Just Placed An Offer for Land - Page 11

**rbryan4** · 02-06-2018, 11:41 AM

Framing has started but they may call it an early day if this drizzle doesn't let up. C'mon nature, all we need are a few sunny days.

Fox hunt · 02-06-2018, 01:11 PM

such a pretty view!!!!

Artlady · 02-06-2018, 01:36 PM

Hi Robert,
Congratulations on your property and house build! I don't know how I missed this thread over the past few months, but was excited for you when I saw the post today.

Your house elevation is absolutely gorgeous! Hillcountry craftsman style? One of my favorites! Did you post the floor plan somewhere? I'd love to see it if possible.

This may already have been covered as well, but would you mind sharing the name of your builder?

I'll have to send you a PM, as DH and I are trying to figure out where to settle in the SA area. So, we are starting to investigate reliable, reasonable, and reputable builders. (As an aside, as well as a different future possible thread, we are thinking of a lakefront property/small house in Wisconsin somewhere as an alternative. Of course, we would have to escape during the winters!)

Right now, I'm on the southside of Canyon Lake in our little lake front/view cabin. The view is sublime, but access to the lake is cumbersome. Wish we could have docks. (Hence, the reason to search for land or a house on a different lake somewhere.)

Yes, this cold drizzle is thwarting a lot of plans, isn't it ? I believe it's supposed to be the same tomorrow, unfortunately. Sunday was glorious with the sunshine and warmth in the 70s! More of what I expected it to be this winter, but those days have been rare.

Well, I'm very excited for you and wish you all the best with your building!

**rbryan4** · 02-06-2018, 01:49 PM

Thank you Addy. Yes, we like the view. It is indeed unfortunate that you can't have your own dock on waterfront property, but then again there's always the Marina. As you know, the Army Corp of Engineers built it for flood control on the Guadalupe, not for recreation. The fact that we can recreate on it, and fish on it, is really just a bonus.

Our builder is a very small one, who builds maybe less than 15-20 homes a year. What impressed us were two things:

First, many of the amenities that are extras with other builders are standard equipment with him. A custom 2500 sf home starts at about 325, and that's with hardwood, granite, 100 percent masonry exterior, upgraded stainless appliances, custom cabinets, tile baths, fireplace, custom lighting, and a number of other extras. Of course, depending on the site, the prep and slab work will impact that price pretty dramatically. In our case it added 40k.

Second, his construction quality was noticeably better than some of the other builders. I'm more and more convinced that many builders think caulk and filler is a construction material, rather than proper carpentry and accurate cuts.

You do have to pay for the plans and for any redesign changes from the 'stock' plans, but as far as changes go, the sky's the limit. We kicked out some walls and added several elements so it did add to the base price, but we think the increases were reasonable.

I'll PM you with the builder info.

Artlady · 02-06-2018, 02:06 PM

Oh yes, I agree about the quality of the builders. There is such a range...it's incredible! I just want someone who doesn't take shortcuts, and as you said, uses Quality materials as well as the correct ones, along with accurate application and cuts!

Caulking is a pet peeve of mine. Time and again, I've seen it misused and overly applied.
Especially in older homes. Rather than properly removing the caulk and reapplying it, the painter lazily applies new caulk over old, which is a no-no.

I'll look for the p.m. In the meantime, I've sent you one as well.

I'll be looking forward to seeing the progress you make, as well as the finished product!

Many congratulations again!

**rbryan4** · 02-08-2018, 11:59 AM

Walls going up.

gbaglo · 02-08-2018, 12:05 PM

OH NO. It's a sticky.

**Donna D.** · 02-08-2018, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

OH NO. It's a sticky.

Oh boy!

**rbryan4** · 02-08-2018, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

OH NO. It's a sticky.

Yep. The fiberglass one was too small, and I already have a capable tow vehicle.

Ron in BC · 02-08-2018, 02:52 PM

Wow, I go on the road for a few days and a house starts popping up. It's really going to be taking shape now. Exciting times.

Keep the photos coming.

Ron

KirkB · 02-08-2018, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

OH NO. It's a sticky.

Yeah, but at least you don't have to wax the roof.

Robert, looks good... got your build sheet done yet?

**rbryan4** · 02-08-2018, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KirkB

Robert, looks good... got your build sheet done yet?

Now that's an interesting question. There are several "build sheets" I guess. Only some of them are done, mainly the exterior materials and design ones. Inside we've picked out lighting and plumbing fixtures, but have yet to choose flooring, granite, appliances, tile, paint, etc.

Wish it was as simple as building a trailer. I suppose it would be, if it wasn't a custom.

Jim Bennett · 02-09-2018, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Now that's an interesting question. There are several "build sheets" I guess. Only some of them are done, mainly the exterior materials and design ones. Inside we've picked out lighting and plumbing fixtures, but have yet to choose flooring, granite, appliances, tile, paint, etc.

Wish it was as simple as building a trailer. I suppose it would be, if it wasn't a custom.

Some of my customers do great with this process, enjoying it. Others get real stressed out by it. Kinda like trailer build sheets.

**rbryan4** · 02-09-2018, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Some of my customers do great with this process, enjoying it. Others get real stressed out by it. Kinda like trailer build sheets.

I divided it up. I'm responsible for all exterior choices, while Yolanda is in charge of inside. It's been tricky not to interject my opinion, but I promised. Happy wife,........

Jim Bennett · 02-09-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I divided it up. I'm responsible for all exterior choices, while Yolanda is in charge of inside. It's been tricky not to interject my opinion, but I promised. Happy wife,........

Best of luck withholding your opinion.

Lisa and I choose most things together and for the most part are on the same page. Most things with layout and structural design get left to me.

**rbryan4** · 02-09-2018, 07:41 PM

Darn rain. They made some progress this morning but had to stop in the afternoon. Need a few good days of sun now.

gbaglo · 02-09-2018, 07:43 PM

They stop for rain?
They should try working in Calgary in the winter.

**rbryan4** · 02-09-2018, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

They stop for rain?
They should try working in Calgary in the winter.

True, but it's what you're used to. My bet is that a roofer from Calgary would soon tap out if he had to nail shingles in San Antonio - in July.

gbaglo · 02-09-2018, 08:59 PM

I just want to know how they pick up penny nails wearing heavy leather mitts.

Brian B-P · 02-09-2018, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I just want to know how they pick up penny nails wearing heavy leather mitts.

Pick up nails? Nails are things which come out of air nailers, having been loaded in as long strips. I doubt many of them are picked up individually on a construction site these days.

It must still be miserable building in any extreme weather conditions.

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