bostonbubble.com

[john p]

I'm a licensed architect and I'm a bit nervous to build new here in Massachusetts because of change orders driving up the price.

I would draw the hell out of the project and specify everything in detail to make sure that you got what you paid for.

For example, kitchen cabinets and faucets and fixtures range from developer grade to really high end. Typically homeowners get the shaft when it comes to the specific items that the builder installs. This is how they control the cost, by cheaping out on items in the house i.e. windows, roofing, the type of plywood, etc. Without a detailed Specification's List you can get screwed if you're not careful and you choose a bad contractor.

Way to go on building a house and having it be such a great experience. I'm jealous and happy for you.... Someday I want to build my own.

You know, I think not only is the energy efficiency a great deal like Kadrian said, but I'd get rid of those kind of useless spaces like the formal living and dining room and make the other spaces a bit more open and spatious... My little brother says that I'd copy Mike Brady's house design....

[GenXer]

What john_p wrote, and if it was much cheaper to build, we'd see this happening a lot more often. What I see happening is developers buying the lots and building a house/townhouse which they then proceed to sell. Though I did see some building going on which fits the description, though I'd think that the price these people paid for it was somewhere up there in the 1M+ (in Newton).

[Guest]

I think it's a pretty well known fact it going to be more expensive to build, generally speaking, than buying an existing home. However you cannot just discount all of the other things that go along with new construction like energy effeciency, less maintenance, more desirable end product, modern ammenities, overall satisfaction of having your home just as you like it.

There are times when it is cheaper to purchase new construction based on the comps over the last year and current comps of homes that are on the market which is the case for me. Numbers are numbers and it's hard to argue the facts based on the numbers I have run.

[balor123]

New construction doesn't happen very often because you likely spent all your money just buying the land in the first place. We just can't afford new construction in this state. And it's not that buildings are expensive it's that there's this cost called land which consumes all money available, no matter how much it is.

Anybody see that new "Tough as nails" show on HGTV btw? The construction company is in Boston. Looks like they only build expensive homes. As the greater Boston area has no housing plan, it's not surprising that it has become expensive because no one has created a plan for how to keep it cheap.

[Kaidran]

You are absolutely right, very little land left so you are buying a house first just to tear it down. Anyone seen the new construction in Melrose right next to the electricity sub station?

[Guest]

[Kaidran]

It will be a fun few months to watch I think. Lots of discussion about the "right" price, since houses are selling can they be at the "wrong" price? Will be interesting to see if the stream of idiots runs dry.

Good luck with your house purchase. Sounds like you will be happy there.

[Guest]