Owner Builder Network®
Phone - 281-356-9050

How much work?

Sweat equity is a term that many people are familiar with. It means exactly what it says. You sweat, and you gain equity. When you are the owner/builder, you have the option to put as much sweat into your home as you want.

Land clearing is a simple starting point. Let's say you have to clear your lot, take out trees or stumps, dig up rocks or old foundations, tear out old fences, or just haul off that old car. Right off the bat, if you are willing to do it yourself, you may save a couple thousand dollars.

If you know about any of the construction trades, you may be able to do some of that work, depending on local codes and covenants (be sure to check with your local building department or with your neighborhood association if there is one.) A good rule of thumb is to leave the skilled trades to skilled subs.

Painting is one area where just about anyone can apply his or her handiwork. Rollers and paint brushes are a universal fit. They will work in anyone's hands.

Final clean up, or even clean up during the construction project, can amount to a significant chuck of change. A construction site generates lots of junk and debris.

Just coordinating and planning the job---simple construction management---is part of the sweat equity for the owner/builder. The amount of "sweat" is inversely proportionate to the amount of preparation, and to the system, you develop for yourself. The construction process may seem like a complex maze, but you can, with a little help and some advance planning, draw yourself a map through that maze, and negotiate it with no problems at all. Keep it simple, but plan it thoroughly.

What about my skill level or construction knowledge?

Times have changed. Years ago when you hired a homebuilder, he or she was a master of many trades. In other words, there was a good chance he or she actually got involved in building the home. Nowadays, most builders are serious business people, who simply manage several home-building projects. Some may not even visit the building site more than once or twice a week, because they have several homes going up.

If you can get out of bed on time and dress for work, you probably have the skills it takes. You probably use most of the skills you will need in your regular job. You may manage other people on the job. That's the same thing as managing sub-contractors. You may manage complex projects from start to end, the same thing as managing a home construction project, getting sub-contractor bids and keeping records. You may manage large amounts of money or pay bills, the same thing as managing your construction account.

Everything you need to know about building your home, you can learn from a few well-placed resources on the internet or by doing a little reading. Plus, there are services out there that want to help you succeed. There are companies who will, for a fee, draw you a map through the maze of the construction process. You will still save a lot of money and build a lot of equity.

A little construction knowledge will be helpful, but it is not an essential part of the puzzle, Remember – as an owner/builder, you are simply managing the project, not pounding your own nails, sawing boards, or digging ditches.

Why Do You Need Title Insurance?

To protect possibly the most important investment you'll ever make –
the investment in your home.

A lender goes to great lengths to minimize the risk of lending you the money you need to buy a home. First, your credit is checked as an indication of your ability to pay back your loan.

Then, your lender goes a step further. He or she makes sure that the quality of the title to the property you are about to buy and which you will pledge as security for the loan is satisfactory. The lender does this by obtaining a loan policy of title insurance.

Tips for making a small room look larger.

• Trick the eye with mirrors.
  
  Creating the illusion of space with mirrors is a classic trick that works every time. Perfect for smaller bedrooms, a mirrored wall will visually double the space. This one does the job in style, its high position keeping the effect subtle and the antiqued surface looking elegant.
  
  
• Have pieces made to measure.
  
  Having custom furniture made for your space can be a very worthwhile investment. This twin bed has been designed to fit under the eaves perfectly, leaving plenty of space in the rest of the room. The built-in drawers and wall-mounted bedside table and light maximize every inch of floor, while a classic transparent chair provides unobtrusive seating.
  
  
• Detract with a feature wall.
  
  In a narrow room, bring the far wall forward with fabulous wallpaper. This pretty design links the pale blue walls and bronze quilt for a room that feels cohesive and has bags of personality.
  
  
• Make your headboard work hard.
  
  Using a headboard for storage is a clever way to make the most of your space. This custom solution manages to be a bedside table and bookcase as well as a headboard, and could easily be built to hold a rail and shelves on the opposite side for clothes.
  
  
• Go for bold.
  
  As the saying goes, "If you can't fight, wear a big hat." This attic bedroom shows off its sloping walls with pride and is consequently a bright, energetic space. A minimalist bed and desk area fit in neatly and make this teenager's room a fun retreat.
  
  
• Wow with white.
  
  All white is a fail-safe space enhancer, but there are so many ways to do it. Here soft neutrals add just the right amount of warmth, while the minimal was decorations draw the eye to the window and the view beyond. The neat built-in wall unit keeps clutter tucked out of sight behind slick drawer fronts, creating a serene mood.