09-17-2007, 03:52 AM
quote:
...One factor that influenced my giving up on building was the fact that my consultant cancelled our first appointment. Although there was a perfectly good reason for the cancellation, my time was short and I could not reschedule and I had to make a choice between vacant land and an existing house. It would have helped to know what I was up against (and what I had in my favor) on the vacant lot. What was the setback? Can I build on rolling land with lots of big pukas? Placement of the driveway? Etc. But there was no time to get this information. I had to make a decision quick. The lot would have been much cheaper and had a KILLER view that was probably unobstructible. But I realized that delays, missed appointments, reschedulings and so forth were inherent in the process of building and that I would not abide such delays very well...
I was that consultant and my significant other had gotten a bad concussion and we were headed to ER that Saturday morning. I also told Glen I would check it out the next day (Sunday).
One of the big things I am seeing - be patient newbies - is that people who are new to the island dont have any concept of island time. Every one wants it now, right now, doesnt matter if it is Sunday morning and you are making breakfast for your family (one of my clients from the Southwest who knew I worked from home saw no issue with calling at 8 am on Sundays). We really respect not working on weekends and taking time out from the rat race. If I didnt I would live in LA, and make 5 x as much money.
If you are willing to try to work through these issues, take some time, realize that this ISNT the mainland, you can have a very beautiful custom home for the same price (or less) as someone else's headache they are selling. Do I recommend builing for everyone? Heck no. I wouldnt build - although I might remodel. But I live with a builder - I would be living in a tent for 10 years while he finished every one else's house.... ha ha ..... I have Chris Olah doing my "honey do" construction projects at my house! My SO laughs and says he is building houses so I can afford Chris to remodel!
Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
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