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May 16, 2005 We got our permit and more money!
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Permitting
We're finally done! We were cleared Thursday; we expected to clear our permitting requirements on Thursday without much ado, but a few things cropped up. Fortunately, we were able to contact the right people at the right time. We're picking up the actual papers tomorrow. We had to wait for a construction draw to come through so we can pay the last permitting fees (approx $900) tomorrow.
Foundation
We're having a meeting tomorrow with our general contractor and the foundation contractor. David wants to contract a few items by himself, but our GC doesn't want us to assume the liability risk.
We found a local excavator who gave us an estimate of $500, which is about $3000 less than the going rate. He lives a few houses down from us and recently excavated the neighbor's footings and did an excellent job. Contracting this part of the job is very tempting because we want to save money and start the foundation right away. We have less than four weeks before the house arrives. I am getting really anxious that we haven't started the foundation yet.
Clearing
We completed the final phase of clearing this weekend. The same excavator/backhoe operator removed all of the vegetation to comply with the Fuel Modification Plan. We also relocated a nectarine tree after the crane operator told us that it was in the spot where the crane would need to be placed.
It looks so different:
Here's the first photo we took of our property on October 10, 2004:
Here's a photo we took yesterday in the same location:
Factory Progress
The framing, plumbing and electrical is now complete on the house. I think the next thing they'll work on is the in-floor heating. In order to do this, they will prop up the modules to leave enough space for the installer to work. Talk about a scary job!
Ikea
I am nearly done with the order. This is probably the 5th revision that I'm sending back today. It takes a lot of checking and re-checking to such a large order just right.
We're starting to order other fixtures for the house so that everything will be in place when the house arrives.
Craning
We have decided on a craning company, OST Cranes They seemed the most capable and also the least expensive than other companies we looked into. They are located an hour away and have a lot of experience with modular home setting. Our bid was $4500 for 8 hours of a 70 ton crane. Two of those hours will be used for the travel time. Even so, it still is less expensive than the crane companies in the valley.
I uncovered another unanticipated expense. It seems that we also need to hire a "set crew" in addition to the crane. The set crew works on ground and helps the crane operator manuever the modules. They also bolt the house to the foundation.
I am waiting for a bid and I think the set crew will run another $2000-$3000. I certainly hope it's not more.
We finally have enough money
Well, it seems our credit has improved a lot since the time we started the construction project. You can check our first entry which explains a little how we improved our credit just enough to get a construction loan.
Our lender can give us another $10,000 based on the fact that our credit improved a lot since we opened the loan. They also talked to the appraiser (the one who gave us a low number) who was able to work with them to get us to a slightly higher amount.
We were able to take out the remaining money from a 401K account. I know it's not the wisest practice to do this, but our house is an investment too.
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Congratulations
Sara,
I'm very glad that you were able to clear through all of the hoops. I know there will be one heck of a party once the last module has been put in place.
Thanks for taking the time to post during all of your difficult situations.
As far as the 401K goes-- that's probably the route my wife and I will take eventually. With skyrocketing real estate prices you'll make out in the end.
on a roll now!
Things are going to start happening really fast - Put your seatbelts on!
Streaming video?
Sara,
What about posting video of the module placement? I'd pay good money for that show!
I am low-tech
I honestly don't know much about computers or anything like streaming video. I was surprised to see that Marshall was able to load those pictures on Ami's blog with someone's cell phone! I don't even know how my cell phone works beyond dialing a number.
Maybe I can ask a high-tech family member to figure something out for me.
Sara
Just video tape it and send it to me!
If the family geek doesn't work out, just video tape it and send it to me.
I'll transfer it to a video file and try to get it hosted somewhere. E-mail me mfojas at(replace with @ sign) bamboom.us
video at livemodern
Marshall has said he can host quicktime media off the livemodern server. I imagine you would just need to get him a file.
Streaming Video at LiveModern
I'd just need a digitized version of the video (QuickTime format is best, but I can also do other formats).
Marshall
Could streaming video be live?
I did a little poking around yesterday and asked a few geek friends about what would be involved. I think I could find a film/video student at the local art school to set something up.
The camera phone idea wouldn't work here since reception is spotty. I know we have wireless capability.
My question is this: how long can something like this be? Is it possible for it to be live? and if it were live, would that mean that it wouldn't take up memory/storage facilities at Live Modern?
It could be live...
...depending on my schedule (I may be a bit busy with the Breezehouse). I'd have to research exactly how to do it, but I know it's possible. When is your set date?
Marshall
Set date
We haven't finalized this yet. It will happen the second or third week of June.
Hi Sara. I have enjoyed reading up on your project and followed your joyorney. I would love to talk to you aout my rpject and I am wondering if I can email you or you me . noodle4kid@aol.com SOnja
grab the popcorn
I don't care what ungodly hour this ends up taking place (due to the timezone difference). I'll definitely check this out if it happens... woohoo!!!
Don't get the popcorn out just yet.
I am not sure that I will be able to set something up. I am sure if I try, I can find someone to broadcast live video. I'll call today to see what I can dig up.
Sara
Maybe it will happen
I put up a job listing at the film school in town. I'll see what happens!
Woo-hoo!
I can definitely understand the sense of relief that comes with getting that final permit, so many congrats to you! I hope you don't blow that extra loan money on Kristal and beluga. ;-)
By the way, did you happen to leave a "0" off of your excavation amount? $500 for excavation sounds like the bargain of the century! But your crane rental sounds really expensive- but at least it's a one-shot deal. I'm going to need one for about 4 days total.
Crane and excavation
Ha ha, no I didn't leave off a 0. The excavator charges only $75 an hour and he does good work and is licensed. I think the going rate here for a backhoe operator is $375-$400/hr. He is a mason as well and I think he charges the same rate for backhoe work.
I heard from Irontown that our craning fees were on the high side. I don't know what to say, I got several bids and they were over $700/hr for a 70 ton crane. I think it's just really high out here.
hi!
I followed a long trail from fabprefab.com and landed up at your blog. It's very interesting, all the details of how to go about it. I'm a freelance writer, and I want to do a piece on someone who's building a pre-fab house. Would you be interested in being interviewed? I would probably do it in person after I get a magazine to okay my query - sometime later this year. If you're willing, do let me know at kimbus_net at yahoo dot com. Thanks...
Congrats!
- I'm so glad it's coming together
- and that is excellent news about your credit improving during this whole process -- wow! I can really SEE your house from these pics...esp. the great slanted rooflines. It's going to look great and feel great to live in. Remember to call us when you need help finishing the inside -- we were serious when we offered to help! Since we saw you, our plans for a home have changed (we're going to buy an existing home about 30 min. north of you) so we'll actually be closer than before. Please don't hesitate :)
Nicole
congratulations!
I'm so happy for you guys! Your lot looks really, really good. You've done an amazing amount of work!