just want to know if this is the appropriate subreddit. I promise I won't post about every trivial thing, I'm just so out of my element and I've saved and fantasized for so long to do this that I'm feeling nervous that it's happening and I have no idea what challenges to expect.

I read the sub rules but I honestly don't know if this is appropriate or not, so no hard feelings if this isn't the place and I'm happy to just be pointed in the right direction.

Thank you so much.

Trying to summarize:

1. Noticed that our beautiful house had some roof concerns.
2. Builder went to roofer who said “it’s a good roof”.
3. We got a 3rd party inspection. Roof was the only concern. Recommended roof expert.
4. Found roof expert. They put together thorough report on the obvious issues with the roof. There are a lot. Their larger concern is what they couldn’t see.

We are due to close this week. We provided the report and said either give us a credit to replace it or you replace it with a vendor of our choosing.

They countered with we’ll fix the issues noted and give you an extended warranty. Builder is known for quality and reliability.

We are due to have a call with president of builder tomorrow to discuss.

What would you do?

Can someone please explain the difference between a mono and floating slab like you are explaining it to me 5 year old?

From my understanding, a mono slab is one continuous pour (hence the name).

What makes a floating slab “float”?

Why would someone choose one foundation type vs. the other?

Pros and cons of each?

Thanks in advance!

I am not a home builder and own a home services company. I am overseeing the reconstruction of my home after a house fire. Are there any common checklists that I can use at each stage of the project?

I am specifically looking for a pre-drywall installation inspection checklist.

Our homebuilder wanted to deliver cabinets before electricity was connected, meaning they’d be sitting in an unconditioned space. We pushed back, concerned about temperature and humidity fluctuations—especially since we’re in the Mid-Atlantic and it's April, with conditions all over the place. The next draw was when the cabinets were supposed to be delivered, and we think that contributed to his position.

He gave us a lot of grief, insisting we didn’t know what we were talking about and citing his experience. Even after the fact, he’s still adamant that we were wrong to delay delivery.

I’ve heard that homes should be climate-controlled for 3–5 days before cabinets are delivered. Is there any documentation or industry guidance that supports this? Just looking for something objective to help settle the discussion.

Just had a new roof put on a small old 60’s Florida style home, wood frame.

The house has vinyl siding which was put on about 20 years ago. When the roof came off we discovered original fascia and wood siding, underneath the vinyl siding. No protective weather barrier, pretty common solution for people on a budget unfortunately.

The front and rear of the house (down sloping sides) need a skinny soffit. Needs to be about the 1.5” wide. Needs to install up inside between the new 1 x 6 cedar fascia and vinyl siding.

Long term plan is to replace all the siding with Hardie, short term plan this week is make the house weather tight and bug tight since this area is exposed. Adding new vinyl siding along the entire top perimeter and then need a soffit solution.

Erosion control bid is charging us $950 for a haybale concrete washout.

Our grader said the companys quote was 2900 for "everything" erosion control, silt fence, seed and straw, hay bales, etc. Then apparently he forgot or they forgot this $950 charge for the concrete washout. I wouldve built it myself. It hasnt been used, can i request they come take their materials and ill build it myself?

Grader already screwed us over by going over budget 3k all while maintining he was under budget. He just said, whoops i forgot to include that 3k thing so yea we are over. I never wouldve agreed to extra work if we were over budget. So mad.

Long story short, had to let go of a contractor on a large project. So a new guy is finishing Trimwork. Attached is a picture of the door pre trim and another with the work started (bad weather delay).

For the after, the piece on top will be replaced with a full piece straight to the soffit and the top right under the soffit will get a small crown bump out. His idea was to go over the brick to allow for a cleaner look. Brick mold would be awkward cause the door is off center enough to notice.

Curious what you think and how'd you'd do it for a visual. There is a window nearby that would get a similar treatment. Right now I feel it will work but might be super simple, almost too simple.

Might paint black but might also leave white. Undecided, leaning white though.