Im wanting to know what the best size spec house is to you , and what it should have in it. How much fancy do we spend ? I had said of another builder one time ; I would have rather put 2 more weeks in this house and supplied some extras that were just time intensive, in hopes I could have sold it quicker. But what do I know?
This is your chance to give your opinion and read the others in hopes of getting good ideas.
For me , Im thinking 1250 sg ft , Tile kitchen,entry, and baths. Just a small whirlpool bath tub, bay widow in dining area, with no formal dining or living , split bedroom plan , with one walkin closet , and a walk out deck to master bedroom. warehouse white raise panel cabinets , One cathededral in living area. Thats about all the thrills I think I can put in a small house. Im thinking ; if I built it bigger ?
Tim Mooney
Replies
In a previous time of life and in a different part of the country, I built a spec. house. I sold real estate just before building, so I should have known what I was getting into, but you know what they say about the other side of the fence!!
The point is that the biggest influence has to be the wants and desires of the average buyer in that area. The idea is to appeal to as many as possible, and spend a lot of time and effort on good floorplan and design so they can still afford it, while making you some profit. Try to remember you are building a house for the public, not you and your family. What your neighborhood has is what you must build. Ask a few of the local agents for input, they should know what is selling in the area. Be carefull, and don't get to carried away.
Dan
Dan is right - The house needs to be designed for your area. If there was a "perfect" spec house it would have already been built by the thousands across the country.
Around here, the 1250 sg ft size would never fly - Unless it was built on an existing lot between a couple of older houses in town. Go out in the subdivisions, and it would never sell. So it needs to be designed for where it's at, even within your own town.
I've gotten a lot of unwanted advice on the one I've been sitting on for a year now. Like "Why don't you add a deck" or "why don't you finish the basement", etc. It's easy to get carried away and get too much money in one. (As Dan said)
The comment I'm most tired of is: "Why don't you just move into it yourself" ?
Prejudiced people are all alike.
One of the biggest problems I've seen with spec houses in today's world is that most people with the where-with-all to buy a new house would just as soon have one built to THEIR specs. The exception seems to be for a developer who already owns or controls a desireable subdivision and can keep a crew busy building some specs in between building the customs in that subdivision.
There are always exceptions, of course, but in my view, you'd be better served investing your money while you search out a client who likes your lot or property and will contract with you to build them a house. Some people would bitch even if they were hung with a new rope.
The perfect size spec house is the size that other spec houses are in your area. Look at the markets...how many spec houses are being built for millionaires? How many for middle age people? How many for empty nesters? How many for starters....bingo! I'm guessing that's where most are...but you know, this is totally, totally regional.
The perfect spec home is (and here's the secret): THE ONE THAT WILL SELL. Don't do-dad or gussy up something that people don't want. That's what a spec home is...a speculation home that people will agree the anemities, price, and location all conincide. Customers' don't care about the kind of floor joist material or the amount of attic insulation; they'll never look or care. Spec homes in most parts of the country are about square footage, "looks", and cost.
Allen , you seemed to hit it on the head from the studies I've done so far. I'm glad I posted this because you said something I wont forget. Every body here seems to want in one addition. Trouble is the lots are the highest, and the homes are mid range. So after paying for the lot, I figure its going to be hard to make it on the size of house. That's my example of location. I guess I would rather be in that boat , than Bosses. We all need our services paid for as quickly as possible. Boss has crossed my mind several times , even before I started this post. I can feel his pain.
The houses in that addition move very fast , and that fits your advice. They are also about the same square footage, and price range.
Tim Mooney
maybe its me, but at the size you stated id do ONE nice sized bath. Instead of two, bang your knees against the shower while sitting on the throne while you reach across the sink to get the TP.
You are building exactly what I am building at this time. 1157 sq ft, three bed, two bath, great room. The object of the spec house is not to build the perfect house but one that low income can buy. The only way you can make money off them is to build many to same plan at same time. Spec house around here sell about $70,000 so that leaves about $5000 profit, if that.
What I have learn that helps is 36 inch doors. alot of insulation for low power bills, no hallways and at few of walls as possible. The room needs to be open. If you go with trusses, they will be no loadbearing interior walls so leaving out a wall no problem.
Alot of people want the 3000 sq ft house but not that many can afford this type contruction. Once the family gone, they sell for spec. Abig thing here is 1200 sq ft two bedrooms, two baths