house "kits" (window, heating, installed, kitchen)

[unionjack3902]

Is anyone familiar with the kits that come pre cut , drilled and sized for non proffesional people to be able to erect? We found one in Tilton new hampshire and it could cost thousands less if we can build it ourselves. We do have some building esperience but not tons.

[desertsun41]

That kit house you are looking at has many hidden costs. Consider the cost of a new septic or the hookup fees to city waste line. Power is usually nearly free unless they have to put up new utility poles. Water hookups to city lines are steep and digging a well cost thousands. Don't forget $5000 or more for the slab. piers or foundation...whatever method you choose. Electricians rape to bring power to the not always already installed service panel.

What about construction financing. It is non existent right now. There simply is none. Nearly all construction financing demands you own the land free and clear. If you want to assemble this home all by your lonesome it could take many months. You are paying interest on that loan during that time. At least a portion of it anyway. Lenders demand a scheduled draw....good luck with that.

Finally you must know that many local building codes do not like these kits very much. They will drill your azz till you give up. Remember, during these depression times, Building Inspectors have nothing to do. So when a call comes in they will grace you with more time then you want to offer them and will tear you 4 new holes that are yet to be named. The days of curb side inspections (when they never get out of their car and just look at the house and approve it) are gone with the boom times.

From a professional with decades in the biz I advise you not to dream about this method. Open the MLS books. There are more homes on the market then you can walk through in 10 lifetimes. Deals are endless.

[southgeorgia]

I've seen a few. You do need some experience with building codes. Desertsun is right about hidden costs, and the manufacturer is not going to reveal them. I would consider hiring a contractor as an advisor to help walk you through the process.

[brien51]

I know the Tilton NH outfit and they have been in business since I first discovered them in 1980, if it is the same one. Post and beam homes are beautiful.. They are very reputable and will work with you to estimate all of the costs to finish the home so you can live in it. Of course they can't be responsible for finished costs, but they will tell what you will require and not try and fool you into thinking anything otherwise. They are well constructed homes and you can check with anyone who has bought them in the last 30 years. Ask for references.

What I like about these is you can pretty much call the shots for all of the finishes, like heating type, all of the fixture quality from plumbing to electrical, all of the kitchen layout and cabinet quality, window and door quality, roofing, siding etc..

btw, I would hire a framer to put it together with you. Remember, these will be delivered on a flatbed semi and they must be allowed down your road and across any bridges rated for as much 80,000 lbs over 5 axles. You must have an experienced fork lift driver to unload these kits. I would recommend hiring a "rigging crew" to unload and position the pcs where you want them to be erected so you don't have to handle them two or three times. What kind of building site do you have ?