09-06-2005, 09:55 AM
As a potential owner/builder (I do admire very much those whom had the guts to do it) these are some of the things that I would find useful:
1. Sequence of things to do, duration and a rough break down of costs (clearing costs, build septic tank, water catchments, framing, electrician, plumbers etc). Also, comparative costs of having a GC build home.
2. Options for building home, pre-package homes, geodesic, architect designed homes, type of home best suited for area (for example homes off the ground are suppose to provide superior ventilation). Opinions from people who have actually built and live in these different types of structures, pros and cons.
3. A list of reliable professionals that can be contacted to get various tasks done (clearing, plumbers, electrician etc). Rating of the professionals would be a good thing.
4. A list of vendors; packaged homes, cesspools, water tanks, lumber etc.
5. A list of previous owners/builders that can provide “mentoring”. Not necessarily actual work but guidance periodically. (Someone to go for advise)
6. A list of other owners/builders who are also going through building process and perhaps help each other with stuff that takes more than few people to do. (Sort of a owner/builder cooperative that can help each other)
7. Links to information of interest, such as how to install a water tank, where to get a permit, books to read etc
8. A clear list of mistakes to avoid.
Also, perhaps the Hawaii Community College or UHM Architecture schools can help with the designs/architecture for affordable homes for owner builders and make the plans public domain. I am a personal fan of the Hawaiian Plantation home design, which I think are well suited for the Puna area???
Ajit
1. Sequence of things to do, duration and a rough break down of costs (clearing costs, build septic tank, water catchments, framing, electrician, plumbers etc). Also, comparative costs of having a GC build home.
2. Options for building home, pre-package homes, geodesic, architect designed homes, type of home best suited for area (for example homes off the ground are suppose to provide superior ventilation). Opinions from people who have actually built and live in these different types of structures, pros and cons.
3. A list of reliable professionals that can be contacted to get various tasks done (clearing, plumbers, electrician etc). Rating of the professionals would be a good thing.
4. A list of vendors; packaged homes, cesspools, water tanks, lumber etc.
5. A list of previous owners/builders that can provide “mentoring”. Not necessarily actual work but guidance periodically. (Someone to go for advise)
6. A list of other owners/builders who are also going through building process and perhaps help each other with stuff that takes more than few people to do. (Sort of a owner/builder cooperative that can help each other)
7. Links to information of interest, such as how to install a water tank, where to get a permit, books to read etc
8. A clear list of mistakes to avoid.
Also, perhaps the Hawaii Community College or UHM Architecture schools can help with the designs/architecture for affordable homes for owner builders and make the plans public domain. I am a personal fan of the Hawaiian Plantation home design, which I think are well suited for the Puna area???
Ajit