John:
I built the home I am in last year. Building cost was $67/ft2. I could have done it for a little less, but got burned by a couple of subs. In terms of comparison, I have compared to the bigger builders and the "differences" that are quoted on cost are primarily due to lower quality or lower finish materials and not by "30-50%" discounts on the same materials.
I read Elroy's comments and I have been involved off/on in the construction business for the last 15 years. I have walked thru a lot of construction, both small builder and large builders (John Wieland, Ryland etc). I have a hard time reconciling his comments with what I have seen.
If what Elroy claims were in fact true, then the big builders could build very high qualit for about $35/ft2 - with features like: granite counters in kitchen and baths, bronze fixtures, central vacuum, sound systems, tile, house wrap, multiple zoned HVAC 12 SEER, ceiling fans, reflective barrier attics, achitectural 40 yr shingles, Low-E clad windows, stone and hardiplank exteriors, poured reinforced concrete 10" foundations, flagstone porch/patio etc.
I haven't seen it yet in 15 years, but it could be true, just seems highly unlikely. |
