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Slab is quiet and you can barely feel the earthquakes. The dogs appreciate having something cool to lay on in the summer. I wouldn't try brewing a lager but I do put my ales on the floor when fermenting. When we were house shopping we specifically were looking for homes without any stairs to grow old in, so we were pretty much limited to slabs. Another consideration being on catchment is the ability to clean the gutters easily. I'm glad I don't have to get on a slippery metal roof or use an extension ladder to do it. And it's nice to be able to paint the house with just a step ladder.
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I don't think anyone understands that if you build a permitted home on post and pier that meets code, it will be as rigid as a slab.
I don't want ventilation under my house because it lets humidity in.
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Sam Berg
Construction 3
808 960 4028
Honest. High quality. No surprises.
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01-27-2021, 03:45 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-27-2021, 03:46 AM by eigoya.)
We are considering buying a lot and building, so I have a related question: the lot I'm looking at has permitted building plans for a small (arch designed) home. Do building companies/contractors create a bid based on reading those or do they require a site visit, and are these estimates free or??? Any info on process greatly appreciated.
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Yes, a site visit is recommended. They will not charge for a bid. They use the plans to price the job. You want to give them as much info as possible, that way they can give you an accurate price. I'm talking about materials for roofing, siding, lanais, landscaping etc. if they are not already spelled out on the plans. (which they should be).
Make sure EVERYTHING is in the contract as far as work to be done and materials used. For example, if it says "tile floors", specify that it is X brand/name of tile. Give every contractor the same info. Usually they will give you an "allowance" for things like cabinets and countertops, plumbing, electrical. Make sure your choices fit within those allowances or be prepared to pay more. If you don't use the allowance in one area, you will be able to use it elsewhere.
When we did it the proposals varied wildly. The highest price was almost 100% higher than the lowest. Sam Berg's price fell somewhere in the middle, and we are VERY satisfied with his work. We feel like we got MORE than we paid for.
Get your permit and approval processes started ASAP. I waited about 6 months for a well permit. Make sure your building permit is still valid. If not, plans take about 3 months to approve. Longer if they find issues to be resolved. I did some of this myself, but the contractor should handle all the permits. They are used to dealing with "the process".
If you are financing, you have to use a licensed contractor. The process takes about 2 months after everyone has submitted the required paperwork to the time the bank releases the first draw. There are some advantages to financing. One, interest rates are extremely low. Two, you end up being protected due to the bank not wanting to lose their money. They will put in place requirements to release liens etc. which will also protect YOU from being ripped off. (By the contractor at least, don't get me started on banks though!)
It's almost impossible to get anything done from the mainland. I moved to Hawaii to get the process started, and got more done in the first two weeks than I did the previous year from the mainland.
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Thanks, that’s helpful. I’m here; we are just considering getting closer to the sea. On the plans it reads, permitted well (or close to that), but on property website it only lists building permit. Do they get approved together? I didn’t think so, but... Thanks again
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Well permits are a state issue. The well driller should be able to walk you through it. You do have to show it on plans you give to the county also. You will get a meter and you are supposed to furnish a reading monthly to the state.
Puna: Our roosters crow first!
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"You will get a meter and you are supposed to furnish a reading monthly to the state."
No one told me I had to read that meter !
I thought it was just for future use. In my case it will be for sure.
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When I said "I" waited for the well permit, I meant Daniel Diamond, the well driller. He took care of everything. I think the well permit is somehow communicated on the stamped plans, I don't have access to them right now so I can't say for sure.
I know nothing about having to read the meter. That's news to me.
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I'll never see my mid 70's again.
Been living in a house with a slab floor for about 7 or 8 years.
It has hardwood and tile on the floors, except for carpeting in the bedrooms.
The garage and the 60' X 12' lanai are concrete.
I never wear shoes around the house.
I'm always barefoot.
I have heard of concrete damaging feet or legs.
But not extensively or seriously.
Never seen it happen.
Personally, I think its little more than the usual people that have to blame everything and everyone around them for everything that isn't perfect in their lives.
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Was a Democrat until gun control became a knee jerk, then a Republican until the crazies took over, back to being a nonpartisan again.
This time, I can no longer participate in the primary.
