Posts: 2,402
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I would be interested in your response John to this question Cat had;
"Not to derail the thread but John, for now (besides fire sale what do you think are the top 3 or 4 items buyers are looking for besides fire sale pricing)? This might help those deciding to build now - as to what to spend the "extra dollars" on".
e Hau'oli Makahiki Hou everyone!
mella l
mella l
Art and Science
bytheSEA
Posts: 236
Threads: 51
Joined: Jul 2006
quote:
Originally posted by Kapohocat
...surprises are usually expensive. I bet after doing it for so long - you have fewer surprises.
Cat and John,
This is a great thread and it could go on in several different directions. Mella has asked for a list, and I'd like one also. The quote I extracted from what Cat said got me wondering if you guys could give me a clue of the kinds of surprises that your typical first-time builders experience. I imagine that list is long and depends on several things, but what are the typical surprises in building a single family home from lot clearing and leveling through to the finish trim?
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Aloha pumehana,
Brian and Mary
Lynnwood, WA\Discovery Harbour
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
quote:
Originally posted by mella l
I would be interested in your response John to this question Cat had;
"Not to derail the thread but John, for now (besides fire sale what do you think are the top 3 or 4 items buyers are looking for besides fire sale pricing)?
I did answer the question, there are no "3 or 4 items" that the buyers are looking for now. It's interesting because in the past there was a preference list for most buyers. It's different now. They either want something for 30 cents on the dollar and they don't even care about the layout of the house, or they hope to find their "dream house" regardless of what's on the market.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,ARB,BFT,CM,CBR,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
quote:
Originally posted by Fishboy
[quote]
Kat and John,
This is a great thread and it could go on in several different directions. Mella has asked for a list, and I'd like one also. The quote I extracted from what Kat said got me wondering if you guys could give me a clue of the kinds of surprises that your typical first-time builders experience. I imagine that list is long and depends on several things, but what are the typical surprises in building a single family home from lot clearing and leveling through to the finish trim?
Brian, I will let Cat answer this question since I do not have much experience with other people's building projects. I always knew beforehand exactly what I wanted in my houses and I had those in writing for my builder. I made it very clear that he was not allowed to make any changes without my approval first, and I also told him if it's not done the way I wanted it I will not pay him. (It actually happened once when I was building the third house, he didn't clear the lot the way I draw the map and I deducted the lot clearing from his payment. It never happened again!) [
] I don't believe in micro management, everything was in writing so I left my builder alone to do his job.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,ARB,BFT,CM,CBR,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
I'll start off with my wish list:
1) Lots of natural light and a good lighting plan in the main living area. With the overcast skies and sometimes steady rain in Puna, I would want to have good access to light for reading and not feel like I'm in a dark cave when indoors.
2) Good-sized outdoor (covered) seating areas/hardscaping for morning coffee, BBQs, gatherings, etc. Take advantage of the outdoors for eating and entertaining.
3) Floorplan that makes sense (i.e., right-sized rooms, not too big/small. As for the "dream kitchen" I'd rather have large prep surfaces in the kitchen and good quality sink/faucet combo than a cramped kitchen that's decked out with granite. A big walk-in pantry or separate room off the kitchen may be more efficient and cheaper than storing a lot of less-frequently used items in expensive wood cabinets, for instance.
4) Good quality construction throughout. No matter how big/small, I'd want to know that there was good value, long-term, for the money spent. No sense getting a "great deal" on the front end only to find the future maintenance costs are out of sight because of the materials used or the lack of ample overhang/proper flashing around windows or horizonatal areas.
