How Much?

Since Michael has come home, we have been actively looking into building our dream house. We have thrown around different options about whether to search for an already built house, or just build one ourselves. After thinking about all of the things we want in our house, we decided it was much easier for us to just design the house ourselves.

Finding and designing a plan was a challenge in itself, but once we did that and had it just the way we wanted, we took it to three builders to price it out. It is an exciting time but scary! Everything is so expensive. Now is the best time to build, so I can't imagine what the price will be when the market returns, which is why we are trying to do it now.

On a normal teachers salary, I don't know how anyone can afford to build. Without Michael's deployment, there is no way we could afford it. We are pretty good at saving money normally, but without the extra money from his time overseas we wouldn't have a very good down payment, and our mortgage would be outrageous! I guess there is a silver lining to the time apart!

We have received prices back from all three builders :
1. This builder has a lot that is reduced and a good price, but the house is more expensive
2. This builder has a lot that is outrageous (but a good neighborhood) but a $20,000 less house!
3. No lot, but the house is $20,000 less then the first.

We have ruled out #3 as finding a lot in a neighborhood is almost impossible. The first two are in the running. Both are reputable buildings, but the one lot is almost DOUBLE the first. Now we are in a bidding competition! We met with builder #1 today, and informed them the same house plan was quoted much lower, so we will see. I think we both have our hearts set on the first one, so keep your fingers crossed!

If all goes as planned, we will buy the lot by the end of the month, and put our house up for sale! What an exciting time, but also very nerve racking!