Sweat Equity- any experiences?
Ok- this is not doggy related- except in that once the house is here, I can get mine! 
So as you all know- hubby and I are buying our first home this year. In looking at our options (house prices in our area are very high- and our incomes, well... not so much!) We have stumbled across an option that would involve us building a new home, and doing a lot of the finishing work on the home (ie- drywall, hanging cabinetry, flooring, etc). Luckily- my husabnd worked a summer in home construction/remodeling, my father-in-law is a home remodeler, my uncle is a contractor, my dad is good with paininting and other house projects, so we have a lot of resources around us- which I think makes this a viable option... So here's my question- does any one have any experiences they can share with me? Any good web sites or information to pass on? Just trying to plumb the depths of this groups collective knowledge! Karen  |
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| Another option you can look at if you dont' want to build, is different types of mortgages that can reduce your payment. If you don't plan on living in you home over 10 years, which most people don't, you can look at ARM's or Interest Only loans. Those are just a few of the options available to consumers. I have never built a house, so I cant help you there. |
| I have some barely second-hand experience in this area.
My brother is a general contractor, and has completely refurbished the two homes that he has lived in over the past 18 years. The first took 4 or 5 years to be completed just before they moved and sold, the second is now 99% complete after 10 or 12 years. I'm not sure on the exact time periods. Most of the work gets done up front, then there's just all the darn finish work everywhere, all while he was working his normal 50 hours outside the home. The first place was very nice... the current place is gorgeous. The catalyst events in life (major family functions) drove large sections of finish work to completion. They lived with varying degrees of displacement for the entire periods. Bear in mind that this was reconstruction, although the demo and initial build-out was accomplished rather quickly. My sister lives in Vermont and had a partially finished pre-fab installed on some land. Before that happened, her Significant Other had to prepare the land. He brought in fill and then he personally compacted it and had the foundation poured. After the house was delivered and set up, they moved in and proceeded to finish the second floor which was only roughed in. They accomplished this very quickly. This was in the last couple of years. They continue to add new things to the house, last year they built a deck off of the kitchen (which is high off the ground due to lay of the land) which was planned for with a sliding door, and this past fall they completed a mudroom addition at the side of the house, which was also pre-planned. I guess a lot depends on if two people are going to do substantially all of the work together, and have a drive and offer each other motivation to get it done, or if it's going to be left up to one person to do it all (or 98.5% of it all) by himself in his spare time. So there. "A Tale of Two Siblings". |
| Sweat equity is one of the best ways to buy a first house. Have the rooms you need finished so you don't go crazy. The den, kitchen, your bedroom, the kids bedroom's, the bathroom etc. finish the basement the extra bedroom the porch etc. Buy the tools you need, don't skimp, get really good saws, ladders, safety equipment, large rolls of plastic sheeting to isolate for dust, you can rent some like scafolding. Pay someone to do some of the semi-skilled labor that is the hardest work or if you need some expertise. Do your own trim work if you know how your own oainting etc. Be finished with the living rooms before you move in. Have fun |
Sounds like a big project but also sounds like you have lots of great help. I would take advantage of that and you could have the perfect house(and maybe a sheepie room & bath  ) |
| Memories, light the corners of my mind . . . Ahem! Sorry, slipped into Streisand mode.
Anyway, this is how we built our home, too. Out of necessity more than anything else. We were young, pretty much broke, but wanted our own home. Motivation is key in a project this big. And looking back at it, if we had already had our children, this would have never worked. We got a construction mortgage. The bank would pay for sections as they were done (plumber, framer, etc.) This was a lifesaver for us, cause we couldn't afford to pay for both apartment rent and the mortgage while we were building. This way we only paid interest on the amount of money we used until the loan was fully paid out. Don't even know if they offer that kind of mortgage any more. We paid someone to frame the house. The contractor showed us (Dale (my husband) and me) how to shingle, and we finished the roof ourselves. We also sided it ourselves. We paid a plumber to put in the furnace and run the heat and water lines. Dale (husband) wired the whole house. We did the whole inside - dry-wall, spackling, painting, molding, inside doors, etc. Most of the time it was just the two of us, occasionally a family member or friend would come and help. What an education!! We did all this while working full time jobs during the day and going to work on the house at night and on week-ends. It took us one year to completely finish one bathroom, our bedroom and the kitchen, just so we could move in. After we moved in, it took another year before the rest of the house was done. And, of course, after that it was one remodeling job after another. After all, like I said, we were young and pretty much broke, so we did the best we could in the initial building with the finances available to us. As the financial picture improved, we improved things in the house. Over the years we've added a deck, built a shed out back, redid carpeting more times than I can count, redid kitchen flooring, put paneling up, took paneling down, painted and painted and painted some more, upgraded bathroom fixtures, etc., etc., etc. We are currently remodeling our first floor powder room, from the walls out. Will it ever end? Sometimes it doesn't feel like it! Luckily my husband is very capable, construction-wise. His father owned an appliance store for his career and was trained as an electrician in the Army, so he passed those traits on to his sons. My father-in-law and both his sons can build or fix anything. Has come in very handy over the years, and has saved us a boatload of money. The only thing is has really cost is that I wish we could get back is time. Every project takes more time than estimated, and always more money than estimated. You have the same resources available to you with your husband and other family members. Just realize that it will take longer to have everything finished because of being able to work on it only part-time. Would I do it again? Don't know. Like I said, we wanted a house, we were pretty much broke, and we were young and naive and headstrong. It taught us a lot, there are a lot of memories to look back on, but it wasn't easy while we were living through it. Sorry, this got to be pretty long, but your question brought back all the old memories! Good luck, whatever you decide to do! Chris |
| We purchased this 100 year old house 4 years ago. It has four bedrooms, 2300 square feet, arched entry way, two stone fireplaces - even a pull chain toilet downstairs ! I love it. We got it at a great price because it was SO neglected. As first time homeowners we thought "Hey ! We can fix it !"
HA HA HA HA HA My husband is a teacher. I love him to death - but a carpenter he is NOT. *I* am the one who paints. Painting entails spackling all the cracks, re-texture, Kiltz ~ then paint. ALL windows must be sanded down (great 16 + individual pane windows - at least *I* thought they were great until I tried to sand all the layers of paint off them.) *I* am the window breaker. SO- Jeff sands and is on window detail. I texture, spackle and paint. I have a really steady hand, and he has tons of patience - so we are a great team. This ol' house is looking SO much better. We have ripped out carpet (never pull back a piece of carpet in the closets when you are told that "solid wood floors" are underneath. This is the NICEST area of wood you will find. The rest will have dog pee, burns, and paint on it. You will find this out AFTER you have pulled all the carpet out and your bank account is laughable. Trust me. I know) So - due to the fact that we have a parrot and couldn't use the caustic sealers if we redid our wood floors - we ended up painting the girls rooms a really nice buttery cream color and also doing their hall. It looks FAB and holds up great. I guess the only question you should really ask yourself is "IS YOUR MARRIAGE STRONG?" HA ! You think I am joking.... this type of stuff really is a challenge to the best of marriages. If we can survive THIS we can survive anything 
Dawn |
| Also, how is the rest of the neighborhood holding up? If this house is the worst and can be brought up to the others, yes, you'll do fine. If the neighborhood is iffy (and not one of those Inner City Restorations).........I'd be careful. I didn't say don't do it, just hold back on the super expensive stuff --marble, granite, etc.
Realize with this type of work you'll be living in a construction zone for a very long time. Be realistic, do you have the temperament to do this.....not skills.......temperament. The comment about a good marriage is right on the mark. That said, my cousin and her husband redid several homes before they finally gained enough money to build on acreage. (come to think of it, they didn't have their kids until they finished their house redos.) |
| Well first off... I totally agree with Dawn about the marriage test thing. It's tough. Real tough! We built a house while my husband was transiting from the military to a civilian job (which required him to travel endlessly... China, Peru, Chile, Malaysia....). Our son was 5 years old at the time AND I was pregnant. My dad is a wonderful carpenter, but he had a full time job. He would line my mom and I out for what we could do during the week, stuff like running wiring (not connecting), hanging insulation, hanging sheetrock, putting down the subflooring. Then on the weekends he and my husband would do the "Heavy" stuff. It was hot, I was miserable. We ended up moving in 3 days before my daughter was born. Would I do it again? If I wouldnt' have the stress of my husband being gone and me being pregnant.... yes. It's very satisfying building something with your own two hands. Lots of memories. But don't think it will be easy.
Good luck with your decision! Just my humble opinion, |
| Hi Everyone,
Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences with me. Feel free to keep on piping in! We are attending an informational seminar on this company next Wednesday- so I will let you all know how it goes... It sounds like they do all the "heavy" work- pouring the foundation, framing, hanging doors and windows, roofing, and they provide the financing rolling from a construction mortgage into a regular mortgage once the home is complete. We also have the option to get subcontractors for the "scary" stuff like plumbing and electrical. We'll see what it all entails. I really appreciate everyone's sharing their stories and advice! Mike and I have a very strong relationship- we have good work ethic, work well together, and are both "type B", so we rarely disagree, and when we do it is quickly resolved. I'm so lucky! I love my husband (did I mention I'm also a newlywed, can ya tell??) We don't have any children yet- so if there ever was a time to do something like this, it'd be now.
Keep on sharing your stories! If you have any good ideas for sources of info- please share! We're not commited 100% to this yet- I've got some research to do to make sure this is all ok, and makes sense for us (Gee- me researching... never!). You guys are great- thanks for the support! Karen |
| I'm sorry, I misread your initial post. The retired nurse down the street did what you are considering.......but she subcontracted out all but the painting which she felt she could handle, LOL. She is very satisfied. She did not live in the house while it was being built. Alas, since so much was subbed out, the project took longer than she expected.
Have you also looked or have available modular homes. Not manufactured homes, but modular......there's a difference. Manufactured homes are brought in total to the property, single wide, double wide, triple wide. Modulars come in panels and are constructed on site. There's still the foundation stuff; plumbing, etc tho. sheepieboss |
| With ALL that experience and knowledge which surrounds you?? Good grief! Go for it!! When they're done with your home, send 'em here and I'll keep them busy on "this old house Project 7"! : )
Seriously, if you have the help and the time and don't mind the shambles for a bit, you can save a bunch AND have the rooms finished the way YOU want them! Good luck!! Cathy P.S. If I didn't have so many rooms to re-wire, plaster, paint, sand, plumb, etc...I'd come help you so you could get that puppy sooner : ) |
| Good luck with your new home. We're right there with you - refinanced so we can have an addition and we'll be trying to do some work ourselves to save money. Sorry that I can't offer you much in the way of tips but if you're physically doing the work that can be a great experience. |
| Hi,
While I don't have experience involved building a home ,I have done reno's the last two years. Never been exposed to any of that stuff before, but being on my own and really wanting work done. I took advantage of free courses offered by Home Depot. They offer them free every Sat and Sunday if you happen to live close to one. I learned how to install laminate flooring, install a sink and toilet, and next on my list is laying down a brick walkway in my backyard. In the last year I've painted and spackled five rooms, ripped up carpeting, sanded floors, installed molding..the list goes on. I also bought power tools - a mitre saw which I just love and other must haves for my projects. My friends at work are amazed at my projects as I'm quite petite, standing about 5 ft tall and weigh about 100 pounds ---ah I could do so much more with the ceilings if I was taller!! I think it's because of the fear factor that most of us don't attempt these projects...fear of the unknown. The exposure to those free courses allowed me to see it was possible. Friends of mine that have built homes from scratch say the most annoying and bothersome thing is the red tape involved - the inspections to go ahead which can sometimes delay you . Be prepared for things to be twice as long as people suggest originally. The guy that says he'll show up on a Tues and just happens to be late or shows up days later. This may set off a chain reaction as for example I needed my bathroom floor redone before the installation of the toilet, the guy that was supposed to give me an estimate cancelled twice which delayed the installation of the toilet that weekend as planned. You can't get the drywall finished until the electrical. Have to do the electrical before.... Stuff like that...bothersome. Good advice regarding the marriage ...and for a few good laughs don't forget to go to Block Busters and rent the MONEY PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good Luck Marianne |
| Sweat equity is a really good way to go about getting your first house. Just make sure that it is really the light stuff that you will be doing. If you've never done electrical and plumbing, subcontract that out. There are some things that "Oops, I guess we'll know for next time," just doesn't cover!
Also, like Marianne said, Home Depot offers great classes and a lot of woodwork, painting, stuff like that is easier than you would think. Also, there are cheap labor options out there. (I know this is odd and kind of creepy but,) Our county jail has work release prsioners that do painting in the area. Usually, those people are in minimum security and not a risk to the public. A local club that we do sound for is doing a remodel and is using this type of labor. Just an alternative to keep in the back of your mind. You could also see if you have a vocational school in the area. They sometimes send their students out for the experience and all you pay for are materials. Although I think teenagers can be scarier than convicts! |
| Well,
We went to our seminar and everything seems to be a really great fit for us... I'm really excited and cautiously optimistic about everything. We're proceeding with due caution, but it looks like we may be building a home through this program! Which is awesome, because WE get to say what the house should look like, what goes in it, everything is controllable by us! They make sure everything is up to code, do the blueprints, etc. So- As we proceed with the process, I'll keep you guys updated. Right now we're trying to get more information, and trying to find land. So- if you know of anyone who happens to be selling in the Twin Cities metro- feel free to PM me! Land is very expensive and hard to find in MN right now... |
| Sounds like a great oportunity Karen. Is it like Habitat for Humanity?
I have done all the remodeling in my house. Some of it was a learning experience. The electrical was all knob and tube when we moved in. We only moved to the opposite corner of the block, so I did a whole lot of work in the month before we moved. I will say that once you are living in the house the work tends to slow to a snails pace. I gutted the kitchen and installed electric, plumbing, cabinets, counters, sink, washer/dryer hookups, removed a bathroom entirely, subflooring, flooring... It was a blast. I really loved it. So much that I have now helped neighbors do remodeling too. The satisfaction factor can't be beat, but then I was doing it all myself. I learned A LOT. You never know when you may need the ability to tackle something. My Dad taught me to do for myself, and it has been a lifesaver. In fact I just got done doing the work on my Van so I can get it inspected. I have saved a real fortune over the years! I wish I had put it all aside somewhere - I could pay off the house! Anyway, good luck! Marianne - have you considered those stilts the drywallers use? If you can learn to balance it really is the way to go. (I know this because I am short too!) Shellie (in PA) |
| Well- I'm not really initmate with how habitat for humaity works- I know hat it is a charitable orginazation that builds homes, but I can't say how it would compare to this program- which is a business.
This company provides services similar to a general contractor- handling inspections, surveys, managing your finances, etc. The idea is that you are responsible for the home- and have the opportunity to make the decisions and do whatever finishing work you feel comfortable with (gry wall, siding, painitng, cabinets, flooring, whatever), while they help you with the paying of the subcontratcors and all of the hard stuuf- like getting the land surveyed, getting the home designed etc. They also do the framing and roofing. That's the general idea anyways! So we're continuing to get more info on the company and what all is involoved- getting advice from parents and construction employed relatives- trying to make the right decision! Now if only land wasn't at such a premium! Karen |
| Karen,
It sounds like a wonderful adventure for you! Good luck, and keep us posted on the progress with lots of pics! Land everywhere seems to be at a premium. Here in PA, an average building lot is no more than a quarter-acre, and it can go anywhere from $40-60,000! Just for the land!!! It's also hard to find a lot that will let you use your own builder. Builders' developments are the norm around here. You can still find single lots, but they're getting harder and harder to find. Good luck in your search for land. Gotta say, kid - I don't envy you in that quest! Chris |
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