Building Modern in Durham, NC

This our first home and without a doubt it needs to be morden. We want a 1800-2000 sq/ft,3-4 bedroom, 2-3 bathroom home. Our budget is $200,000 (not including land). We are trying to figure out the most cost efficient way to get as close to our dream house as possible. Neither my husband or myself are diy-ers so we will have to hire contractors for everything. One of the major questions we have is, is it better (cost wise) to renovate an older home or to build from the ground up?

We have decided, after talking to a few friends and lots of research, to build from the ground up. We are going to go with a custom modular home. We are in love if the Sunset Breeze home. Unfortunately for us the model is not available in our area, not to mention it is out of price range. We are actively looking for other solutions. Any suggestions?

My advice would be to consult contractors who have a good reputation and an affinity for building modern and an architect to figure out what you can build for your budget. The numbers can be scary, very scary, but keep researching and keep tweeking the design to get what you want for the budget you want. You might find your self actually doing some of the work yourself to stay in budget. There are quiet a few good books out there as well as past Live Modern blogs about budgets, designs, and the ongoing issues we all face with trying to get to our ideal home. Research, alot. Do you have a lot?

We do not have a lot yet. We are looking at a few,they are all 1.5-3 acre lots. Thanks for the advice regarding the blogs. After reading the theoretical glidhouse blog, it made me feel better. It let me know that we are on the right track. We have complied a list of local architects to start with.

what about weiler? they are somewhat local to you.

http://www.weilerhomes.com/

We were having some trouble finding a lot in Durham....Now we are looking in the Chapel Hill area.

There is a missconception typical of many people wanting to build a modern house. That is, it will be inexpensive. By modern I mean an innovative, clever, efficient, sustainable and elegant use of non-standard form, space, structure and building materials.

Innovation takes time, skill and experience. Both should be adequately compensated. New methods require builders to learn new techniques and details. This costs them time, money and taxes there warranty ability.

Building codes and zoning ordinances are challenged causing time and red tape.

I truly applaud everyone that endeavors to build new and modern. This is why I am an architect. It's always an adventure. It is never easy and unfortunately, it is not cheap.

Regards,

Frank Arvan,AIA
www.fxarchitecture.com

It's not that we thought building modern would be inexpensive. What we want is a modern home and believe that, with a lot research, we can get something suitable that we can afford.

I can appreciate your desire.

Let me offer some thoughts on construction cost .

First, labor prices vary wildly. In Michigan, where I am, labor is about 25% higher than in NC. So you are lucky there. Materials are about the same.

I have designed and built several modern homes including my own, in the Detroit Area and in New York. Currently cost is about $225 per square foot to build a custom home with quality materials in the Detroit Area. This includes hiring a contractor which I highly recomend. Do it yourself construction only works if you are experienced and willing to devote all of your time to the process. Contractors charge from about 12% to 25% of construction cost.

Cost is very dependant on material quality. For instance a beautiful glass tile will cost $25 per square foot and the installation will be 25% more than a cheap (5$ per sq. ft.) tile because it requires special care. You know those cool cement panels that everyone seems to love. The material uninstalled is $10 per square foot. That is 2 times the cost of a completely built, admittedly ugly, wood stud framed wall with vinyl siding.

Given my number above and the 25% discount, realistically, your budget should be in the $170 per square foot range.

Finally, be very careful if someone says they can do it for less. Typically, what will happen is quality will go way down or certain things like cabinet upgrades, good flooring, paving and so on will show up as extras.

Good Luck

Frank Arvan

I work for center studio architecture in Durham. www.centerstudioarchitecture.com I have experience designing and building modern homes in Durham and Chapel Hill. I am very interested in what your ideas for an affordable modern home are. I could also help you with contractors--I know some with modern experience. Please send me your email if you would like to talk further.

Will

Thanks Will!! We have increased our budget a little we're look at about 270,000 (not including land). We are still looking for land about 2 acres. My husband has a paintball business and would like to have a feild set up on about a half an acre(very basic; cleared, netted area, with inflatable feild componets). That causes problems when finding an area that will allow this.

I'm an architect that focuses mainly on modern residential designs. I actually have a house under construction in Chapel Hill at the moment. It's being built modular, which I'm begining to really fall in love with. It has so many benefits for clients like yourselves, not the least of which is lower costs. My clients in Chapel Hill also live in an area that you may find a good fit for your land. Feel free to contact me with your email or phone number!