House Build Thread

[S550HPP]

We did get a virtual walkthrough link, but I think it expired a while ago. Space wise, 2013 SF is actually more than I wanted, but less than what my wife wanted, so we settled on no more than 2100 SF.

Our last house was 2610 SF and that got to be too much for me. It also had a pool (which was a PITA to maintain and I did it myself every week). That was about 4 hours worth of work cleaning the pool, power washing the lanai and furniture and wiping down the lanai and pool cage for spider webs).

If we were to change anything up at this point it could get expensive. I actually think it’s going to feel nice and cozy with the smaller footprint. In my mind I’m thinking the older we get, the less we’re going to want to contend with.

True. Need pool, lawn vac and wash bots.

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[mindo389]

The thing I was looking for in your plans is that your garages have windows. I wish mine had at least 1. I didn't get to the builder in time to add 1, and it would have been a nice feature to have.

 

[NGOT8R]

True. Need pool, lawn vac and wash bots.

I had all of the above, but I still used to manually scrub the entire pool each week before putting the robot into the pool to vacuum. Then there was the running back and forth to the pool store to get water samples tested and purchase the necessary chemicals as needed.

I found owning a pool to be a huge commitment and expense. The only reason we got the pool was the builder was offering it as an incentive and we’d never had one, so we decided to give it a shot. We lived in that house exactly 3 years and it took a lot out of me, especially when you add in all the other things that go along with maintaining a home. The crazy thing is, I never got in that pool more than 10 times in 3 years. With all the work I did weekly to keep it and the pool deck, lanai, etc. immaculate, I simply lost all interest in getting in it.

I know there’s always going to be work and I’m willing to do what it takes to keep up with our investment, but the less I have to do as I get older, the better off I’ll be.

 

[NGOT8R]

The thing I was looking for in your plans is that your garages have windows. I wish mine had at least 1. I didn't get to the builder in time to add 1, and it would have been a nice feature to have.

It’s nice to have that natural light when you want it.

 

[sms2022]

Man that’s badass. We got similar styles in cars and houses apparently.

I’m torn between buying a bigger house or buying a lot and building. How hard was it to get financing sorted? With house prices around me (~600k for a 1960s build 3500-4500sqft) I almost think I’m better off building new.

 

[JOKER M1]

We chose a small local custom builder here. He only builds about 10 houses a year, so we feel like we’re going to get a much better quality build as compared to dealing with another national builder. We’ve had constant and direct communication with him since the beginning of the build which was never the case in any of our previous builds.

The floor plan is one that my wife and I found online and presented to our builder, after which he worked with his draftsman and brought it to life with our desired tweaks; like adding the additional 3 garage bays for my shop area, 12’ ceilings in there and a few other things. I initially wanted a detached garage for my shop, but the builder informed us that it would be much more cost effective to add them onto the house, so that’s how we ended up with 5 bays.

The hurricanes are less likely given that we’re located in the center of the state, but high winds and tornados are a possibility.

Sounds well thought out and looks impressive, keep the updates coming. I’ve been to Ocala once many years ago, may have to run that by the wife.

 

[NGOT8R]

Man that’s badass. We got similar styles in cars and houses apparently.

I’m torn between buying a bigger house or buying a lot and building. How hard was it to get financing sorted? With house prices around me (~600k for a 1960s build 3500-4500sqft) I almost think I’m better off building new.

It wasn’t hard at all to get financing. We actually bought the lot beforehand and then got a construction loan in our name and the builder makes draws at certain stages of the build after our lender sends inspectors out. Pretty seamless, it’s the first time we’ve ever done it this way, but so far it’s working out very well.

 

[NGOT8R]

Here’s a short video taken from the foyer today.

 

[GJarrett]

Wow Adrian that is absolutely awesome. I have garage envy just looking at it. I'm happy for you and look forward to more updates as the build completes. Congratuations!

 

[NGOT8R]

Wow Adrian that is absolutely awesome. I have garage envy just looking at it. I'm happy for you and look forward to more updates as the build completes. Congratuations!

Thank you ! We’re getting very close to time for drywall. We’re also having sound insulation added to the bedroom walls, as well as the office, shop and hallway walls. That way anyone sleeping or utilizing those spaces will have increased privacy. Stay tuned for further updates!

 

[The Demon]

Thank you ! We’re getting very close to time for drywall. We’re also having sound insulation added to the bedroom walls, as well as the office, shop and hallway walls. That way anyone sleeping or utilizing those spaces will have increased privacy. Stay tuned for further updates!

unless I missed it what is your expected finish date? Are you gonna do all hardwood floors or will there be any carpeting in there? We did all tile floor that looks like hardwood throughout the house we just built.

 

[NGOT8R]

unless I missed it what is your expected finish date? Are you gonna do all hardwood floors or will there be any carpeting in there? We did all tile floor that looks like hardwood throughout the house we just built.

Our expected completion date is the end of September. It sure would be nice if they can get it done earlier though.

There will be tile throughout the entire house.

 

[S550HPP]

I had all of the above, but I still used to manually scrub the entire pool each week before putting the robot into the pool to vacuum. Then there was the running back and forth to the pool store to get water samples tested and purchase the necessary chemicals as needed.

I found owning a pool to be a huge commitment and expense. The only reason we got the pool was the builder was offering it as an incentive and we’d never had one, so we decided to give it a shot. We lived in that house exactly 3 years and it took a lot out of me, especially when you add in all the other things that go along with maintaining a home. The crazy thing is, I never got in that pool more than 10 times in 3 years. With all the work I did weekly to keep it and the pool deck, lanai, etc. immaculate, I simply lost all interest in getting in it.

I know there’s always going to be work and I’m willing to do what it takes to keep up with our investment, but the less I have to do as I get older, the better off I’ll be.

Pools are PITA unless have full maint crew and cost is no concern. My friend has a big pool in basement in Germany was costing $1500 mth to energize dehumidifier, heaters and pumps. He drained it since not used.

I grew up on a farm was child slave labor from age of six. Now I just live in glass box condos with big terraces, don't lift a finger.

 

[NGOT8R]

Pools are PITA unless have full maint crew and cost is no concern. My friend has a big pool in basement in Germany was costing $1500 mth to energize dehumidifier, heaters and pumps. He drained it since not used.

I grew up on a farm was child slave labor from age of six. Now I just live in glass box condos with big terraces, don't lift a finger.

I completely understand your friend’s point of view and yours too. I’ve never worked on a farm before, but I can only imagine how much work is involved in maintaining one.

 

[engineermike]

What’s the reasoning behind cinder block construction? And cost difference vs traditional studs?

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