Early on, right after the property was purchased, I met with a potential builder. He walked the lot with me, answering questions about siting the house, clearing the lot etc. I happened to mention the plan was to live in the Shimmy Shack during construction. He basically implied he wouldn't take a job when the client lived there. Once the project got going - because I lived on site - it was apparent when work started and stopped, who was there (or wasn't), and how far things progressed. I no longer wonder why in my landscaping business, I've run into so many off island clients over the years who seemed suspicious of local contractors...
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There were a couple of comments asking for details - one was about costs outside of the mortgage. Here's that breakdown:
Plans - $1800
Surveying - $2000
Lot clearing - $1200 (not including my labor)
Stump pulling + grading - $2400 (not including my labor)
Permits/inspections - $1000
Water impact (county water) - $3000
Running 350' water line - $300 (not including my labor)
Electric pole - $200
The other question was about pilings and elevation. Two years ago hurricane Matthew brought flood waters of +/- 9'. My property is 7.5' above sea level. It had never flooded here since anyone could remember - one of the main reasons I bought the property. I raised the first floor 10' above the ground - so 17.5' above sea level. There are codes regarding elevation, as well as requirements from the bank, and better deals on insurance the higher up your first floor is. I wanted to be able to use the space under the house for parking and storage, and figured 10' would allow me to eventually close in a little shop once some time has passed.
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| First floor pano |
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| View from the future kitchen (!) |
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| Raising the walls |
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| It's crazy - all that held those walls up for weeks were a few 2x4s... |
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| ...and some wall jacks |
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| Laundry room with a view ❤️ |
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| First floor walled in |
