Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.
So we can't decide what to do. We cannot seem to pick a builder. This is the problem. We like both - a lot. Help me decide.
Builder #1 - he has more experience, and is also a bigger company. With him we can start on the house right away. He will do all the financing on the new house until we can sell our current one. He also will build the house we want $20k less than builder #2. He will put in lower grade everything - carpet, tile, paint, etc. But we love his handiwork and we can always upgrade all the things that we find important, like carpet, tile, paint, cabinets, light fixtures, exterior, etc. The total of what we want to upgrade could be near what builder #2 gave us as a quote. He is also more personable, I feel. He comes highly recommended from my friend, Leann. He built her house and did an extraordinary job.
Builder #2 - He is a smaller contractor. He has good experience working with another local builder in town. His work is unbelievable, though. With him, his price was, like I said, $20k more but the work he does makes up for that. He puts in Amish-built cabinets, uses top line carpet and tile, has higher ceilings, uses 93% efficient heating system, and includes landscaping into his quote, among other things. He also gives us higher allowances than what builder #1 will give us. He also comes highly recommened by dozens of ADM employees, including Neil's dad, which is a big plus. But with builder #2 being smaller, he does not have the finances to go ahead and start building without us selling our house first. We'd have to sell it before anything else began. Which, obviously could take 1 week or 4 months! With builder #2 we could not upgrade on anything else since this will be cutting it almost too close as it is into our budget. But he also told us that with some things that we might upgrade on, he would give us those things at his cost and not charge labor, such as the fireplace.
So, this is what we are battling right now. Trying to decide between the two. It's hard. Really hard. I would rather go with #1 because he is more personable and I will be having to do most of the phone calling and in-between work. But I do love what #2 does. Neil would rather go with #2 just because he knows his family well (he works with his wife) and because he come so highly recommended.
What would you do?
6 comments:
Val, if it were me, I would probably do #2 just because I would figure that chances are I am only going to build a house once in my lifetime. I would want the certain upgrades from the start. Plus, I believe in supporting the smaller businesses.
It sounds like y'all have a tough choice to make. I am sure together you will make the right one!
Isn't all the house stuff so exciting?!? It isn't even my house and I am excited!!!!
I am always for quality over quantity. Everytime you open that cupboard or walk across the floor you want to you made the right decision.
But you also need to look and decide what is within your means and budget. The stress of living within tight means will overpower the stress of a not as nice cupboard.
What is it really worth? Only you can decide. ((hugs))
well, These is so many things to consider here my friend. First of all how long do you want to wait on a house being built? That could be 18 months even before selling the other. I had a friend that didn't sell her house for 2yrs, while every other house in that area sold.
Another thing, if you go with other buy, and he starts to build, you move in and haven't sold old house=2 house payments!!!
another thing, I personally think it is sometimes NOT good to go with Family advice, cause if it turns out not to be a good job, then there is the personal regret towards them(not that's it's there fault, but that feeling could be there)
Another thing, if this guy for say falls off the roof and hurts himself?? Will the job be finished since he's small business..
My advice to you is you and Neil sit done and write the pros and cons down..forget everything that anyone said about any them...and remeber this is YOUR house and your going to be paying $$$ for it, so you BOTH have to feel right about it!! Remember when you invite Muphey into your life..he comes running!
and of course, you know me I have to say it, just ask GOD what to do? and He already knows, so just ask him to make the right
choice...can't ever go wrong with!!
ok I'll stop but there is so many things to consider here it making me Nervous..hahah
Personally I'd go with the guy who has a reputation for high quality. In the scheme of life, what's another 2-3 months when you're talking about the home you want to live in the rest of your life, KWIM?
Good luck making a decision!
P.S. Have you looked into bridge loans while you're selling if you decide to go with builder #2?
I'm going to go with Door #2!!!
Why not get EVERYTHING that you want upfront so that you don't have to deal with it later. Living in a West End home, I'm SURE that you know all about remodeling and whatnot. It can be exhausting. I would get it all done in one shot. Plus, I'm loving that he would use all high quality amenities. High ceilings are also way awesome! Good luck with your decision!
I would go with builder #2. Builder #1 sounds appealing because he would allow you to build ASAP and he costs less up front, but I think he would end up costing as much as #2 in the end (with the cost of later upgrades). Builder #2 really sounds like you would be getting more for your money because he uses higher quality amenities and you probably wouldn't have to bother with upgrades. The higher efficiency heating/cooling system is definitely a plus (you would save $$$ with your energy bills...plus these are usually good tax write offs) and the landscaping (a lot of builders don't include landscaping).
Val, you should really just trust your gut, even if we all say go with #2, and your gut says #1 then I would trust it. It is completely up to you, and I am sure you and Neil will make the right decision. Good luck with it all!
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