Who's a good builder? (custom home, buying, construction)

[Taterhead]

We are maybe thinking of buying 1-2 acres of land, but have never had a custom home built before. We have had new homes built in subdivisions by the builder that is already there. So we don't have a clue of what to do if we go custom. For those that have done it, is it a nightmar? And does anyone know of a good builder?

Debbie

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by Taterhead

We are maybe thinking of buying 1-2 acres of land, but have never had a custom home built before. We have had new homes built in subdivisions by the builder that is already there. So we don't have a clue of what to do if we go custom. For those that have done it, is it a nightmar? And does anyone know of a good builder?

Debbie

I've never actually had a house built for myself, but I used to draw house plans as a sideline and oversee part of the construction, so I'm familiar with the process.

Having a house built using anything more than a stock spec house plan can be quite an adventure. Things go wrong, there are misunderstanding, the wrong fixtures are delivered, things takes much longer than expected, the plumbers won't come when they said they would, you change you mind after seeing something installed and want it changed, etc., etc., etc. Someone pretty much has to devote a large block of their time to the process for about six months. Have you got the time and patience? What you end up with can be wonderful and worth all the time and trouble, but you need to be aware of what it takes going into the project.

And, one big warning: get a release for materials and sub-contractors before you pay the general contractor for that portion of the work. In a few rare cases, people have paid for a house only to have a lien put on it by the suppliers and then they literally have to buy their own house again.

[Taterhead]

OMG that does sound like a nightmare thanks.

[alleycat]

It would go a lot easier if you use one of the builder's stock plans (and some of those are nice), and only make a minimum of changes to the plan. And, of course, the simpler the house you're talking about, the simpler the process.

If you really don't think you can find a house you'd like, or if you've always wanted a certain "dream home", or happened to find the perfect piece of raw land, then having a custom house built isn't out of the question. It just takes more effort, more time, and way more patience.

[SteveMissall]

Check out Achten Builders

Achten Construction Co., Inc

steve

[hew2a]

Try Superior Homes. They are two brothers based out of Murfrreesboro. My parents are getting their house built by them. I watched this whole saga unfold and was pretty depressed. Every builder they went to had a set of plans for them to choose from...and the limitations were ridiculous.

These guys are amazing! I haven't seen any homes compare to what these guys do. They are kind of a hidden gem. Not many people know about them. But they were the ONLY builders my parents found that could take the housplan my mother was dreaming about and make it a reality. These guys rock!

Here's a link to their site:
Home (broken link)

[Big TR]

Originally Posted by SteveMissall

Check out Achten Builders

Achten Construction Co., Inc

steve

Posts like this is why we need some active moderation on this board. The post is awful, nothing but spam from a realtor.

The website linked doesn't have any information about inventory or any homes that the company has built. For all we know, they haven't built a thing and you are the builder's brother-in-law.