84 Lumber packages-any thoughts?

[woodall83]

I was looking yesterday at these 84 Lumber home packages. Supposedly they sell you all the materials for building the house (minus foundation, electric, hvac, plumbing, grading, and land of course). Cost is around 30-40k for a decent home. When you add up rough ins, labor, etc., is this a decent option for building your own home. I would like to build my own, seems it would make being my own GC a little easier knowing all supplies I'd need. Any thoughts about these, good or bad?

[woodall83]

Here's a link:

http://www.84lumber.com/84homes/intro.asp

[VALENT]

The idea of the "packaged house" is very good. It will definitely make building your house simpler in that many selections are already made for you. However, it does decrease your available options a lot. Pricewise, I dont think you save a lot of money versus buying these same supplies from your local suppliers unless you dont shop around. I have no opinion as to this company though. It will save a lot of time in shopping, save the price of buying plans(I'm sure it is in the cost), and make the whole project less overwhelming.

[Rich]

I agree Valent - decreases options but lessens the "scope" of what the individuals need to do. Where does the fault lie though when something is missing or doesn't quite meet code?

[plunkinberry]

Rich, it is still the owners/buyers responsibility to take the 84 Home Plan to the local municipality for code review and permitting. They should identify any shortcommings with the plans there. If you contacted 84 and discussed these shortcommings, I'm sure they'd modify your plans/package for you. They seem to be a very user friendly company - at least where package deals are concerned.

Look around, many of the larger, more comprehensive lumber suppliers may offer similar packages. And remember, excavation, foundations, electric, plumbing, hvac, etc... are no small items and nothing to be taken lightly. They will cost a considerable amount of money and may require certified, liscensed installers in your areas.

[Rich]

I understand that plunkinberry - just trying to give a small warning to woodall to be aware of it. And I'm also very sure the supplier would be willing to change packages - again just a warning to woodall that the money will be coming out woodalls' pocket.
Overall for a owner GC - it makes good sense and it's not too far off from the way I would do it - but I would provide the list of materials to the supplier.