So you are starting to build a new house and haven't sold the old one? Get the old house sold first unless you have the cash to pay for everything at once.
House building almost always takes months longer than contractor estimates. Established contractors experienced in building in your location, some cities/counties have very particular inspectors, may charge more, but the end result is likely to be better. Most contractors are very optimistic about estimating time. Subcontractors, weather and material shortages always undermine completion estimates. Talk to previous customers before hiring a contractor. You will be pretty safe doubling any time estimates, make your temporary living arrangements accordingly.
If you are stressed now, wait until you start picking everything for the new house. Building a house will test your marriage. Going in it sounds great to get to pick everything and have a completely new house. Floor plan, colors, coverings, counters, cabinets, hardware, fixtures, plumbing, lighting, molding, window types/arrangements, the list and the required decisions will be endless. Any delay deciding or changes in your decisions will affect costs and completion time.
We built our current house and even after the lawsuit and various problems we love our house. That said, we always recommend finding an existing house over building a new one.
Gene363 wrote:
