| "> | | | | that should help you with this question: |
| Because the home building materials package is so | | | | |
| important, I seem to be constantly trying to | | | | 1. The materials package itself will usually cost |
| answer the following question. Frankly, it's not the | | | | between 30 to 50% of the overall homebuilding |
| most important question you could ask and the | | | | cost. |
| answer can be misleading. But, here's the question: | | | | 2. The most traditional approach (i.e. stick built out |
| Question: How does an Owner Builder figure the | | | | of 2x6 studs) is probably going to be the |
| cost of home building materials? | | | | cheapest if you're using outside labor |
| Answer: | | | | 3. If you're a DIY owner builder, doing a lot of |
| The biggest investment for an owner builder | | | | work yourself, products that are easy for you to |
| when building a home is the materials package. | | | | install yourself would likely save the most money |
| This is why everyone seems to ask this question | | | | in the long run. |
| first! | | | | 4. Create detailed blueprints and "Take-Off" lists |
| Unfortunately, it's a question that cannot really be | | | | and have all items priced |
| accurately answered early on in the process. | | | | 5. Use a Kit Home/Packaged Home Company |
| Several decisions have to be made and many | | | | As you might surmise from item #4 above, |
| steps have to be taken first. | | | | accurate pricing of home building materials will |
| Major Influences on the Cost of Building Materials | | | | need to wait until the house plans are prepared |
| Packages | | | | and materials lists are made. |
| The most important thing that influences the cost | | | | Materials Also Supplied by Subcontractors |
| of the materials is the type of home, and type | | | | Finally, you will not likely be able to get a complete |
| and quality of materials. You could be building a | | | | assessment of the cost of the entire materials |
| stick built home from 2x6s, a SIP or ICF home, a | | | | package from one source. Even with Kit Home |
| log home, hay bale, post and beam, steel framed, | | | | packages there are many materials items they do |
| or any of a number of different types of homes | | | | not include. Remember as well that in most cases, |
| using various building materials with a wide range | | | | subcontractors prefer to supply certain items |
| of costs. | | | | separate from any package you might purchase. |
| Strategies for Getting Building Materials Costs | | | | This information should give you a nice start, but |
| Doing a lot of research on the internet will assist | | | | seek out professional help when trying to |
| you in getting and understanding the information | | | | determine your materials package costs. |
| you're looking for. But, here are a couple of ideas | | | | |