I finished up construction in December here in central Alabama. Total framing was 3896 Sq ft. 2300 living, 722 garage, and 874 porches on a slab. I sub contracted everything out myself, so I didn't use a GC. Took me a little longer, and learned a lot along the way. I was gifted the land from my grandmother, already had a road/driveway cut in. Luckily I had some friends/family cut me some pretty good deals. Also had some of the subs cut me a deal for paying in cash. Went nice in some areas, and cut where I could. Cabinet prices shocked me. Shelby County's inspection process is one of the toughest in the state, so I'm told, so that was fun. I was able to do mine for about $120/sq ft. Took a little over a year, and some long days and late nights on my part, but it was worth it to me. I did as much myself as I could. All the cleanup, most of the dirt work, fixtures, some painting, closet/pantry shelving, then of course going behind and fixing some small things that the county inspector found. Oh- and we welcomed our first born in the middle of this too.
My wife asked me recently if I would build another. I said yes without hesitation. It helps that I have some more free land, and we have over $350k in equity right now.
That’s the way to do it! I’m ready to build again and it ain’t been a year yet. Lots of weekends and late nights but I kinda enjoy it. My inspector was great. Easy to please and just a good guy to deal with. I gotta wait another 14 months so Uncle Sam doesn’t rip me a new arse hole but I been looking hard at a Barndo “style” house.
