Thoughts on Home Design and Costs - VLOG

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker discusses key considerations in home design while building a spec house with Nate. They emphasize the critical importance of good design, which cannot be remedied once set, unlike issues related to cost or workmanship. The discussion covers essential factors such as location, elevation, size, and marketability. The speaker highlights that costs are driven not just by square footage but also by cubic footage and design complexity. They conclude by stressing the significance of creating a home that fits the neighborhood and maintains resale value, drawing from their experience as a contractor rather than an architect.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Design is crucial in home building; poor design choices can lead to irreparable issues.
• 💰 Cost considerations are essential; understand the difference between desired features and your budget.
• 🔍 Location and orientation of the house significantly impact aesthetics and functionality.
• 🌧️ Elevation matters: A house built too low can lead to water drainage problems.
• 📏 Size affects costs; single-story homes typically cost more per square foot than two-story homes.
• 🧱 Only about 20% of a home's cost goes into framing; focus on cost-saving in other areas.
• 🚪 After drywall, most of your budget will be influenced by surface choices like countertops and fixtures.
• 🔄 Upgrading surfaces over time is more feasible than changing the size of the home.
• 📈 Marketability is important even if you plan to live in the house long-term; consider future resale value.
• 🧐 Building within neighborhood norms helps ensure your property retains its value.

Q & A

What are the three key areas to consider when building a house?

The three key areas are design issues, cost issues, and marketability.

Why is bad design considered irrecoverable?

Bad design can lead to irreversible problems like poor location, orientation, and functionality, which cannot be easily fixed.

How does the elevation of a house affect its functionality?

If a house is built too low, it can cause issues with water drainage, while being too high can complicate access and visibility.

What is the cost relationship between single-story and two-story houses?

Generally, a two-story house is less expensive per square foot than a single-story house due to reduced foundation and roofing costs.

What percentage of a house's cost is typically tied to framing?

About 20% of a house's cost is in the framing and structure, meaning there are other significant cost factors to consider.

What common misconception do people have about the construction process?

Many people believe they are close to completion once the drywall is hung, but they are typically only about 50% of the way through the process.

How can one save money during the construction process?

Money can be saved by focusing on surface choices like countertops and fixtures, rather than on fixed costs like framing and structural materials.

Why is it important to consider marketability when building a house?

Even if you plan to live in the house long-term, it’s essential to consider future resale value and market trends to maintain property value.

What advice is given regarding unique design ideas?

It's advisable to avoid overly unique or bright ideas that deviate from neighborhood norms, as they may hurt the house's marketability.

What is emphasized about the relationship between size and upgrades in home design?

Investing in the size and footprint of the house is more important than expensive finishes since surfaces can be upgraded later.