Expert: Dan Griffin - 12/29/2009

Question
Hi My Question to you is can I build a home for around 100.00 a square foot.  My brother is in construction and can help with many things.  How do you find a builder that will build for that price?  The home plan I am looking at  is
HOUSEPLANS.com
58-110  It is 1179 square feet
Thanks

Answer
Dawn, that sure is a loaded question.  You don't tell where you are and I would only know my local market, at best.  We have an add on television by a reputable home builder offering to build for $75/SF on your land.  I would think you could build for your $100.   If you are in Manhattan, Nyc, probably not.  Do you already have the land or will ;your selection fit into a subdivision that is available?

You do know that a lot of the cost of any home is in the finishes.  There is $6 carpet and there is $600.

I don't recommend owners to be GC's.  I think you will get a better product with fewer hastles using a builder.  There will be trials, tears, and complications in the process so try to find a contractor that you trust and can work with.  Ask friends, go on several interviews.  Ask things like:

How much of the work do your crews do, or is most everything subbed out?
Who are some of your subs?
Where do you like to get materials?
Is there any way I could see some of your other work or meet any of your clients?
What are the payment steps in this process?  Do you have a lender to suggest?

It really doesn't matter what the answers are.  See if you are comfortable with his reaction to the questions.  Is he open and honest? Remember he is sizing you up to see if he wants you for a client too.