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[shesallthat]

On 6/8/2014 Allegheny said:

On 6/8/2014 shesallthat said:

On 6/8/2014 Snowpuppy said:

That's what I'm looking at too, empty nest but yet several years.......okay a decade or more away from retirement! Ideally, I'd like it to be paid off before I retire.

Make sure you have someone review or update your plans as required by code in the area you want to build.

Do you already own the lot or are you looking in the area?

no we do not own it yet - my DH has a friend that has more property than he can handle and told him he would gladly sale several acres to us when we get ready. he has a couple of sons but they do not want to live out in the country like he was hoping!

shesallthat, one of the important issues to consider when buying acreage is what could occur in future years. If you enjoy your privacy and rural living, try and purchase as much land as possible. Sadly I've seen people's 3-4 acre property ending up surrounded by a subdivision.

yes ITA with you!!! thank goodness it is a friend of his and has said we could buy as much as we want to - he does not have any other plans since the boys don't want it. the area is still very much "in the country" right now and houses are few and far between but several years ago they completed a new parkway that is just up the street from where the land it - making it much easier and faster to get out there. so i would not be surprised at all if more people starting looking at the area now.

[Snowpuppy]

gardenman, thanks for the advice! This is a modest ranch with simple roof lines. I'm all for practical, open floor plan. I've done my share of "fabulous" including a townhouse that had 4 levels. Needless to say, I was in my 20's.

There's been some housing recovery here, prices have lifted off their bottom but there are no new planned developments to look at. No builders building and I think the last Parade of Homes was 2004-2006. Several developments have gone into foreclosure with nothing more than vacant lots, roads to nowhere and builders that never built but filed BK instead.

One lot I looked at backed up to the National Forest so the only neighbors would be Smokey The Bear. While it is a distance out you then look at heating with propane. This past winter there was significant price gouging. There are pros and cons to every location.

[ID2]

We just finished building a custom house. We knocked down our old cottage and decided to build new. We just moved into it in March. We worked with our builder previously and loved the work he did and how easy he was to communicate with. When you are building, plan on being on-site a lot!! Just to catch things that may run amiss. My greatest advice that I can't emphasize enough is take lots and lots of photos! Of everything, every step of the way! You will be very appreciative when you need to know where some wiring is, pipes are located exactly,etc. Just remember there is no such thing of over planning or over thinking your project! You will be consumed with the building process as you are going through it but enjoy it. Good luck to you.

[shelinmi]

Snowpuppy- what area are you at in Michigan, we are in Grand Rapids and the housing market is on fire this spring. If it's an awesome house, it's got offers within a day and sometimes for over asking price.

We too are looking at house plans for a modest ranch. Lots of good and bad house plans on line. We have found a builder we are comfortable with and been in a few houses he has built. Oh the decisions!

Good luck and I look forward to following this thread.

[LynnPaltrow]

On 6/8/2014 RedTop said:

Our home was custom built 33 years ago, when I was young and had far more energy and tolerance than I have today. It is not something I would care to repeat, unless my husband wins the lottery and we have LOTS of money to pay for a turn-key job. I continue to be very happy with my home, and we are very comfortable here. The upgrades we have made through the years will enable us to continue living here as we age.

However, IF I were building a house today, I would definitely go for one level with attached garage---no half basement like we have now. I would also think handicapped accessible, which would include wider door frames throughout the entire house, a wider hallway, as well as easy access showers, raised toilets, and durable floor coverings such as ceramic tile and hardwood. I would also look at low maintenance ideas inside and out, and sprayed insulation as well as other energy saving features. I personally would focus solely on building a sound and comfortable, energy efficient home. Best wishes and much success to you with this big project!

I could not agree more with you RedTop. My neighbor did some home remodeling recently and used a storm garage door. Said its impact proof and will protect from burglars. home improvement solutions will not only give a good ROI, but will be beneficial in adding value to the house as well.Also many contractors give you free or on-site consultation,useful reference. It helps you decide or revise your plan-of-action.

[ennui1]

On 6/8/2014 Snowpuppy said:

gardenman, thanks for the advice! This is a modest ranch with simple roof lines. I'm all for practical, open floor plan.

I read an article recently that open floor plans are on the way out. People think that's what they want, but they tire of them quickly.

Who knew -- walls are making a comeback.

[ive been framed]

Hi Snowpuppy! When my in laws built their house, they made sure to check the progress every step of the way. Once, the builder almost made the opening for the walk-out basement door too narrow (the plans specifically showed it needed to accommodate a wider than standard door). Another time the double sink in the guest bath was about to be installed with a counter that was not the height specified in the plans. This was a well known and competent builder they used, no less. So make sure you go over the plans with the contractor before each step whenever possible.

When we built an addition on our home and the foundation was dug and ready to put in rebar and cement, my DH saw that the gravel base was not even, just looked dumped in. He and his dad went down there and smoothed it out more themselves, and saw it needed another few inches of gravel around the drain pipes. Of course I wouldn't have known the difference, not being a contractor, but it's a good idea to let them know you're watching the job being done.

[AspenQn]

Speaking of custom builds, has anyone found a website with floorplans that good for empty nesters?

We will be out in a mountain community (but rural) and want a 3BR/2 or 2.5 BATH that is a single story with a loft, and a prow front or wall of windows to take in the mountain view. Probably a max of 2500 sq ft., but everything I can find are McMansions.

[AuntG]

We used to enjoy going on the Parade of Homes sponsored by the builders in our area, but now they don't even show modest homes.

[Snowpuppy]

On 6/18/2014 StElmoQn said:

Speaking of custom builds, has anyone found a website with floorplans that good for empty nesters?

We will be out in a mountain community (but rural) and want a 3BR/2 or 2.5 BATH that is a single story with a loft, and a prow front or wall of windows to take in the mountain view. Probably a max of 2500 sq ft., but everything I can find are McMansions.

Be cautious when looking for your home plans. There are so many copy cat plans out there and you've got issues if you're not buying from a legit seller. Try talking with a builder in that area and see if they have any stock plans you could modify.

Thank you all for the input! I've decided to look until Sept and then if nothing appears on the market I'll get pricing for the build.

I know "open concept" is said to be on it's way out but when I consider aging in place I think it's smart to have fewer barriers in your home!