Building a small house in Carmel (how much, attorney, buying)

[kayvee]

Hi, I am interested in buying a piece of land in Carmel, that has a bit of a slope 35-70 degree slope. I am interested in building a small house (600-700sq ft). Can someone tell me what the process is? This is the first time for me. Do I need to get soil testing done before buying? How much will it cost to get an estimate to build there? Appreciate your help.

[NORTY FLATZ]

Originally Posted by kayvee

Hi, I am interested in buying a piece of land in Carmel, that has a bit of a slope 35-70 degree slope. I am interested in building a small house (600-700sq ft). Can someone tell me what the process is? This is the first time for me. Do I need to get soil testing done before buying? How much will it cost to get an estimate to build there? Appreciate your help.

First, you're going to need an EIR. Those run about $50,000 IF there's no problem with it. And ANY person can sue you to stop your project at anytime, btw. You're also going to need an architect, and an attorney on retainer, likely. So, figure you pass all the Federal, County, City codes for building your place, you probably be into your project for about $2 million, depending upon how many "road blocks" the City throws at you. (My City threw 99 conditions at me, for my project, in 1990.) Included were buying property for a city park, maintained at MY cost.

Anyway, it sounds like a nice place you want to build. 600-700 sqft is perfect. It's the most inefficient cost per sqft. Talk about getting the "least, for the most."

First step is work on greasing the palms of your City Council members. (Remember, all you need is a majority...)

I left a WHOLE BUNCH OF STUFF OUT, too.

Lastly, the price of lumber has doubled in the last year, so be prepared for this add'l cost.