Building a kit home this summer

[caleeallen]

I've started the kit home-building process in Fern Acres and have gotten a few quotes-
$17,000 for a 75-foot drive, 40 x 40 pad, and septic install. Add on $2000 for the house plan with specs and $1000 for engineer approval. That was from Island Boundary, and they pinned our front corners. Very responsive. Nick Moore was also very helpful.

I was also quoted between $350 and $400 for labor and some land clearing from two contractors, but that was NOT for a kit home. I am waiting for a couple more to get back to me. 

But now I need to buy those house plans and am choosing between HPM and Honsador, their smallest units. I did the 'finishing math' for the pre-approved Argus homes, and it almost came out the same way. Plus, I'd have to do a lot myself.

HPM is very upfront with their prices. Honsador is not, but I will persevere.

Does anyone have an opinion between the two or any contractor advice? Greg Henning has been very responsive so far, but I don't have a quote yet.

[Rob Tucker]

What size house are you thinking of?

[Chas]

Moore's Excavating did all my excavation, as well as some mini excavator work for landscaping a couple years later.

HIGHLY recommended!!!

[caleeallen]

The home will be 685 sq ft in total, 528 living space. I'm looking at the Pilikai. 
Moore's is already impressive because he responded quickly with information by text and email. I like that. I took Chas's earlier recommendation on him.
I am building quite small and want everything up to code and permitted. It looks like hiring a recommended contractor will be easiest for me. I'm off island right now. 
Thanks already for the advice I've been reading in the forum.
I can plan better once I get a labor rate for the kit building. I'll share interesting info here as I get it (paying it back).

[caleeallen]

Some general contractor quotes have rolled in, and the average ballpark estimate for a turnkey install of a 700 sq ft house kit is $180K. That includes site prep, septic, and water catchment, with no upgrades to the standard plan. I'm waiting for more estimates after the holidays.

There were more siding choices than I expected. Does anyone have any advice for low maintenance, durability, and budget? I'm thinking standing seam.
LP smart panels with 8" O.C. Grooves, LP Lap siding, James Hardi lap siding, Board & Batten, standing seam metal or composite cladding

[BlackAkita]

There were more siding choices than I expected. Does anyone have any advice for low maintenance, durability, and budget?  I'm thinking standing seam.
LP smart panels with 8" O.C. Grooves, LP Lap siding, James Hardi lap siding, Board & Batten, standing seam metal or composite cladding

I'm planning a few years ahead, budgeting for a small (Kapuna) home on a lot next to my current home. Hardie board is very popular on the mainland, but the reviews on Home Depot and Lowes are mixed. Most buyers complain about shipping damage. It seems like you need to order more than you calculate. I'm wary about painting siding, even on a one-story home, every six years. Does anyone use vinyl siding, or is it considered to be uncool since it does not look like wood texture?

[tikicarver]

I built a 10 x 10 shed about 4 years ago an used LP Smart siding, painted it with high quality exterior paint.
it still looks like I put it up last week.
I like that the LP siding is pre-primed, so has protection from rain as soon as you put it up and can wait til nice day to paint it.

Also using it on a garage I am currently building. For the garage I got 9 ft panels..  Was nice it comes in that length.

[randomq]

How much are the 9ft panels and where? Thanks!

[bgiles]

...not to hijack tread, but related. Best source for Lexan or other polycarbonate greenhouse-type panels? I will use for pump house. Home Depot unreliable as they don't update their website in timely manner. Wasted a trip to Kona side...

[punikahakaiferret]

Last time I bought Suntuf/Palruf panels was from HD, about 2 years ago, but I think Ace in Kea'au has some...or did?