Seeking Home Builder in HPP

[J05H]

Aloha, 

I'm on the market for someone to build a home on an empty lot in HPP at 2nd Ave. I already own the lot. The lot has been partially cleared, graded and dense gravel laid for a home. Helco Electric fee is paid and there is supposed to be an old septic tank previously installed. A prior permit was issued nearly 20 years ago but is no longer valid.

I'm interested in something basic, preferably on a post and pier foundation as opposed to a slab. Would like a 3 bedroom 1 or 2 bath, on the small side, in the 1000 sq. foot range. I realize that is small, but I don't have a need for large bedrooms or huge indoor living space.

I'm only interested in qualified and licensed builders with a good reputation, as you might expect. I am flexible on the start and completion times, but would like to kick things off the next couple months and finish up by mid August of 2021 if that's doable.

I've done some research and looking around the forum but there isn't much new to go on, so I'm opening up a new thread.

I've come across a few names so far, I'll provide those, and any feedback is welcome.

Mahalo


Here's a couple names I've come across as reputable.

John Lorenzo
http://www.myhomepro.org/Building-Contra...struction/

Goldwood Construction - We talked, very nice guy, but he only builds a specific much larger plan than what I'm looking for.
http://goldwoodconstruction.com

[Obie]

"supposed to be an old septic tank previously installed. "

That septic is a no-go.
Rules have changed.
Are you sure about post and pier ?
The new code makes them way more expensive than a slab.

[kalakoa]

Slab is cheaper to build, but "for some" the long-term medical costs can be more expensive.

[J05H]

"supposed to be an old septic tank previously installed. "

That septic is a no-go.
Rules have changed.
Are you sure about post and pier ?
The new code makes them way more expensive than a slab.

Yeah, I had heard the septic might no longer be good. It was a long time back. At one point there was a bathroom structure with a toilet installed on the septic, and a temporary power pole with a meter and outlets, but all that stuff has rotted away. I think that work was all completed back around 2002.

Post and Pier seemed like the best way since it allows air flow, but if the slab is cheaper and easier for permits, then I guess that's the best option.

---

Slab is cheaper to build, but "for some" the long-term medical costs can be more expensive.

I'm not sure what you mean, how does the slab relate to long-term medical costs?

[eightfingers2.0]

Skeletal issues due to walking on concrete is one thing I heard.

[bgiles]

Josh, we debated with friends all these issues. 1. If you're elderly or anticipate becoming elderly (!) climbing stairs can be daunting. 2. That being said, building an "up" house puts you into the trade winds AND minimizes mosquitos. 3. If you're building post and pier anyway, why not extend them and have not just a crawl space, but a space for your car and washer/dryer? In addition, all your plumbing, wiring and internet stuff is accessible. Just sayin'. Aloha!

[kalakoa]

Skeletal issues due to walking on concrete is one thing I heard.

It's all about impact. I developed pain after about a year of living on slab. Padding doesn't help much unless it's the kind you wear on your feet.

Slab is also cold. Maybe even cold enough to brew beer.

[Obie]

We have porcelain tile floors so I wear a pair of Reef Cushion Phantoms in the house.

The medical issues of stairs is much harder for me to deal with. I tripped on the stairs at our previous house. I have a severe back problem that causes my left foot to drop.
I bit through my lip and knocked myself unconscious. Spent the night in the emergency room of HMC.

The new code is ridiculous. Post and pier actually has more concrete than a slab.

[J05H]

Appreciate the foundation feedback, but at the risk of getting off topic, I'll reserve the foundation decisions for if I can find a builder.

Any good builders out there?

[Obie]

Appreciate the foundation feedback, but at the risk of getting off topic, I'll reserve the foundation decisions for if I can find a builder.

Any good builders out there?

I'm providing the financing for a friends house. He is a carpenter/handyman and knows quite a few framing crews.
We are having a hard time deciding who to go with.
I will let you know our results.