Need builder for an affordable home

[elenamaria]

Hello,
We are looking to build an inexpensive home on our 1/2 acre lot in the Seabreeze subdivision (Seacrest area). We're just starting to look for builders.

We're looking for a very basic house, single story, about 1200-1300 square feet. No fancy finishes...tile and carpet throughout, laminate counters...get the picture?

Can anyone recommend a reliable, competent builder who builds "affordable" homes?

Thanks!

Elena

 

[Joe Complete]

Have you considered a modular home? Check out:
http://www.greensteelhomes.com/index.htm

These homes are hurricane-rated including impact-resistent windows and a standing seam metal roof. Yesterday we toured an 1100 sf model at a community called Evening Rose in Tallahassee. The model was quite impressive. The most impressive thing is they are building them for $100sf and that includes granite counter tops and a standing seam metal roof. The sales rep indicated you can build for under 100sf if you use laminate counter tops. Even more impressive is they build them in less than 1 month. The factory is down in Carrabelle florida.

I have no affiliation with this company and I am not endorsing them in any way. We just found their product quite interesting for the price, quality, and build time.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Oh, and how about Katrina Cottages? They are super cute! I think they are launching some new designs soon. I would definitely consider one for a small cottage or a guest house.

Whatever you do, make sure you have a hipped roof. You may not know this living in NY but it will save you as much as 20 percent on your insurance because hipped roofs do far better in hurricanes.

 

[jodiFL]

I just happened to click on that link, and while they do look like they would be pretty nice, I couldnt help but laugh when I read the contact there ..lawtonchiles@greensteelehomes.com


could it really be our former gov? LOL

 

[beachmouse]

If Lawton's actually in witness protection, and not dead, then he's not doing a good job of hiding it.

As for the original question, go have a look at Hendco's Canopies development in Freeport, and see how you like what they're doing. In the past, they've done budget custom.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Google and you shall find.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/12/Homes/Modular_homes_to_be_a.shtml

 

[jodiFL]

If Lawton's actually in witness protection, and not dead, then he's not doing a good job of hiding it.

Maybe someone stole his identity after he died.... and figured everyone had forgotten about him.... I mean it has been abotu 10 years now.

 

[elenamaria]

Joe, I love the idea of manufactured/modular--but when we checked out financing, found that no banks will lend for those. When you did the tour with Green Steel, did they happen to mention that they had lenders (and at a decent rate)?

TooFarTampa, I'll check out the Katrina Cottages, too.

 

[Smiling JOe]

talk to your insurers prior to designing your home to see other discounts (TFT pointed out hip roofs), which they give. There are many. Then, design your house around those discounts. Careful being your own GC in the land of ever-changing building codes. It may cost you more to make the corrections, than you will save by being your own GC.

 

[InletBchDweller]

talk to your insurers prior to designing your home to see other discounts (TFT pointed out hip roofs), which they give. There are many. Then, design your house around those discounts. Careful being your own GC in the land of ever-changing building codes. It may cost you more to make the corrections, than you will save by being your own GC.

maybe it would be ok if they had a great project manager???;-)