Hi,
I started looking to build in Delaware, but at every step of the way I was offered only stick build, which does not fit my needs, or maybe better said, the so called custom homes offered, do not fit my needs.
It proved to be very hard to find an ICF builder that would work with me to build a 3000 sq ft ICF house, to at least provide me a quote as accurate as possible so that I can calculate how much home I can afford if I build ICF.
I wonder what do I do wrong, is it better to approach builders directly. or maybe would be better to go through a real estate agent?
All advice will be welcome, since using my common sense did not bring me a quote for the plans I provided to quite a few builders in Delaware.
At some point I used a service that I paid for about $20, that calculated the cost of the building materials plus the the labor for the state of Delaware. By far, the quote was too general, not customized.
Regarding ICF home plans, I started with ICF home plans that were a little complicated for the first builders that responded (U shape - Mediterranean style) and had to tone it down when some builder "shared" their opinion that the more corners the house has, the more expensive it will be. As far as I know, this rule applies mostly to stick built, not so much to ICF.
So after receiving this advice, I dumped the beautiful U shape Mediterranean style, in favor of a squared Tuscany style home plan from monsterhouseplans.com below -
http://www.monsterhouseplans.com/italian-style-house-plans-3073-square-foot-home-2-story-4-bedroom-and-4-bath-3-garage-stalls-by-monster-house-plans-plan24-203.html
My budget for the house is about 300k (excluding the lot) and if needed, I am more than happy to work with the builder on adjusting size, features and finishes to fit the budget.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Dan |