I am contemplating constructing a new home on some land I may
purchase. I know people have built their own houses, finishing a
basement and then the rest of the house later. The task is daunting
however I am surrounded by a family of tradespeople. Where can I find
resources on this type of construction? Can almost any home plan be
adapted to this?
Thanks for any replies!

Ryan Shawley

On 5 Feb 2004 07:07:14 -0800, someone wrote:

You actually want PLANS for living in the basement of an unfinished
house? Ask some of your tradespeople about this.

-v.

Was commonly done in the late 40s and early 50s. Some people never got past
the basement, and the upper floors were never completed. Now most
authorities and all mortgage companies will not allow this to be done.

Building on top of a roofed basement is not easy, and the elements keep
leaking through untill the upper floors are sealed. This is one reason many
people never advanced this far.

"R Shawley" wrote in message
om...
I am contemplating constructing a new home on some land I may
purchase. I know people have built their own houses, finishing a
basement and then the rest of the house later. The task is daunting
however I am surrounded by a family of tradespeople. Where can I find
resources on this type of construction? Can almost any home plan be
adapted to this?
Thanks for any replies!

Ryan Shawley

"Eric Tonks" etonks@sunstormADD-DOT-COM wrote in message
isi.com...
Was commonly done in the late 40s and early 50s. Some people never got
past
the basement, and the upper floors were never completed. Now most
authorities and all mortgage companies will not allow this to be done.

Building on top of a roofed basement is not easy, and the elements keep
leaking through untill the upper floors are sealed. This is one reason
many
people never advanced this far.

I concur. Seen plenty of 20 year old follies like that in my search for a
house. A much better solution, IMHO, is to buy or lease a used mobile, and
spot it on the property, and live in that while you build. Even in areas
where zoning doesn't allow mobiles, you are usually allowed to use them for
temporary shelter as long as construction is actively underway. Livable used
mobiles can be had for 5-10 K, and as long as they aren't trashed out, can
usually be sold for about as much 12-24 months later. Put the septic and
well in first, size them for the house, but add a second set of connections
for the mobile.

Make sure you have cash in hand or a commitment from the bank before you
start. Most places will NOT write paper for owner-built unless they are
convinced the owner has the skills and time to actually produce a house
worth close to what they are loaning. A set of building plans, pulled
permits, etc, go a long way to prove you aren't just a dreamer.

aem sends....

"ameijers" wrote in message ...
"Eric Tonks" etonks@sunstormADD-DOT-COM wrote in message
isi.com...
Was commonly done in the late 40s and early 50s. Some people never got
past
the basement, and the upper floors were never completed. Now most
authorities and all mortgage companies will not allow this to be done.

Building on top of a roofed basement is not easy, and the elements keep
leaking through untill the upper floors are sealed. This is one reason
many
people never advanced this far.

I concur. Seen plenty of 20 year old follies like that in my search for a
house. A much better solution, IMHO, is to buy or lease a used mobile, and
spot it on the property, and live in that while you build. Even in areas


Thanks for the insight