Building or Buying a New Home

If you are thinking of buying or building a brand spanking new home, you’re in luck because this article was created for you! In fact, many of my clients have determined the market has become pretty well picked over and the majority of what’s left is either over-priced or junk. Recently I’ve been fielding a lot of questions about buying brand new construction or building a new home, so I’ve decided to help you by outlining the process.

STEP 1: Get pre-approved for your construction loan or to purchase the newly built home once it’s constructed by the builder. This is especially important for new construction! If you are buying a lot and building a home, the construction loan underwriting process is much tougher than if you are buying an already built new home. This often requires more down payment, better credit and lower debt to income ratios. I’ve had many clients qualify to buy an existing home but do not qualify for a construction loan.

If you are using a builder like Gough or Wright Homes to build your home for you (both do great custom construction in Salt Lake and Utah County) then you just need what’s called take out financing to buy the property from the builder when construction is complete. You really have to be carefully pre-approved with this approach because you will be giving the builder non-refundable construction deposits and if you can’t close on the take out financing then you will lose that money (insert swear word here). It’s important that your mortgage team not only look at the last two years of your credit and income but we also try to account for any changes in interest rate, etc. over the next 90 to 180 days as your home is being constructed. We will make sure your loan is fully underwritten and approved prior to giving any non-refundable funds to the builder.

STEP 2: Locate a community and lot to build your dream home on. Once your mortgage (construction or take out financing) is approved then you know how much you’re comfortable and capable borrowing and can choose a lot.

Tip: You really want an expert REALTOR that specializes in land and new construction to help you with this. If you’ve not built multiple homes before there is a TON that you do not know. Simply put, hire a land expert and allow them to explain all the mistakes they’ve seen past clients make. You can’t un-build it after it’s built…

STEP 3: Build your home! This is a general timeline and guide to the key steps that occur during the course of construction.

Building Process:

1. Customize house plan with builder

2. Color Orientation- Coordinator & suppliers with options pricing (1-2 weeks)

3. Pre Construction Meeting (3-4 weeks)

4. Color Selection Meeting- Finalize decisions (6-7 Weeks)

5. Start Dig (7-8 weeks)

6. Electrical/Flat-work Meeting- Discuss location of lights, plugs, options & concrete (11-12 weeks)

7. Walk through Meeting- Confirm upgrades are in place, create punch list of missing items (18-20 weeks)

8. Closing & Completion of Home- Time will depend on size & scope of home (19-21 weeks)

STEP 4: Close on your home and move in (picture yourself in home nirvana here!) If you’ve done a construction loan in your name then you already own the home and you just move in. If you’ve chosen to have the builder construct the home for you, then this is when you get your take out loan and actually purchase the home. Our goal is to have your loan closed the same day the city issues the Certificate of Occupancy so you can move in immediately.

So that’s it, you are now more educated than most people who have done this process several times over. Congratulations!

Build Your Family A Real Castle To Live In

Castles have always been historically attributed to the monarchy that ruled a specific area. They were from their inception an expression of wealth and power. In modern times they are not instantly associated with monarchs but still do hold a similar type of admiration. In fact, people the world over still glorify the beauty and stateliness that may be found with a well built castle. If you would like to create your own castle there are a few things you will need to do to make this dream a reality.

Required Tools and Materials

Cranes

Heavy machinery

Bricks

Stone cutters

Stones

Metal

Cement

Sand

Instructions

1)Before you can proceed you will need to obtain the required paper work. To do this you will need to contact your local government or state building agency to find out what the exact requirements are. These will normally vary by state. In general you will be expected to meet safety standards, get environmental clearances and so forth. Do not start to construct your castle until you have acquired the essential documentation and permits. Continuing without proper clearance may lead to fines and certain penalties, which could include the destruction of the newly erected structure.

2)You will need to figure out how much you will be spending on the castle. This amount will best be calculated by the professionals including the engineer and contractors. Essentially you will receive a breakdown of the amount of material you will need to finish the structure. You should always make allowances for additional material. It is not abnormal for the pre-determined amount to surpass expectation.

3)You should choose a site that has a large acreage of land and good vegetation. The most ideal place for a castle is consequently the countryside. The more attractive the area the more gorgeous the castle. This basically means the castle will appear even more inviting and prominent amidst lush fields and meadows. However, you should still choose a location that is close enough to present day conveniences.

4)You will need to make a moat. No castle could be complete without this notable feature. Once you have dug the moat combine the cement, gravel and sand to form concrete and place around the edges to hold its completed structure in place. You can add fish and stones to your moat to make it more visually interesting.

5)You can start to construct your castle by making a solid foundation. A large cement mixer can be employed to lay down the concrete at the base of the structure. If you would like a courtyard place a bit of dirt in an appropriate area, preferably in the middle of the foundation.

6)Following the blueprints, the stones can be arranged using mortar or cement to secure them. The stones you opt to use should be very large and uneven. Once the stone walls are done you can install the doors, guard towers, windows and so on. Your castle is now ready for use.

Tips and Warnings

1)Look at castle designs from many different locations. You can adopt specific features and create a look that encompasses many stylistic aspects. There are older modeled castles that used only holes for doors and windows, however if you would like the additional privacy that windows will provide then indicate this in your plan.

2)You should determine where you will install the water and electrical conveniences before proceeding. When the castle is completed the wiring can be installed. Be sure to check that the wiring is working properly before you start using the electricity in the castle. It is best that you employ a professional to perform the installation of all electrical wires.

3)Get the best materials available to increase the longevity of your castle. Employ the best people to help you build your dream home as this will save you money in the long term.

Home Building Tips

Having your home built is an exciting time no matter whether it is a basic home or one chosen from a range of luxury homes. It is easy to get carried away by the fancy things that can be seen such as fittings and furnishing and not pay much attention to those things that are invisible when the home is finished.

But home builders in Perth know that things like the foundations and structure are the most important things in building a home. Custom home builders understand that if these are not done correctly, then no amount of plush carpeting or fancy wallpaper will make that home a good one.

Building a home involves a massive amount of money (all paid by the home owner) and so you must feel satisfied with the construction of your home. You have a legal right to expect a good quality home that is soundly constructed. And just because you signed on the dotted line doesn’t mean that a few things cannot be changed. However the watchword here is communication – and keeping a list of things added or deleted. You will have to pay a bit extra for added things, but the reverse is true if you delete them.

Costs should be kept in perspective. It may not cost as much as you think to change those bricks to some you like better. Even if they cost something like $10 per hundred extra, the whole cost won’t work out that much more overall. What is more likely to cost the earth is if you want something unique or far out, new technology or using untested materials.

Another thing you might want to look at is add-on features such as extra rooms or another garage. Some people may consider leaving room to add on things at a later stage, but it might end up being cheaper to have them added on during the building stage. At least you will have all the building over and done with rather having to endure noise and building dust at a later stage. And how much better would your life be to have that extra space right now?

Great tips when building a home in South Arizona

There are many homes in South Arizona because of its scenic outdoors, the great climate, and the neighborly communities. Full-time and part-time residents flock to the South to avail of its many amenities and to create meaningful memories. And what better way to create memories in South Arizona than to settle down and build a home?

If you’re one of the lucky ones who were able to acquire a lot in Arizona, then it’s high time you get started on building that home. The best way to go is to have a professional Arizona home builder work with you. A custom-built home is the ideal option, but you might also want to check out Arizona model home plans that can help you get started. From there, you can let the ideas flow and get the help of experts in checking if your ideas are doable. Experts can also help you improve on the design to make the living space more convenient, stylish, comfortable and energy efficient.

Once you’ve decided to establish your home in Sourth Arizona, it would be best to work with a trusty home builder. Get an expert who can turn your brilliant ideas into reality. You also need to make sure that your chosen home builder will be very easy to work with. No scams, no unfair pricing, and no illegal work background. To avoid the pitfalls of getting the wrong home builder, it would be best to look for a well-known and multi-awarded home builder to make the overall process run smoothly. Living a hassle-free life in your new home begins with a hassle-free construction process.

If you’re ready to get started on building your home in South Arizona, get in touch with Dorn Homes, the best among home builders in Arizona. Aside from building homes from scratch, Dorn Homes also offers move-in ready homes for sale in South Arizona. A notable home builder, Dorn Homes has received several awards and recognition over the years for its excellent workmanship.

Apart from getting the help of experts when building a home in South Arizona, future residents can look forward to the wonderful amenities that the place offers. There are a number of amazing lakes and fun golf courses. Residents and visitors alike can also enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. Moreover, breathtaking sceneries of the mountains and the landscape’s greenery are both inspiring and comforting to see.

Lean To Shed Plans And Building Tips

For someone like me who is still sort of a beginner when it comes to do it yourself projects, lean to shed plans are essential for building a lean to shed. I can even build a decent shed with a great set of plans … and at a very reasonable cost. I would like to discuss some great tips as to why a lean to shed might be the best option for.

(1) The first tip is cost. The great thing about a lean to shed is it only has 3 sides. That alone will make it cheaper than building a regular 4-sided shed. Whatever you decide to use your 3 sided lean to shed for, such as for providing shelter to livestock or storing firewood means you do not have to worry too much about how pretty it needs to look.

For those reasons, you can use free and used wood. If you are using the shed for livestock, the 3 sides will provide natural ventilation which can keep disease from spreading. If you are using the shed to store firewood, then your wood will dry faster for good use in the winter.

(2) Another think you should know is you really only have 2 choices for how you want to lean your shed. You may have the inclination to lean the shed against your home or a building or barn, in which case you may be a bit more concerned about how it looks. Or the shed can be free standing for the protection of livestock in which case you probably won’t care how it looks.

(3) A really good 3rd tip is you can use free or recycled materials and wood you may just have laying around. You can even use cheap or used pallet for the floor only to ensure that whatever you are storing is kept off the ground and dry. With the shed out in the field for cattle you need not worry too much about a floor.

These are some great tips to consider when thinking about building a lean to shed but you will need to get a hold of some really good lean to shed plans to go with these tips. A friend of mine used a great set of Cradle Plans to build a baby cradle from a huge library of premium plans, and check the same library for a good set of lean to shed plans.

Factors To Consider When Constructing A Poultry House.

Poultry houses can be constructed out of a variety of materials and can be made into endless configurations. Chicken house construction is not difficult as long as the preplanning is done right. There are certain aspects of building the chicken house that should be considered when looking at designs. Below are 10 essential things that need to be considered whether purchasing or building the chicken house in order for the poultry house to be a success.

(1)The first thing to consider is the size and space needed and the space that is available.
(2)The location of the house. Be considerate of neighbors as there will be some odor and noise from the chicken house. Chickens should have shade and be out of the wind. The house should be in a location that is dry.
(3)What is the reason for raising chickens. The most common reasons are meat and eggs. The type of chicken raised will directly impact the size, location and type of chicken house.
(4)What are the best chicken breeds for the climate in which they will be raised. Some chickens weather different climate better that others. Make sure to conduct research into breeds before purchasing.
(5)There must be enough room in the coop for nesting boxes ( a good size is 1’x1’x1′), roosts (one square foot of roosting space for each chicken) and an area for food and water away from any roosting areas.
(6)There must be enough room in the coop for each chicken. A good estimate is 4 sq. ft per bird.
(7)Make sure there is some consideration for a run or outdoor space for the chickens to exercise and have access to fresh air.
(8)If the coop is to be a winter home for the chickens it will have to be insulated and protected from the wind. Birds also need light so there should be some consideration for windows.
(9)Ventilation will have to installed to vent the heat, odor and gasses naturally produced by chickens and their feces.
(10)The chickens will need protection from predators so the house will have to be secure.

Final Walk Through On A Newly Built Home

So you’re within days of closing on your newly built home and you’re already to move in. Before you close on your home, however, it is important that you first do a final walk through on the newly built home. If you are intent on closing on the planned closing day, then you should preferably do the final walk through at least several days before the closing. This will enable the general contractor to have some time to address any issues that may be uncovered during the walk through.

Walk Through Checklist Around the Outside of the Newly Constructed Home

When doing a final walk through of a newly built home, start by walking around the outside of the home. Check for loose siding and roofing shingles. Also check the outside foundation for cracks. Make sure screens are in all windows, and that entrance ways are properly and completely installed e.g. stairs, decks, and walkways. Also check that the outside water spigots and outlet boxes are operational. Also make sure all outside lights are working. In addition, make sure ground fault interrupter circuits have been used on outside outlets. Finally take a careful look at the gutters to make sure they have been installed properly and have a good pitch towards the drain pipes.

Next examine the grounds / landscaping. Has the turf been properly installed and looking healthy? If grass seed was planted, has it germinated? Are retaining walls properly constructed and were they installed where you expected them to be? Make sure that all the shrubs that you paid for were installed in the right locations and were of the right species. If an underwater sprinkler system was installed make sure it operates correctly.

Also check the grade of the landscaping around the home foundation. The grade should be such that water will drain away from the foundation. If this is not done, expect regular basement water problems. Also check for pooled areas, where water is sitting stagnant. If you see pooled areas this is a sign that grading was not done properly. Finally, make sure the driveway was installed properly and to your satisfaction.

Walk Through Checklist for the Inside of the Newly Built Home

Once you have completed the walk through around the outside of the home, it’s time to check the inside. When doing the inside walk through you may want to bring along an outlet tester or small appliance such as a hair dryer to check to make sure power is operational to all outlets.

When performing a walk through on the inside of the home, start with the basement. Make sure there are no leaks or puddles in the basement. In addition, check the walls for cracks. Also make sure the plumbing and wiring is neat and properly secured. Make sure that you confirm that the heating and cooling system work properly. Also check to make sure that major beams are sitting properly in the foundation sockets. On occasion I have seen center beams floating at one end of the foundation. Either the lally columns were placed too high or the socket was placed too low for the beam.

In the main part of the home, check to make sure that the floors do not squeak and that all the doors and windows open and close properly. Also check every light switch and outlet to make sure that they work properly.

In the kitchen make sure that all of the appliances are correctly installed and are functional. Also check all of the cabinets and drawers to make sure they are functional.

In the bathrooms make sure the ceiling fans are all working. Also make sure the fiberglass tub has not been damaged in any way.

Both in the bathrooms and the kitchen make sure ground fault interrupter circuits have been installed.

Make sure painting is complete throughout the home and that all flooring has properly been installed. Make sure you check for cracked tiles, or cuts in the vinyl flooring.

Finally check the smoke alarms, and home security system. Make sure they are working properly.

If problems are uncovered, write them down and submit a copy of the list to your general contractor. After he has addressed the issues, go back to the home and revisit the issues you uncovered on your first walk through.

Conducting a walk through on new home construction, prior to closing, is essential in making sure you get what you pay for. If you find problems after the closing it will more than likely take more time and effort to get them corrected, even if you have a home warrantee/guarantee. A general contractor wants his paycheck, and if he knows he won’t get it until the problems are resolved chances are he will resolve them very quickly.

Building a Coat Rack Using Wood Dowels

Wood dowels are an excellent, inexpensive way to create your own customized coat rack for your home. The rack would be made of a long board with a series of pegs, made from wood dowels. The materials you will need to create this hanging rack include: wood dowels, a board that is the length you would like the rack to be, wood glue, a wood drill, a small saw to cut through the wood dowels, a measuring tape, and a marking pencil. Wood dowels are long pieces of cylindrical wood that come in a variety of lengths and widths. The thicker the wood dowels, the stronger they will be; therefore, for this item, it is wise to select thicker-sized wood dowels. Thicker wood dowels will allow you to hang weightier items, such as heavy winter coats, on the pegs without them splintering or breaking off altogether. You can usually find wood dowels for purchase at any store that sells hardware supplies. The first step you should complete in constructing the rack is to use the drill to place a series of holes in the long board. Begin by placing the long board on a hard surface that will not be damaged by the drill.

Next, select a drill bit that is the exact size of the width of the wood dowels you have and attach it to the drill. When drilling, place the holes several inches apart; preferably, the holes would be approximately six inches apart from each other. The next step you will take is to cut the wood dowels into several equal pieces; these will be used as the pegs on the rack. When deciding on how long each piece of the wood dowels will be, it is crucial that you take into consideration the width of the long board you are using as the base of the rack. For example, if you are using a two-by-four piece of wood, you will probably want to cut the wood dowels into pieces that are at least three inches long. This would allow you to slide the pegs into the board, and still have at least one inch remaining exposed, on which you would be able to hang the coats. Once you have decided how long you want each piece of the wood dowels to be, use your measuring tape and pencil to mark the wood dowels in exactly equal pieces; then use the saw to cut at each marking.

The final step is to assemble all of the pieces together, but before you do that, make sure you thoroughly read the directions on your wood glue. Using wood glue for creating a strong hold usually requires that the glue sets, undisturbed, for a few hours. Once you know how long to let the glue dry, drop a small amount of the glue into each of the holes on the long board, and apply a thin layer of glue on the end of each of the cut wood dowels. Then, firmly press each of the pieces of the wood dowels into each of the holes. Your coat rack, made of common wood dowels, will then be ready for you to hang on the wall once your glue has set and dried.