[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

what about MKSixer container houses?

$45 to $150 depending on number of modules, how it's being kitted out, and ancillaries.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

what about MKSixer container houses?

Container homes? A boat load of compromises especially in the heating dominated climate of Mass.

OP: You have to decide what type of house you want (Code Minimum or somewhere better?) and whether you want to be your own GC. Homebuilding is not for the faint of heart because you must be on top of everything and understand that you will have problems crop up. Permits, meetings with GC and subs, inspections, etc.

Modular can be a good alternative. Especially if you're looking for better than code minimum levels of construction. There are quite a few in New England which offer all sorts of designs.

https://brightbuilthome.com

[zx10guy]

There used to be a show on HGTV called Dream House. I know...reality show and all the baggage that comes with it. But it did provide some insight as to many of these people being their own GC to save a few dollars. Many times I wonder if the aggravation they went through was worth the "savings". I'm sure the hits they took from bad decisions or missed details were buffered by the fact they were on this reality show. Many times the feelings I had after seeing these episodes was no sympathy what so ever.

[overcoil]

small houses on small budgets...


https://www.pinterest.com/pin/97249673175986869/

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by thestimp

Research, shits expensive. and add 50% to whatever anyone quotes you because it ALWAYS changes. 'Change order'

Yep.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

Just wanted to get general idea of what people think... especially was interested in modular from personal experience.
Was going to call about this land I liked, but I was sold yesterday lol, in less then 2 weeks.

In any way, I live in a condo and wanted to buy a house but wanted to stay under 500k.....which I think is not possible now. I have 2 small investment condos, I would have to sell one of those in order to go over my budget.....and I am not sure it's a good idea, but at the same time market is high and I can probably get really good money for it.

If you're willing to consider southern NH I think you could do it, no problem, especially if like you said you are willing to do some of the final build out. if you are willing to do sheetrock, paint, finish carpentry, flooring, and let the pros do the framing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and permits, yeah, I think there's plenty of room in your budget.

[XutvJet]

My wife and I are going down this path right in the Kansas City area and hardly any contractor will give us the time of day because we want to build a 2,000-2,200 sq. ft. home (4 bed, 2 bath). We want nice fixtures and are willing to pay for it, but all the contractors around here build 3,500-5,000 sq.ft. homes and we're not interested in that. To build something small would require them to charge basically they're charging to build a nice 3,500 sq.ft. home ($300-500K to build) because of the margins. It's really crazy and frustrating.

If someone wanted to start a new home building business, I'm sure they'd make a killing by specializing in smaller, 1500-2500 sq.ft. homes because that's where it's going, especially as the younger generations get homes. They aren't interested in all the wasted space and excess rooms you need to fill with crap.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

My wife and I are going down this path right in the Kansas City area and hardly any contractor will give us the time of day because we want to build a 2,000-2,200 sq. ft. home (4 bed, 2 bath). We want nice fixtures and are willing to pay for it, but all the contractors around here build 3,500-5,000 sq.ft. homes and we're not interested in that. To build something small would require them to charge basically they're charging to build a nice 3,500 sq.ft. home ($300-500K to build) because of the margins. It's really crazy and frustrating.

If someone wanted to start a new home building business, I'm sure they'd make a killing by specializing in smaller, 1500-2500 sq.ft. homes because that's where it's going, especially as the younger generations get homes. They aren't interested in all the wasted space and excess rooms you need to fill with crap.

We are doing a mixed use project with homes from 1400-2400 sq.ft. with a price point in our area which is extremely affordable. We are still grappling with the city on a few issues but you are 100% correct on the utility of this size to young families or recent graduates. We will be between a major university and the downtown area which is experiencing a revival as we speak. The 3500+ sq.ft. homes belong in the burbs to established families and this is a very underserved market.

[rad doc]

Originally Posted by Kelse92

This is such a loaded question. It truly varies on where you live, labor rates, etc.
Here in TX a decent new build house is going to run around $110/ft to build. Less for cheaper finish-out. $150/ft will get something nicer, and $200/ft is going to be high quality.

I have heard labor is higher in the NE so probably $150/ft but it's hard to say without someone local chiming in.

Im in Houston and really wish I could build for $200/sqft!!

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

If you're willing to consider southern NH I think you could do it, no problem, especially if like you said you are willing to do some of the final build out. if you are willing to do sheetrock, paint, finish carpentry, flooring, and let the pros do the framing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and permits, yeah, I think there's plenty of room in your budget.

No, I am only looking MetroWest Boston area and before 495. As far as finish. I have contractors and friends who would help me do stuff cheaper, I can also do all electrical part myself (that's about $20k saved), for everything else I have to pay.

Ps. The lot I was looking at (and now sold already) has some common septic shared between 3 houses and electric hookups were already there. It was listed $295

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Container homes? A boat load of compromises especially in the heating dominated climate of Mass.

OP: You have to decide what type of house you want (Code Minimum or somewhere better?) and whether you want to be your own GC. Homebuilding is not for the faint of heart because you must be on top of everything and understand that you will have problems crop up. Permits, meetings with GC and subs, inspections, etc.

Modular can be a good alternative. Especially if you're looking for better than code minimum levels of construction. There are quite a few in New England which offer all sorts of designs.

https://brightbuilthome.com

Those guys priced around 250-300 including septic and well

[Kolyan2k]

So far price are out of my budget I think. I mean we are looking 600-700k for a relatively small house. It's crazy to think back in 2000s my dad bought a huge house for 400k in mint condition. And 600k was a budget of my hedge fund buddy I am a part time babysitter lol

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

So far price are out of my budget I think. I mean we are looking 600-700k for a relatively small house. It's crazy to think back in 2000s my dad bought a huge house for 400k in mint condition. And 600k was a budget of my hedge fund buddy I am a part time babysitter lol

Ya. It bites. Perhaps a gut rehab?

[jlstyle]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

small houses on small budgets...


https://www.pinterest.com/pin/97249673175986869/

This type of house easily cost $800k+ from land to build+design fee.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Ya. It bites. Perhaps a gut rehab?

Maybe. Was looking at something move-in ready and do some renovation later. So far everything I looked at was 1970s and basically needed to be gutted out for me to actually like it. Cheapest one was 435 and up from there

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by jlstyle

This type of house easily cost $800k+ from land to build+design fee.

If you browse down and get deeper into some of these minimalist homes with reduced construction cost with areas with low land cost things may be possible.

I'd been reading some off he writings of J. Meejin Yoon. Cornell College of Architecture. Innovative materials and all the factors that go into reducing costs and energy cost over the lifespan.

[chassis]

Interesting time in the US for single family home new construction. The market where I live is very tight (lack of supply). Builders and realtors have a good thing going now, and there is no reason my market for sellers of existing homes, or builders of new ones, to compromise on price.

Employment is strong, so I don't see the dynamic changing in my market any time soon.

Vacancy rate among for sale homes in the US is at a 40-year low:

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

No, I am only looking MetroWest Boston area and before 495. As far as finish. I have contractors and friends who would help me do stuff cheaper, I can also do all electrical part myself (that's about $20k saved), for everything else I have to pay.

Ps. The lot I was looking at (and now sold already) has some common septic shared between 3 houses and electric hookups were already there. It was listed $295

Oh shit. Inside the 495, land plus 2,000 sqft house for under $500k? Not gunna happen.

How do you feel about Dorchester?

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

Oh shit. Inside the 495, land plus 2,000 sqft house for under $500k? Not gunna happen.

How do you feel about Dorchester?

Dorchester is like a prime location now lol. I heard Harlem is the same in NY. I bet all those ghetto houses in Dorchester used to cost around 50k not too long ago. I know a guy he just bought 2 or 3 family house there that basically needs to be gutted, paid $700k and no land too
I still wouldnt be caught dead living in that neighborhood

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

Dorchester is like a prime location now lol. I heard Harlem is the same in NY. I bet all those ghetto houses in Dorchester used to cost around 50k not too long ago. I know a guy he just bought 2 or 3 family house there that basically needs to be gutted, paid $700k and no land too

Damn, a lot has changed since I lived out there. OK, never mind, you're basically screwed in that city on that budget.

[jlstyle]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

If you browse down and get deeper into some of these minimalist homes with reduced construction cost with areas with low land cost things may be possible.

I'd been reading some off he writings of J. Meejin Yoon. Cornell College of Architecture. Innovative materials and all the factors that go into reducing costs and energy cost over the lifespan.

Well I do this for living as an architect and a general contractor.
Hypothetically, it works, but in real life, unless you have a thick layer of good contractors who will spot you in terms of budget and time, it is a risky thing to do for regular buyers. Minimalist homes don't come cheap because building details are not typical and regular contractors or architects won't have a clue how to either build, draw or specify. They will claim they can do it, but you will face a lot of trouble soon or later if they havent built such house a few times. Saving cost with energy efficiency in homes are...something you won't recoup in anytime soon unless it is your forever home. It looks great but carries higher risk than conventional houses in reselling, maintaining and...building it right.

[NorCalAthlete]

It's like $450+ / sq ft where I'm at. And the land will cost you $500k+ just for the lot, though most people are buying burnt out teardowns for $900k+ and bulldozing them.

Something like Bluehomes modular would be the only way to even come close to "affordable".