Building Your Own Home...FAQs
What does it really mean to be a builder?
When you become your own builder, you essentially become a project
manager. Consequently, think of your job as a builder—project manager—in
terms of making things happen through the talents and resources of other
people. As the builder, your major function will be recruiting, organizing,
motivating, and managing a diverse group of people, ranging from bankers to
carpenters to laborers. Builders select plans, do cost estimates, obtain
financing, hire subcontractors, order materials, and oversee work in progress—
processes you will learn to do by studying this course. Most builders don’t do
any of the actual “hammer and nails” work, but, of course, you can if you want
and save even more money.
How much time will it take on a daily basis to build/contract my own house?
Even with a full time job elsewhere, you can contract your own home
successfully! The key is being organized. Once the construction gets
underway, you’ll need to spend about an hour a day doing things such as
ordering materials , inspecting work in progress, calling subcontractors (subs),
charting and revising your schedule, and keeping up with your bookkeeping.
Most of these tasks can be accomplished in the evening, on the weekends, or
early in the morning. In fact, before and after normal working hours are likely
the best times to reach many subcontractors.
How long does it take to build a house?
Plan four to eight months—depending on your pace, weather conditions, and
the complexity of your home—to complete the entire process. Be aware that
delays caused by weather and material shortages, etc. can and do occur.
Therefore, it’s advisable to make certain your current living arrangements are
flexible enough to allow for some delays.
What do I need to know to be a builder?
You don’t have to be an engineer or architect to build a house. But it helps to
know some basic construction terminology and be familiar with standard
building concepts, particularly when you are talking to suppliers and subs and
inspecting work in progress. You'll also need to know how to complete a cost
estimate.
A little business savvy is also important. When you buy property, obtain
financing, and contract for materials and labor, you enter into formal
agreements—essentially forming business alliances with realtors, bankers,
subcontractors, and suppliers. You need to know the right questions to ask,
understand the fine print, know what’s standard and what’s extra, and always
put things in writing.
Do I have to have a special license to build my own home?
Probably not. More and more states are now requiring builders—those who
plan to construct homes for other people—to obtain a builder’s license. But in
most states, you do not have to have a license to build your own home. Check
with your local building authorities to be certain.
As outlined above, building your own home takes some time, patience and
perseverance. But the benefits gained are definitely worth it.
Enjoy browsing our website and then buy our e-book, The Ultimate Guide to
Contracting Your Own Home: Save 30% to 40% on the Cost of Your New
Home for an in-depth look at the entire process including many insider tricks
and secrets!
What does it really mean to be a builder?
When you become your own builder, you essentially become a project
manager. Consequently, think of your job as a builder—project manager—in
terms of making things happen through the talents and resources of other
people. As the builder, your major function will be recruiting, organizing,
motivating, and managing a diverse group of people, ranging from bankers to
carpenters to laborers. Builders select plans, do cost estimates, obtain
financing, hire subcontractors, order materials, and oversee work in progress—
processes you will learn to do by studying this course. Most builders don’t do
any of the actual “hammer and nails” work, but, of course, you can if you want
and save even more money.
How much time will it take on a daily basis to build/contract my own house?
Even with a full time job elsewhere, you can contract your own home
successfully! The key is being organized. Once the construction gets
underway, you’ll need to spend about an hour a day doing things such as
ordering materials , inspecting work in progress, calling subcontractors (subs),
charting and revising your schedule, and keeping up with your bookkeeping.
Most of these tasks can be accomplished in the evening, on the weekends, or
early in the morning. In fact, before and after normal working hours are likely
the best times to reach many subcontractors.
How long does it take to build a house?
Plan four to eight months—depending on your pace, weather conditions, and
the complexity of your home—to complete the entire process. Be aware that
delays caused by weather and material shortages, etc. can and do occur.
Therefore, it’s advisable to make certain your current living arrangements are
flexible enough to allow for some delays.
What do I need to know to be a builder?
You don’t have to be an engineer or architect to build a house. But it helps to
know some basic construction terminology and be familiar with standard
building concepts, particularly when you are talking to suppliers and subs and
inspecting work in progress. You'll also need to know how to complete a cost
estimate.
A little business savvy is also important. When you buy property, obtain
financing, and contract for materials and labor, you enter into formal
agreements—essentially forming business alliances with realtors, bankers,
subcontractors, and suppliers. You need to know the right questions to ask,
understand the fine print, know what’s standard and what’s extra, and always
put things in writing.
Do I have to have a special license to build my own home?
Probably not. More and more states are now requiring builders—those who
plan to construct homes for other people—to obtain a builder’s license. But in
most states, you do not have to have a license to build your own home. Check
with your local building authorities to be certain.
As outlined above, building your own home takes some time, patience and
perseverance. But the benefits gained are definitely worth it.
Enjoy browsing our website and then buy our e-book, The Ultimate Guide to
Contracting Your Own Home: Save 30% to 40% on the Cost of Your New
Home for an in-depth look at the entire process including many insider tricks
and secrets!
Helping You Build Your American Dream Step-by-Step
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