I agree that building a scale model would make sense. Believe it or not, I could do that. I was a graphic artist for years before I went to law school. Sounds like fun! I would use foam core, the stuff is great. Ben and I built a scale model of the old Fairfax Courthouse once for school. I also have a CAD program for floor plans, actually a couple of them.
I guess I have been reluctant to plan without knowing how much house we could "afford." I read in a construction pricing book that $70 square foot, not counting lot, foundation and landscaping, is average in this area. I want good quality, but not fancy. I don't think I could price "my" house by other houses in vicinity, I am not looking for a showy "executive" home, nor a tract house.
I agree that the most intelligent thing to do is talk to an actual builder type. I used to represent a guy who built custom houses, his wife is a realtor, I guess I could start there. But I don't want to waste their time until I have more information.
I have been looking for a book, I read about it in Stewart Brand's book on houses, by Gene Logson, "The Low-Maintenance House." Can't find it anywhere.
Having been in the graphic art/printing industry for so many years, I think I understand what change orders can do to the price of a job. |
