building verus buying exsisting

[lavalinda]

Aloha....trying to get an idea of what is estimate of cost per sq ft of building verus buying an already built house.
Great deals on land now and houses too!!

[Rob Tucker]

This topic has been discussed in the past. You can use the search feature to access past discussions.

Here is one: http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6893&SearchTerms=building,buying

Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[john the architect]

I am an architect, but one reason to build as opposed to buy existing older construction is to get a home easier to maintain. Start by getting just the size you need. You can hedge your bet by having a design that can be phased for future expansion easily. Make sure you are buying something that will last because most existing buildings are not built that way. Houses using ICF, IMP's, and metal framing are permanent buildings that will not require rebuilding in your lifetime. A number of these have been built locally within the last ten years so you may find one for sale that would fit your needs or be easily adapted. Your question is like asking "what does a car cost?" because of things like solar power (do you want everything, solar water heating only, or just pre-planning to be able to add the most advanced components later?) and the level of finish vary greatly. Obviously now is a time to find bargains, but that also applies to materials, labor, and services. You will sleep better (and with less chance of allergies) if you build a sustainable home with advanced design and technology.

[Kapohocat]

[][:p][]

Ask me when I am no longer in the middle of a remodel of our own and I'll tell you which is better!! [][]

With new construction you know what is coming, with a remodel, you never know what you'll find. But if the house has nice bones to begin with, a remodel can be a fulfilling experience, and wont resemble a kit house but even in this business with SB being a builder, remodels are hard on a relationship but I haven't disowned him (yet)!! [][:p][]

[John S. Rabi]

In the current market environment it makes no sense to build unless you just have to have that certain kind of house tailored to your needs and specifications. New and fairly new homes, both REOs and Short Sales, are on the market way below their replacement costs.

As to remodel, unless you are EXTREMELY handy or have a HUGE bank account, don't even think about it! [][][]

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
888.819.9669
johnrabi@johnrabi.com
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
(This is what I think of the Kona Board of Realtors http://KonaBoardOfRealtors.info)

[hpp4me]

This is a timely topic! We have held off on building on our lot because much of the island has become affordable. We did not consider the Hamakua coast or kona because ocean views there were prohibitively expensive.

We may still build, but we have been looking at other areas and trying to figure out what the good neighborhoods are on the other side of the island.

If you want to build, there is a lot in HPP for just $20k and a 3 acre lot in Hawaiian Acres for only $18,000. These prices are amazing, and a bit sad, too.

[TrevorKane]

Fern Forest seems to be at the bottom right now $15K for 3 acres.

http://alohaliving.com/RealEstate/Property/ViewDetails.asp/State/HI/County/Hawaii/City/Mountain%20View/propertyid/3267793?searchType=Criteria&page=1

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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Originally posted by John S. Rabi...
As to remodel, unless you are EXTREMELY handy or have a HUGE bank account, don't even think about it! [][][]...

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or both. [][][]

Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management 808 965-9261

Dakineworkers.com

[hpp4me]

quote:

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Originally posted by TrevorKane

Fern Forest seems to be at the bottom right now $15K for 3 acres.

http://alohaliving.com/RealEstate/Property/ViewDetails.asp/State/HI/County/Hawaii/City/Mountain%20View/propertyid/3267793?searchType=Criteria&page=1

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These prices are ridiculous! With banks paying under 1% interest, it is tempting to convert my savings account into big island lots. I suppose things could continue to drop, though. No. of sales are low relative to inventory.

[Obie]

You might want to read some of this post.

http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4369

Also there is a map available that shows the approximate routes that air tours take over the subdivision.The helicopters and their noise will not be going away as long as their is an active volcano down the street.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/head...-03-03.pdf

If you can open this document it is page 12.If not I would suggest you go somewhere that you can download and open this document.