Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it cost to build my own home?
- How long does it take to build a home, and how much time will I need to spend at the jobsite?
- Can I get "contractor prices" on building materials and labor?
- What about guarantees and warranty?
- How much can I save working with OBCH?
- Do I need to find land or have my building plans before I call OBCH?
- Can I build my own home if I don't have any building experience?
- I'm not handy at all. I can't even pound a nail in straight. Does that matter?
- Won't it be a full-time job running my own project?
- How can I find good subcontractors?
- How much work can I do myself?
- Can I use my own subcontractors?
- Who pays the bills?
- Who do I call to get started?
- Can I use my own home plans?
- Do I need a General Contractor?
- Can I make changes to the OBCH plans?
- What are the square footage ranges of the OBCH home plans?
- Why should I use OBCH instead of just building on my own?
- Do you help with all sizes and costs of homes?
- How early do I need to prepare before I begin building?
- Where do I begin?
- Why should a person build their own home instead of getting a contractor to do it?
- How do I know if I am qualified from a financial standpoint?
- Don't see your question? Ask your own here.
What does it cost to build my own home? Top
As you can imagine, this is a complicated question. Costs will vary depending upon the complexity of the home`s design, location of construction project, and the topography of the lot. The 2004 edition of the "National Construction Estimator" states that as of the third quarter of 2003 the cost of construction was $75.71 per square foot.
What we see most of our owners spending is about $60 to $90 per foot. These numbers can be reduced with "sweat equity."
How long does it take to build a home, and how much time will I need to spend at the jobsite? Top
Most people plan for a six-month construction period. Some finish as quickly as four months, and some take nine to twelve months. With good planning and no excessive delays, you should be able to finish in six months. We figure that you should spend about 6 hours a week during the actual construction. Not all of the time is spent at the actual jobsite. Most of the time is spent coordinating contractors and shopping for materials. Our subcontractors are professionals and don't need you to watch them work. You will check in at the jobsite about as often as you would if you had hired a general contractor, probably everyday, just to check the progress of the work. In this program you are the Builder and in control of your project. No custom home builder is going to care about your project as much as you do!
Can I get "contractor prices" on building materials and labor? Top
The short answer is Yes. The more complex answer is that there is no fixed discount called "contractor pricing." If you buy a trainload of material you could expect a better discount than if you are buying a small amount. Most small contractors build one or two homes a year and for most purposes you will be treated in that same category by vendors and subcontractors. One of the benefits of working with the OBCH is that the various vendors will treat you as a large volume custom builder, thereby offering bigger discounts.
What about guarantees and warranty? Top
OBCH does not warrant your home. The truth is that if there was a problem with your plumbing and you had hired a general contractor to build your home or purchased a home from a developer, you would call them and they would call the plumber. They might even give you the name and number of the plumber and tell you it was his responsibility, call him. The guarantees are exactly the same, you just eliminate the middle man in the event of a problem. If you take the "Home Building" Seminars offered at the center, we will show you how to get some extended guarantees instead of the standard one year guarantee offered by virtually every contractor and developer. Currently, we have a ten-year structural warranty that is being offered to our clients, of course this is subject to change in the future.
How much can I save working with OBCH? Top
Typically about 15%, but it could be more depending on your level of involvement.
Do I need to find land or have my building plans before I call OBCH? Top
No. Getting our professional help before buying land can avoid costly mistakes and of course all OBCH clients qualify for free custom home plans.
Can I build my own home if I don't have any building experience? Top
Yes. You don't need it with OBCH. 95% of our clients have no building experience whatsoever, and they do fine.
I'm not handy at all. I can't even pound a nail in straight. Does that matter? Top
No. That's the good part about OBCH. Most of our clients do very little work, as their main tool is the phone.
Won't it be a full-time job running my own project? Top
No. The OBCH process is put together so well that even the busy people can do it.
How can I find good subcontractors? Top
OBCH has subcontractors with proven track records. They are very competitive, and you have instant clout as an OBCH client. As the Builder it is your decision to use any subcontractor!
How much work can I do myself? Top
All, some or none.
Can I use my own subcontractors? Top
Yes, absolutely. You are the one in control.
Who pays the bills? Top
You do! You control the money.
Who do I call to get started? Top
Call us to set up a free initial consultation meeting. 936.273.5650 or 936.273.5747
Can I use my own home plans? Top
Yes, however, we do offer free house plans.
Do I need a General Contractor? Top
No. We consult with you so that you may act as your own General Contractor and Builder.
Can I make changes to the OBCH plans? Top
Yes.
What are the square footage ranges of the OBCH home plans? Top
OBCH has home plans ranging from 1200 square feet to over 5000 square feet.
Why should I use OBCH instead of just building on my own? Top
If you don't use OBCH, you will probably spend more on your house and have more, longer lasting problems. Our process will save you time with our customized scheduling. You will be able to avoid many costly mistakes because of our program. You will save money using our discount with pre-selected contractors, complete your house more quickly, and have an expert to rely on whenever you need help.
Do you help with all sizes and costs of homes? Top
Yes! We have done houses from 2000 - 8000 square feet, ranging in cost from 150K to 950K.
How early do I need to prepare before I begin building? Top
Two to three months is about average. You could do it more quickly or it could take you longer, depending on your circumstances.
Where do I begin? Top
Getting started is easy! Set an appointment with one of our consultants to discuss your home building objectives and we will explain in detail the available programs.
Why should a person build their own home instead of getting a contractor to do it? Top
There are several reasons as to why they should build their own home. First is cost! By using an OBCH consultant, a homeowner can easily save 15% or more! On a $200,000 home that is $30,000 or more. Think of that in terms of monthly payments; depending on the interest rate, this could be a savings of as much as $200 per month! So you`re getting a more affordable home or more home for the same amount of money. The savings are tremendous and OBCH lets you make it happen.
How do I know if I am qualified from a financial standpoint? Top
If you have good credit, we have had a 100% success rate in providing construction financing for our OBCH clients. Call to schedule an appointment with our Financial Manager. 936.273.5650
Programs and fees are subject to change without prior notice
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