buying a lot and building your own house

[sdrealtor]

A good idea only if you have alot of time and alot of money. If you are doing it to save money look elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

[quote=givdrvr]Does anyone have any experiences they can share on the advisability of such a project in general or North County specifically? I am eyeballing a project but starting to hear some horror stories. Appreciate your input.[/quote]

I’m building a new house in Rancho Bernardo as on owner builder ( and do have another lot out there for sale). House got burned in year 2007 fires. We’ve bought another lot (larger one) and our old one is still for sale. Not much of activity to sell it – builders are not able to get construction loans. I even consider a joint venture to sell that lot.

Contrary to the common opinion, it is a good idea to build a new, custom house right now, especially on a burned lot.
1. Lumber, drywall, metal prices are down 40-60% from the peak.
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=133&genericContentID=527
2. Labor rates are down significantly – a lot of unemployed builders -you can dictate the rates.
Three years ago the average building price in SD was about $150/sq.ft (not including land), now is more like $100/sq.ft or less.
3. Most of the newly rebuilt houses in RB are selling for around $700K – $750K for 2500 – 2750 sq.ft houses.
So for a 3000 sq.ft house – land is $250-$275K plus $300K to build – $550-575K in self cost – good equity even in these market conditions.
4. Burnt lots within city of San Diego (particularly RB area) are free from any fees – no permit fees ($25K savings), no school fees ($10-15K in savings), in most areas an HOA will take care of front side landscaping and fron drive ways (extra $10-15K in savings), No grading expenses, utilities are generally on site.
5. Permit process for burned lots is simplified with one week turn around time for plans approval and building department keeps an office in RB.

In terms of experience – it is hard to be an owner builder – you save a lot, but you’re dealing with a lot of not honest people – prepare to be liened, have someone sue you for a “verbal” contracts or change orders you did not order.
How to get an honest builder – I’m totally agree with the previous poster – check court actions, check history of mechanic’s liens of a builder –
http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/grantorgrantee/search.aspx
even a single one – simply avoid him – do not take any chances.
Just my 2c.

[Anonymous]

[quote=givdrvr]Does anyone have any experiences they can share on the advisability of such a project in general or North County specifically? I am eyeballing a project but starting to hear some horror stories. Appreciate your input.[/quote]

I’m building a new house in Rancho Bernardo as on owner builder ( and do have another lot out there for sale). House got burned in year 2007 fires. We’ve bought another lot (larger one) and our old one is still for sale. Not much of activity to sell it – builders are not able to get construction loans. I even consider a joint venture to sell that lot.

Contrary to the common opinion, it is a good idea to build a new, custom house right now, especially on a burned lot.
1. Lumber, drywall, metal prices are down 40-60% from the peak.
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=133&genericContentID=527
2. Labor rates are down significantly – a lot of unemployed builders -you can dictate the rates.
Three years ago the average building price in SD was about $150/sq.ft (not including land), now is more like $100/sq.ft or less.
3. Most of the newly rebuilt houses in RB are selling for around $700K – $750K for 2500 – 2750 sq.ft houses.
So for a 3000 sq.ft house – land is $250-$275K plus $300K to build – $550-575K in self cost – good equity even in these market conditions.
4. Burnt lots within city of San Diego (particularly RB area) are free from any fees – no permit fees ($25K savings), no school fees ($10-15K in savings), in most areas an HOA will take care of front side landscaping and fron drive ways (extra $10-15K in savings), No grading expenses, utilities are generally on site.
5. Permit process for burned lots is simplified with one week turn around time for plans approval and building department keeps an office in RB.

In terms of experience – it is hard to be an owner builder – you save a lot, but you’re dealing with a lot of not honest people – prepare to be liened, have someone sue you for a “verbal” contracts or change orders you did not order.
How to get an honest builder – I’m totally agree with the previous poster – check court actions, check history of mechanic’s liens of a builder –
http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/grantorgrantee/search.aspx
even a single one – simply avoid him – do not take any chances.
Just my 2c.

[Anonymous]

[quote=givdrvr]Does anyone have any experiences they can share on the advisability of such a project in general or North County specifically? I am eyeballing a project but starting to hear some horror stories. Appreciate your input.[/quote]

I’m building a new house in Rancho Bernardo as on owner builder ( and do have another lot out there for sale). House got burned in year 2007 fires. We’ve bought another lot (larger one) and our old one is still for sale. Not much of activity to sell it – builders are not able to get construction loans. I even consider a joint venture to sell that lot.

Contrary to the common opinion, it is a good idea to build a new, custom house right now, especially on a burned lot.
1. Lumber, drywall, metal prices are down 40-60% from the peak.
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=133&genericContentID=527
2. Labor rates are down significantly – a lot of unemployed builders -you can dictate the rates.
Three years ago the average building price in SD was about $150/sq.ft (not including land), now is more like $100/sq.ft or less.
3. Most of the newly rebuilt houses in RB are selling for around $700K – $750K for 2500 – 2750 sq.ft houses.
So for a 3000 sq.ft house – land is $250-$275K plus $300K to build – $550-575K in self cost – good equity even in these market conditions.
4. Burnt lots within city of San Diego (particularly RB area) are free from any fees – no permit fees ($25K savings), no school fees ($10-15K in savings), in most areas an HOA will take care of front side landscaping and fron drive ways (extra $10-15K in savings), No grading expenses, utilities are generally on site.
5. Permit process for burned lots is simplified with one week turn around time for plans approval and building department keeps an office in RB.

In terms of experience – it is hard to be an owner builder – you save a lot, but you’re dealing with a lot of not honest people – prepare to be liened, have someone sue you for a “verbal” contracts or change orders you did not order.
How to get an honest builder – I’m totally agree with the previous poster – check court actions, check history of mechanic’s liens of a builder –
http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/grantorgrantee/search.aspx
even a single one – simply avoid him – do not take any chances.
Just my 2c.

[Anonymous]

[quote=givdrvr]Does anyone have any experiences they can share on the advisability of such a project in general or North County specifically? I am eyeballing a project but starting to hear some horror stories. Appreciate your input.[/quote]

I’m building a new house in Rancho Bernardo as on owner builder ( and do have another lot out there for sale). House got burned in year 2007 fires. We’ve bought another lot (larger one) and our old one is still for sale. Not much of activity to sell it – builders are not able to get construction loans. I even consider a joint venture to sell that lot.

Contrary to the common opinion, it is a good idea to build a new, custom house right now, especially on a burned lot.
1. Lumber, drywall, metal prices are down 40-60% from the peak.
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=133&genericContentID=527
2. Labor rates are down significantly – a lot of unemployed builders -you can dictate the rates.
Three years ago the average building price in SD was about $150/sq.ft (not including land), now is more like $100/sq.ft or less.
3. Most of the newly rebuilt houses in RB are selling for around $700K – $750K for 2500 – 2750 sq.ft houses.
So for a 3000 sq.ft house – land is $250-$275K plus $300K to build – $550-575K in self cost – good equity even in these market conditions.
4. Burnt lots within city of San Diego (particularly RB area) are free from any fees – no permit fees ($25K savings), no school fees ($10-15K in savings), in most areas an HOA will take care of front side landscaping and fron drive ways (extra $10-15K in savings), No grading expenses, utilities are generally on site.
5. Permit process for burned lots is simplified with one week turn around time for plans approval and building department keeps an office in RB.

In terms of experience – it is hard to be an owner builder – you save a lot, but you’re dealing with a lot of not honest people – prepare to be liened, have someone sue you for a “verbal” contracts or change orders you did not order.
How to get an honest builder – I’m totally agree with the previous poster – check court actions, check history of mechanic’s liens of a builder –
http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/grantorgrantee/search.aspx
even a single one – simply avoid him – do not take any chances.
Just my 2c.

[Anonymous]

[quote=givdrvr]Does anyone have any experiences they can share on the advisability of such a project in general or North County specifically? I am eyeballing a project but starting to hear some horror stories. Appreciate your input.[/quote]

I’m building a new house in Rancho Bernardo as on owner builder ( and do have another lot out there for sale). House got burned in year 2007 fires. We’ve bought another lot (larger one) and our old one is still for sale. Not much of activity to sell it – builders are not able to get construction loans. I even consider a joint venture to sell that lot.

Contrary to the common opinion, it is a good idea to build a new, custom house right now, especially on a burned lot.
1. Lumber, drywall, metal prices are down 40-60% from the peak.
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=133&genericContentID=527
2. Labor rates are down significantly – a lot of unemployed builders -you can dictate the rates.
Three years ago the average building price in SD was about $150/sq.ft (not including land), now is more like $100/sq.ft or less.
3. Most of the newly rebuilt houses in RB are selling for around $700K – $750K for 2500 – 2750 sq.ft houses.
So for a 3000 sq.ft house – land is $250-$275K plus $300K to build – $550-575K in self cost – good equity even in these market conditions.
4. Burnt lots within city of San Diego (particularly RB area) are free from any fees – no permit fees ($25K savings), no school fees ($10-15K in savings), in most areas an HOA will take care of front side landscaping and fron drive ways (extra $10-15K in savings), No grading expenses, utilities are generally on site.
5. Permit process for burned lots is simplified with one week turn around time for plans approval and building department keeps an office in RB.

In terms of experience – it is hard to be an owner builder – you save a lot, but you’re dealing with a lot of not honest people – prepare to be liened, have someone sue you for a “verbal” contracts or change orders you did not order.
How to get an honest builder – I’m totally agree with the previous poster – check court actions, check history of mechanic’s liens of a builder –
http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/grantorgrantee/search.aspx
even a single one – simply avoid him – do not take any chances.
Just my 2c.

[sdduuuude]

I think building isn’t so bad, especially if you understand the process and can manage it yourself.

The problem comes in getting all the approvals and government stamps needed to pull a permit. THe difficulty of this varies greatly by neighborhood. I’m sure in north county there are some places which are easy to get a permit and some places which are nightmares. I would focus energy on figuring out all the nasty rules that can stop a design in its tracks.

I recommend getting help from an architect who is used to moving projects through the government. You don’t need a great architect, but you need an architect who really knows the rules and/or how to get around them.

Also, if you get a construction loan, you have to make sure you get the project done before the construction loan expires. Keeping things moving fast enough can be difficult and stressful.

If you “have your eye” on a project that is already permitted, I say go for it.

[sdduuuude]

I think building isn’t so bad, especially if you understand the process and can manage it yourself.

The problem comes in getting all the approvals and government stamps needed to pull a permit. THe difficulty of this varies greatly by neighborhood. I’m sure in north county there are some places which are easy to get a permit and some places which are nightmares. I would focus energy on figuring out all the nasty rules that can stop a design in its tracks.

I recommend getting help from an architect who is used to moving projects through the government. You don’t need a great architect, but you need an architect who really knows the rules and/or how to get around them.

Also, if you get a construction loan, you have to make sure you get the project done before the construction loan expires. Keeping things moving fast enough can be difficult and stressful.

If you “have your eye” on a project that is already permitted, I say go for it.

[sdduuuude]

I think building isn’t so bad, especially if you understand the process and can manage it yourself.

The problem comes in getting all the approvals and government stamps needed to pull a permit. THe difficulty of this varies greatly by neighborhood. I’m sure in north county there are some places which are easy to get a permit and some places which are nightmares. I would focus energy on figuring out all the nasty rules that can stop a design in its tracks.

I recommend getting help from an architect who is used to moving projects through the government. You don’t need a great architect, but you need an architect who really knows the rules and/or how to get around them.

Also, if you get a construction loan, you have to make sure you get the project done before the construction loan expires. Keeping things moving fast enough can be difficult and stressful.

If you “have your eye” on a project that is already permitted, I say go for it.

[sdduuuude]

I think building isn’t so bad, especially if you understand the process and can manage it yourself.

The problem comes in getting all the approvals and government stamps needed to pull a permit. THe difficulty of this varies greatly by neighborhood. I’m sure in north county there are some places which are easy to get a permit and some places which are nightmares. I would focus energy on figuring out all the nasty rules that can stop a design in its tracks.

I recommend getting help from an architect who is used to moving projects through the government. You don’t need a great architect, but you need an architect who really knows the rules and/or how to get around them.

Also, if you get a construction loan, you have to make sure you get the project done before the construction loan expires. Keeping things moving fast enough can be difficult and stressful.

If you “have your eye” on a project that is already permitted, I say go for it.

[sdduuuude]

I think building isn’t so bad, especially if you understand the process and can manage it yourself.

The problem comes in getting all the approvals and government stamps needed to pull a permit. THe difficulty of this varies greatly by neighborhood. I’m sure in north county there are some places which are easy to get a permit and some places which are nightmares. I would focus energy on figuring out all the nasty rules that can stop a design in its tracks.

I recommend getting help from an architect who is used to moving projects through the government. You don’t need a great architect, but you need an architect who really knows the rules and/or how to get around them.

Also, if you get a construction loan, you have to make sure you get the project done before the construction loan expires. Keeping things moving fast enough can be difficult and stressful.

If you “have your eye” on a project that is already permitted, I say go for it.

[newbiz]

What about insurance on burned lots. I heard that they would be considered disaster zones or somethig and no insurance company would sell home owners insurance

Can some one tell me if that is true. If so I would think, building anything on a burned site, would be a big risk

[newbiz]

What about insurance on burned lots. I heard that they would be considered disaster zones or somethig and no insurance company would sell home owners insurance

Can some one tell me if that is true. If so I would think, building anything on a burned site, would be a big risk

[newbiz]

What about insurance on burned lots. I heard that they would be considered disaster zones or somethig and no insurance company would sell home owners insurance

Can some one tell me if that is true. If so I would think, building anything on a burned site, would be a big risk

[newbiz]

What about insurance on burned lots. I heard that they would be considered disaster zones or somethig and no insurance company would sell home owners insurance

Can some one tell me if that is true. If so I would think, building anything on a burned site, would be a big risk

[Author]

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