Introduction

Building a home is often seen as a time-consuming and daunting task that can take several months or even years to complete. However,with careful planning,efficient processes,and a dedicated team,it is possible to construct a home in a relatively short period of time,such as 90 days. In this article,we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a home in just three months.

1. Pre-Construction Planning (Days 1-15)

The key to completing a home build in 90 days is thorough pre-construction planning. This phase involves:

a. Design and Blueprint: Start by working with an architect to design your home and create detailed blueprints. Ensure that your design is realistic and can be executed within the time frame.

b. Permitting: Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before starting any construction work. This can take time,so it’s essential to initiate this process early.

c. Budgeting and Financing: Determine your budget and secure financing for your project. Having a clear financial plan will help you avoid delays due to funding issues.

d. Material Selection: Choose building materials and finishes that are readily available and can be delivered quickly. This reduces waiting times and ensures that work can progress smoothly.

2. Site Preparation (Days 15-25)

Once your planning is complete,it’s time to prepare the construction site:

a. Clearing and Grading: Clear the land of any debris,rocks,or vegetation. Grade the site to create a level foundation.

b. Utilities: Ensure that water,electricity,and sewage connections are available and meet the necessary requirements.

c. Foundation: Pour the foundation using fast-setting concrete to expedite the curing process. A slab-on-grade foundation is a good option for speed.

3. Framing and Roofing (Days 25-40)

The framing and roofing stages are critical for building the structure quickly:

a. Framing: Use pre-fabricated framing components to speed up the framing process. Advanced framing techniques can also reduce the amount of lumber needed,saving time and costs.

b. Roofing: Opt for a simple and quick-to-install roofing system. Metal roofs or asphalt shingles are good options for speed.

4. Plumbing,Electrical,and HVAC (Days 40-55)

During this phase,the home’s internal systems are installed:

a. Plumbing: Utilize PEX plumbing systems,which are faster to install than traditional copper pipes.

b. Electrical: Use pre-fabricated electrical panels and conduit systems to speed up installation. Ensure that all wiring is up to code.

c. HVAC: Choose efficient HVAC systems that can be installed quickly,and schedule inspections promptly to avoid delays.

5. Insulation and Drywall (Days 55-70)

a. Insulation: Insulate the walls,ceilings,and floors efficiently to maintain energy efficiency and comfort. Spray foam insulation can be applied quickly.

b. Drywall: Hang and finish drywall promptly. Consider hiring a professional crew to expedite the process.

6. Interior Finishes (Days 70-80)

a. Flooring: Choose easy-to-install flooring materials like laminate,engineered wood,or vinyl plank flooring.

b. Cabinetry and Fixtures**: Install pre-fabricated cabinets and fixtures to save time. Consider ready-to-assemble options for cost-efficiency.

c. Painting: Finish painting the interior using quick-drying paints and sprayers for an efficient application.

7. Final Touches and Inspections (Days 80-90)

a. Final Inspections: Schedule inspections for plumbing,electrical,and building code compliance to ensure everything meets regulatory standards.

b. Landscaping: Focus on minimal landscaping initially,such as seeding the lawn or planting a few trees and shrubs. You can complete more extensive landscaping later.

c. Clean-Up: Have a dedicated clean-up crew to ensure the site is pristine for move-in.

Conclusion

Building a home in 90 days is an ambitious goal,but with meticulous planning,efficient processes,and a dedicated team,it can be achieved. It’s essential to start with a realistic design,secure all necessary permits,and select materials and finishes that are readily available. Using pre-fabricated components and fast-setting materials can significantly expedite construction. Lastly,stay organized,communicate effectively with your team,and be prepared to make quick decisions to keep the project on track. Building your dream home in 90 days is a challenging task,but the satisfaction of moving into your new home ahead of schedule is well worth the effort. To obtain construction loans for your new home construction shop around for a construction loan broker specialist.

When embarking on the journey of building your dream home,one of the key decisions you’ll face is choosing the right type of construction contract. Among the various options,the cost-plus home building contract is gaining popularity for its transparency and flexibility. In this article,we’ll delve into what cost-plus contracts entail,their advantages,potential drawbacks,and key considerations.

Understanding Cost-Plus Contracts:

A cost-plus home building contract,also known as a cost-reimbursement contract,is an agreement between the homeowner and the builder where the builder is paid for the actual costs incurred during construction,along with an agreed-upon fee or percentage for profit and overhead. In essence,it’s like hiring a builder on a cost-plus basis,where the homeowner reimburses the builder for expenses.

Advantages of Cost-Plus Contracts:

1. Transparency: One of the most significant advantages of cost-plus contracts is transparency. Homeowners get detailed insight into every expense,including materials,labor,subcontractor fees,and other construction costs. This transparency can help build trust between the homeowner and the builder.

2. Flexibility: Cost-plus contracts are highly flexible. They allow homeowners to make changes or upgrades during the construction process without the complications often associated with fixed-price contracts. This flexibility ensures that the homeowner’s vision is met,even if it evolves over time.

3. Quality Control: Since homeowners have full visibility into the cost breakdown,they can better monitor the quality of materials and workmanship,ensuring that their home is built to their exact specifications and standards.

4. Cost Savings: In some cases,cost-plus contracts can lead to cost savings. Builders have an incentive to control costs effectively,as their profit is often a percentage of the final expenses. This can result in cost-conscious decision-making.

Potential Drawbacks of Cost-Plus Contracts:

1. Uncertainty: The primary drawback of cost-plus contracts is the potential for cost overruns. Since the homeowner is responsible for paying the actual costs,there is less predictability about the final cost of the project. Unexpected issues,such as construction delays or unforeseen structural problems,can lead to higher expenses.

2. Reliance on Trust: While transparency is a significant benefit,cost-plus contracts require a high level of trust between the homeowner and the builder. Without trust and effective communication,misunderstandings can arise,leading to disputes over costs and fees.

3. Limited Cost Control: Homeowners who are highly cost-conscious may find it challenging to control expenses in a cost-plus contract. While the builder has an incentive to control costs,the homeowner ultimately bears the financial burden of any cost increases.

Key Considerations for Cost-Plus Contracts:

1. Clearly Defined Terms: Ensure that the contract clearly defines the builder’s fee structure and how costs will be calculated,documented,and reported. Specify the method for determining the builder’s profit and overhead.

2. Regular Reporting: Establish a system for regular reporting and review of expenses. Builders should provide detailed invoices and receipts to keep homeowners informed about project costs.

3. Change Orders: Clearly outline the process for change orders in the contract. Specify how changes in the scope of work or materials will be documented,approved,and priced.

4. Dispute Resolution: Include a dispute resolution clause in the contract to address any disagreements that may arise during construction. Mediation or arbitration can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming than litigation.

5. Contingency Funds: It’s wise to include a contingency fund in your budget to account for unexpected expenses. While cost-plus contracts provide transparency,they may not prevent unforeseen issues from arising.

Is a Cost-Plus Contract Right for You?

Whether a cost-plus home building contract is right for you depends on your priorities,risk tolerance,and level of involvement in the construction process. If transparency,flexibility,and a hands-on approach are important to you,a cost-plus contract might be a suitable choice. However,if you seek more predictability and cost control,you may prefer a fixed-price contract.

In conclusion,cost-plus home building contracts offer transparency and flexibility,making them an attractive option for homeowners who want to actively participate in the construction of their dream home. However,open contracts can allow cost overruns beyond the scope of the owners ability to qualify and or afford. Most construction loans only require a fixed contract which can be much safer.

The rock tumblers are machines that process rocks,glass metals,some gemstones. They can also be used to clean stones and cut edges,and to create tumbled cabochons. While many individuals enjoy using a rock tumbler kit for decorative and hobbies,some use them for more serious jewelry-making and lapidary (stone cutting) work. The most durable tumblers are strong and powerful. They are also quiet. They also have a large capacity to tumble a huge variety of materials at the same time.

There are various types of rock tumblers available to the public,such as vibratory and the rotary. They are generally small and typically,they can tumble only one or two pounds of material at one time. There are also larger,more professional models intended to be used for jewelry-making or commercial use. The first tumblers were constructed from metal,but they are now made from rubber or plastic to provide greater endurance and less sound. Most rock tumblers have three or four barrels that may be used for grinding different materials at the same time or as a second process of polishing. Certain tumblers include inlet and outlet rinsing ports that allow users to add water or other cleaning solutions to the barrel as required.

If you are a home-based hobbyist one-barrel tumbler is likely to suffice. It’s less expensive than a dual-barrel tumbler,and most are constructed of rubber or plastic that has been designed to reduce the noise caused by the rocks that tumble over one another inside the barrel. Many of the newer tumblers feature a bigger barrel as well as a more powerful motor than their predecessors which can assist them to produce a higher level of polish.

There are a few companies that make tumblers with a dual-barrel design However,it is important to be aware that these tumblers will require some maintenance. Based on the model,there are separate openings for inlet and outflow of water. These openings should be carefully managed to ensure that the stones are not damaged by splashing.

The most well-known rock tumblers that are available come from two companies that came out of the early hobby industry: Lortone and Thumler’s. Both of these manufacture various models suitable that are suitable for both professional and home use,with some having more than two barrels to give greater flexibility.

Although you can buy a simple,inexpensive tumbler that uses metal paint containers as the barrel,these units tend to be noisy and eventually wear out. The rough surface of the cans is easily scratched and scratches the rock as it hits the cans.

The Tumble-Bee TB-14 is a well-built quiet rotary tumbler which is suitable for beginners and children of all ages. It comes with a brightly illuminated switch for on/off and includes pre-measured rocks,three kinds of grit,as well as four polishing grit packages. The kit also includes an sifter as well as a full-color instructional guide.

We’ll be direct. When you have a startup or a small business,leasing offers more flexibility in money,loaning,and changing locations. If you plan to buy a commercial space,only do so if you’re prepared to rent the same space.

Comparison of Benefits and Drawbacks of Buying vs. Leasing a Commercial Space

When you buy or lease a commercial space,you must decide which benefits you want and which drawbacks you can live with. Therefore,we don’t just compare the pros and cons. Instead,we compare the benefits of buying against the benefits of leasing. We also compare the drawbacks of buying against the drawbacks of leasing.

As you can see above in the table,the benefits of buying a commercial space is higher. But the higher the benefits,the greater the risks. Below,we also compare the drawbacks of leasing and buying a commercial space. 

Benefits of Leasing Commercial Space

Renting is more viable for small businesses and startups. Leases allow you to move and spend more money on other costs. Below are some of the benefits of leasing a commercial space. 

• Lower Upfront Costs

When you only have to pay rent,you don’t need a down payment. This also frees you money for qualifying for other loans. But you’ll need to pay the attorney,broker,release inspection,and security deposit fees.

• Predictable Monthly Costs

You wouldn’t need to spend for unexpected damages on the property when leasing. This advantage makes it easier to budget and plan for the future. Check your contract for the extent of your responsibility in fixing what would be defined as minor repairs.

Benefits of Buying Commercial Space

When buying commercial real estate,you also get the advantage of having a property. You are more likely to qualify for loans because your commercial property makes you more stable and secure. You also have more assets aside from your business. 

• Long-term Investment

As equity increases over time,so does capital appreciation. Capital appreciation is affected by the same things as equity: inflation and local and industrial economies. With your long-term investment,you can fund your retirement once you sell your property or business.

• Rent Income

When owning a commercial space,it is best to take advantage of renting it. Most businesses only use 50% of their commercial space. You can earn extra income from your business by renting the rest of the space.

Countermeasure Drawbacks of Leasing Commercial Space

Just as there are benefits to renting a commercial space,there are also downsides. While rental costs are fixed,they can be bigger than fixed mortgage rates. 

• No Equity

Unlike owning a property,rental properties don’t build equity. Fortunately,there are lease-to-own commercial properties where your rent is part of your purchase.

• Rent Increases

Landlords may increase rent at the end of a lease term,which can affect a business’s bottom line. While you can move,you must consider the moving cost versus the monthly lease.

Countermeasure Drawbacks of Buying Commercial Space

Buying commercial property has its downsides,too. Just as you can have bigger gains by purchasing a property,you also have bigger risks and payments. 

• High Upfront Costs

Purchasing commercial space requires significant upfront capital. Down payment for commercial spaces in Washington can be 20-25% of the purchase. Getting small business loans can help get the funding you need. 

• Maintenance and Liability Costs

Property owners are responsible for maintenance and repairs,which can be costly and time-consuming. Remember to buy liability insurance for costly legal fees and settlements.

Buy or Lease Commercial Space: Factors to Consider

It will take time and thoughtful consideration whether to buy or lease a commercial property. Below are factors to consider,which we hope to give you insights into your important decision. 

To Buy or Lease Commercial Space: Your Final Decision 

Buying or leasing commercial property offers pros and cons. We often recommend renting for small businesses and startups. We also recommend buying a commercial space if you are prepared to rent the same space. 

However,  it is best to look at your business situation. By knowing your business needs and goals,you’ll understand better which benefits are for you. By knowing what you don’t need and what you can risk,you can decide which drawbacks you can live with.  

Once you’ve decided,check out Goodale & Barbieri to learn more.