Home Construction or Foreclosure home?

Last week was the home show here in Az. We had a large interest in home remodeling and some folks coming by and talking about buying some unfinished homes. With all that in mind, we are seeing more interest in building New. Land prices and land locations have always been a tough decision for many people. But just in the last 2 weeks there was over 261 lots in the greater valley of the sun that traded hands. We believe that the people that have always planned on owning a home here are making their move, or at least buying land.

It was funny, for must of my life, my clients have built nice homes from all sizes small and large 10,000 ft plus. Most have been very Conservative when it came to finishes, but then there are those few that have to have the best and have to have the biggest and fanciest builder. Well times have changed, my company can typically beat most builders by 5 to 10% because for one we do not hire someone to manage our jobs. ( 2 ) I the owner and can do every trade, grew up doing every trade, doesn't mean that we do every trade, but we could. So, getting back to what was funny, at the show I was asked how much per sq. ft. to finish a home? My most logical answer was can't say. But after a few minutes and talking with the person I found out that the home was in the frame stage, in Paradise Valley and she wants everything and the home was 8000 sq.ft. My comment to that was at least 200 per foot. She laughed, I laughed and as she walked off I thought to myself, she would be one that would hire a fancy builder over a Conservative builder and think that his painter is better then mine. I just thought this was a funny story and a true one.

Just a short note to the real people out there that are thinking of building here in Az. There is just a few reputable Subs and we all use them, the difference between the way the job looks is how much money you want to spend on the FOO-FOO stuff, and if you use an interior designer.
Lumber is lumber and paint is paint.

Bottom line is, a person can save money by hiring someone that is responsible and has a long track record, like having the same address and phone number and lic# for more than 60 days, my biggest complaint when I bid jobs are people don't talk apples for apples. If a builder cannot produce some kind of a estimate on a home, with a cost break down sheet after talking with a client for about 1 hour, now don't get me wrong, this would be just a rough starting point but a realistic point. That estimate should be produced the very next day. Last but not least, estimates and lot evaluations should always be free.

Hope this helps someone and as always have a great day!

C