High end builder recommendation needed (Cincinnati, Mason: sales, home builders, construction)

[Ga Kid]

Can someone recommend a quality builder that is easy to get along with for either the Mason, Montgomery or Indian Hills areas? Would also like for him/her to be financially secure. Wanting to build around 3500 sq ft home with top of the line or possibly reclaimed materials. Thanks so much if you have any recommendations for me.

[kjbrill]

Try Daniels Homes in Cincinnati. My brother has one of their properties and is quite pleased. Another builder with a good reputation is Fischer Homes.

[Wilson513]

Originally Posted by Ga Kid

Can someone recommend a quality builder that is easy to get along with for either the Mason, Montgomery or Indian Hills areas? Would also like for him/her to be financially secure. Wanting to build around 3500 sq ft home with top of the line or possibly reclaimed materials. Thanks so much if you have any recommendations for me.

Absolutely no question for Mason and Montgomery. It would be Robert Lucke Homes:

Cincinnati Home Builders & New Homes | Lucke Homes - Cincinnati (http://www.rluckehomes.com/index.asp?lp=true - broken link)

[kjbrill]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

Absolutely no question for Mason and Montgomery. It would be Robert Lucke Homes:

Cincinnati Home Builders & New Homes | Lucke Homes - Cincinnati (http://www.rluckehomes.com/index.asp?lp=true - broken link)

I can agree, Robert Lucke is a top-notch builder.

[Ga Kid]

What I'm looking for is a builder that is knowledgeable about using reclaimed materials and is willing to build me a smaller house in a style similar to this

Harrison Design Associates - Premier Architectural Design Firm

I have looked at the Homearama builders over the last few years and their tastes and designs are too over the top for me. Please help...I am very frustrated. Are there any residential architects in Cincinnati that focus on using reclaimed materials? Thanks so much for any info....

[Wilson513]

Originally Posted by Ga Kid

What I'm looking for is a builder that is knowledgeable about using reclaimed materials and is willing to build me a smaller house in a style similar to this

Harrison Design Associates - Premier Architectural Design Firm

I have looked at the Homearama builders over the last few years and their tastes and designs are too over the top for me. Please help...I am very frustrated. Are there any residential architects in Cincinnati that focus on using reclaimed materials? Thanks so much for any info....

I think that you will find it a mistake to start with an architect. Almost all residential construction under $1mm in this area (which should include you @ 3500ft x 200-250/ft) will be design build and the builder will engage an architect as needed for design detail and drawings.

I did note that the link you provided above shows the McMansion style 7000-10000 square foot houses on its home page suitable for the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but maybe there are some smaller houses in the 3500 foot range inside the web site. I urge you not to build a smaller version of one of those featured houses. The only thing worse than a McMansion is a scaled down version of a McMansion.

Again, I would suggest that you call Lucke Homes and ask to speak to the sales manager and tell him what you want. 513-683-3300

[restorationconsultant]

Will Indian Hills even let someone build something as small as 3500 square feet these days?

[progmac]

Originally Posted by restorationconsultant

Will Indian Hills even let someone build something as small as 3500 square feet these days?

It should be okay, so long as the main house is at least twice that.

[Ga Kid]

Can you elaborate on what you mean by a scaled down McMansion? I like smaller rooms, a 3br 2.5 bath house, but with high ceilings, a Downsview kitchen and a pool. Don't want 10000 sq ft along with the high taxes that go along with that. I'm close to retirement age and don't need the space anymore, but on the other hand, I do need to be concerned about resale. So, I am curious about your thoughts on this idea of mine. It seems to me that as the boomers are aging, they may become much more interested in quality smaller homes because of the lower upkeep and taxes.

[Wilson513]

Originally Posted by Ga Kid

Can you elaborate on what you mean by a scaled down McMansion? I like smaller rooms, a 3br 2.5 bath house, but with high ceilings, a Downsview kitchen and a pool. Don't want 10000 sq ft along with the high taxes that go along with that. I'm close to retirement age and don't need the space anymore, but on the other hand, I do need to be concerned about resale. So, I am curious about your thoughts on this idea of mine. It seems to me that as the boomers are aging, they may become much more interested in quality smaller homes because of the lower upkeep and taxes.

I have that same feeling. The McMansions pictured in your initial link were loaded with what, for aging boomers, are wasted rooms and space. The builder I recommended built a 3500-4000 square foot home for a friend of mine that is exquisite. I'm pretty sure they will show you photos if you ask, but it was above the 200/ft cost.

I think what you are describing also fits into the renovation of an existing home with possibly the addition of a pool. Smaller rooms are a thing of the past as far as builders and realtors are concerned. Today, a "great room" must be truly great to pass muster. I live in an older home (1928) and the living room is about 30x15, small by today's standards. And the kitchen is more like a ship's galley than these huge entertainment areas built today. But, it works just fine for me. I'd rather have a breakfast room where you can't see or smell the kitchen activities.

Be careful what you design though because someone will have to resell it someday and that can be a disappointing task if you have a million dollar house with two bedrooms and a pool.