The Early Bird Gets the Work, Many clients wishing to build think time and the current economy is on their side when it comes to deciding to start construction projects. Not true, site work contractors are lining up their spring work and have signed contracts to begin projects when the road bands are lifted…or the frost is out of the ground which ever comes first.
Planning for a fall moving date, you may have already missed that window. If you are thinking of building you will need to have a firm set of plans by now to get your state and local permits. We typically have 50 items on the “schedule of values list”; these items include multiple quotes for everything from Masonry work to roofing materials. The home owners choice of Cabinets, counter tops to window styles and siding colors all have to be in the bag before a realistic quote can be targeted.
Construction Delays are inevitable, try as any good builder will hold ups occur and 
nothing but time can fix those issues. When you hit ledge during your site work the cure is blasting…when your roofing materials are out of stock or three squares short of the order all you can do is wait. When your electrical is held up on another job all the work scheduled after him is held hostage (you can’t sheet rock if the walls aren’t wired).
Seriously if you want to be in your new house before next winter, your should be ready to pull the trigger on that project before the end of this winter. A Custom 4,000 square foot home with extensive site work and special order materials will take 9+ month to complete after breaking ground. Many home product manufactory are not warehousing the back stock like they use to. It is expensive to have all your choices sitting on the self while you are deciding. So many companies 
have slowed down their manufacturing process to save money while construction start is slow. But when everyone wants to turn on the faucet at the same time everyone will only receive a trickle…even if you are a good customer.
Home owners…Now is the time to set your project in motion before it occurs to everyone else…to do the same thing.
Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert
steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898
MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com
My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com
Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln
Steve, I hear you loud & clear. Three homes and four remodeling projects over the years and you'd think I would've learned my lesson! Now in Florida, no projects but at least with minimal weather issues to contend with. Thanks!
I agree Steve...Now is the time that most builders are not swamped. Getting done on time is more likely, and at a price that is a lot better than a few years ago.
Kevin, Building homes in New Hampshire comes with a special set of issues from pouring concrete to getting hot-top with the paving plants are in operation...weather can delay a lot of building trades up here.
I love that Field Stone fire place in that picture! my dream fire place!
Monika, happy to have one built for you, come by and pick out the stone.
Steve - Your knowledge of construction in your area sets you above others. I'd certainly trust you to help me with any new home building project in NH.
Having someone with your experience will guarantee the project will go smoothly.
Steve: As always you are providing valuable information to the public based on your many years and varied experience in the biz. I hope potential home buyers are reading and listening to this!
Wendy, The the President of the company you manage has been in the custom home business for 40 years...and you have worked for him for 25 years you get to know a lot about construction. This has been enormously helpful when dealing with land buyers and people looking at new construction.
Cecily, I don't think many people thinking of a new home ...realize they need to start to be in by early 2011.
Steve, The builders here....are not waiting for the buyers. Our builder permits were up last month, and now all sorts of spec homes are being thrown up looking to get those contracts written before April 30 and closing June 30. Pretty smart move for our big builders...move that land...move that product. Unfortunately, it's tough competition for our re-sale folks.
Jane, We are only interested in the custom jobs, the years of doing specs are pretty much done...too much risk.