We want to build a house..

Question

Where do we start, who do we talk to? We have no idea where to go or who to talk to. But we do know that building will be better for us in the long run. We can build it the way we want it, and where we want it.. Any suggestions on who to talk to, would a bank be a better place to finance or would some other place be better??

Answer 1

Do you know exactly what kind of house you want?

There are tons of ideas on the following website - as long as you're building, why not build energy efficient and healthy for your family?

The site is   http://www.building-your-green-home.com

The page called "Dream Green Home" can get you going in the right direction with ideas, etc.  

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

As far as financing, mortgage brokers offer more variety, and MAY get you a better deal.  They work with numerous banks and lenders.  

It takes time to make all the decisions, but the above site will give you a lot to think about and you can learn as you go.  Congrats!

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

First thing to do would be to talk to the bank and find out how much you can afford to spend.  They will be able to give you rates, payments, terms of loan, etc.  Once you have a firm number, you can begin looking for a lot.  Remember that your monthly payment includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance, homeowners association fees (if applicable), etc.  When you find a lot you like, subtract that price from the total price available to you for the loan.

Talk to some of the other homeowners in the subdivision.  Find out who built their home and how happy they are with the craftsmanship.  Talk to friends, family, etc., to see who they recommend.  Decide if you are able to perform any of the work yourself, and bring that up when interviewing contractors.  Many will work with you, especially since the housing market is so crummy right now.  Many builders offer design service as well to help you find a plan you like and to make the choices for the room finishes.  Ask for and check references from any builder you are seriously considering.  Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples when comparing bids.  The lowest bid is not necessarily the best route to go.  Trust your judgment.  It can be stressful, but it's worth it.  Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Wow the first web address is of a German company that can

build houses in on a very small time scale.

They were once featured on one of the programs on the second web address which is for the English channel 4 program called grand designs.

http://www.huf-haus.com/gb/intro.html

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/on-tv/gra...

This to looks like a fascinating web site if you like architecture

The grand designs series is thorough and some times awe inspiring.



http://www.granddesignslive.com/home

The series can be purchased on dvd

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grand-Designs-1-...

Though sometimes not for the faint hearted you

can almost be guarantied a no nonsense approach.

It really outlines dozens of ways to get things right.

It covers projects from many stylistic budgetary

approaches.A word of caution however the presenter

will not hesitate to give his honest opinion on the approach

being taken.

Which is often as varied and as diverse as the buildings featured.

My search results.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&cli...

Answer 4

well first i would focus on where u want to built? what neighborhood, city, state. then you need to look for the right amount of land for your needs. If you would like  buigger house you need more land, and smaller house smaller land. once you found a reasonable priced land to buy you should make blueprints. figure out what you wnt your house to be. i wouldn't worry about too much untill u figure this out. after you have done that find a good company to build it, ask around and see who sounds the best