New Home Construction

**jammons4** · 02-25-2008, 04:32 PM

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?

**ISUFan22** · 02-25-2008, 04:34 PM

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!

**brianhos** · 02-25-2008, 04:36 PM

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.

**CYVADER** · 02-25-2008, 04:38 PM

company i used to work for in des moines is very good, and fast. hit me with a pm if you want more info

**Wesley** · 02-25-2008, 04:47 PM

Yes, you can self contract your house. I have had three friends successfully complete their projects.

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.

**isuarch80** · 02-25-2008, 04:49 PM

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.

**jammons4** · 02-25-2008, 04:52 PM

Just as I expected - Great Info. I sent a PM to a few of you to get the names of builders you mentioned. Thanks and keep it coming.

**timc243** · 02-25-2008, 05:01 PM

I work for a builder so I am a little biased. I know you can buy floor plans off the internet though.

**isuarch80** · 02-25-2008, 05:03 PM

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) :)

**4429 mcc** · 02-25-2008, 05:11 PM

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?

**CycloneTony** · 02-25-2008, 05:12 PM

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

**timc243** · 02-25-2008, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by 4429 mcc

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.

**Cyclonepride** · 02-25-2008, 05:20 PM

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.

**isuarch80** · 02-25-2008, 05:21 PM

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).

**ISUFan22** · 02-25-2008, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

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.