Anonymous wrote:Build - it’s the o my way to get exactly what you want. Just be prepared that it’ll likely cost more than you want. You may think you aren’t picky about finishes but when you see what is included in most builders base packages you may realize you actually do - e.g. despite using a higher end builder, the trim around windows wasn’t included and cost quite a bit to have added. Or base cabinets tend to be pretty cheap so upgrading always costs more.... the included floors might be 3” planks of a softer wood that would get ruined in a few years. Building was a hassle and cost more than I anticipated but it was 100% worth it to have our dream home and location.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Build - it’s the o my way to get exactly what you want. Just be prepared that it’ll likely cost more than you want. You may think you aren’t picky about finishes but when you see what is included in most builders base packages you may realize you actually do - e.g. despite using a higher end builder, the trim around windows wasn’t included and cost quite a bit to have added. Or base cabinets tend to be pretty cheap so upgrading always costs more.... the included floors might be 3” planks of a softer wood that would get ruined in a few years. Building was a hassle and cost more than I anticipated but it was 100% worth it to have our dream home and location.

We just did this. It was a full time job. Supervising everything to make sure it's done correctly is critical since everyone wants to cut corners and will if you don't let them. Expect some confrontations with your builder along the way. It's been very stressful at times and VERY time consuming.

That said, we had specific wants in quality and design that we could not find in a spec house. Also were worried about quality in a spec since no one is there to make sure corners are not cut. So it was worth it to us in the end.

Also, I did not think I was picky about finishes going in but it turned out I was.

Anonymous wrote:Question for the two PPs who built custom - is it still a full-time job if you go with a builder who does a lot of houses, pick one of their popular floorplans and tweak a few things? We built our current home in a new home development with a large well-known builder and we had very few customization options. We didn’t feel the need to check up on the builder because we figured they’re building the same house over and over again and they know what they’re doing. We would go to the site on weekends for fun and we had a pre-drywall inspection (that didn’t turn up many issues) but that was about it. I know we would have to be more involved this time around since it’s a stand-alone house, but should going with a semi-custom approach mitigate the amount of risk and time investment?

Anonymous wrote:I'm building a house in Bethesda right now. It's 5000 square feet. It's so much work. I even hired a designer and we meet nearly every week. And all of the vendors are nearby the builder so I have to drive an hour to get to the vendors. If I didn't have a designer, it would be so much harder. I'd be constantly second guessing myself. I'm also going over my budget which was absolute crap to begin with. Like $45 for a flush mount light in the bedrooms. That is not a TERRIBLE budget but for this price point I am spending about $200 on them instead. If you want a fan...that's $200 over budget. I didn't even realize how much little things I have to pick. Door handles, garage door, cabinet pulls, the size of the cabinet pulls. I have no regrets because I am getting what I want and I have the time (although I'm 7 months pregnant...) but I also own my own business and I can take a few hours here and there. It's literally a few hours a week though. And again, without my designer it would be a LOT more.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question for the two PPs who built custom - is it still a full-time job if you go with a builder who does a lot of houses, pick one of their popular floorplans and tweak a few things? We built our current home in a new home development with a large well-known builder and we had very few customization options. We didn’t feel the need to check up on the builder because we figured they’re building the same house over and over again and they know what they’re doing. We would go to the site on weekends for fun and we had a pre-drywall inspection (that didn’t turn up many issues) but that was about it. I know we would have to be more involved this time around since it’s a stand-alone house, but should going with a semi-custom approach mitigate the amount of risk and time investment?

PP again, sorry for the multiple posts! I have built a house with Pulte and this is my first real custom build. I actually liked our builders floor plan. If you are now starting from scratch with an architect, oh man that will be even MORE work. Because it has to fit the lot and the builder has to determine how much it will cost him to build that house. I'm not sure what you mean by semi-custom. Do you mean picking a Toll brothers house and building that? Pick from these four floor plans and those four countertops? That is not very time consuming and can be done on weekends. But a real teardown/lot and building a house on it will mean mostly weekday appointments and going to actual stores like Fergusons, Mosaic, a granite yard etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm building a house in Bethesda right now. It's 5000 square feet. It's so much work. I even hired a designer and we meet nearly every week. And all of the vendors are nearby the builder so I have to drive an hour to get to the vendors. If I didn't have a designer, it would be so much harder. I'd be constantly second guessing myself. I'm also going over my budget which was absolute crap to begin with. Like $45 for a flush mount light in the bedrooms. That is not a TERRIBLE budget but for this price point I am spending about $200 on them instead. If you want a fan...that's $200 over budget. I didn't even realize how much little things I have to pick. Door handles, garage door, cabinet pulls, the size of the cabinet pulls. I have no regrets because I am getting what I want and I have the time (although I'm 7 months pregnant...) but I also own my own business and I can take a few hours here and there. It's literally a few hours a week though. And again, without my designer it would be a LOT more.

Thank you, this is very helpful. How much is a few hours a week - like 10-15? I could handle that. If it’s more like 40, I could not. Also, would you mind sharing your designer’s name? Sounds amazing.