Big Project Problems

We have been trying to get a house built on our property in Florida for over two years. Surprisingly, the worst problem with this big project hasn’t been finances—it’s been people! Other people and their ideas can create the biggest problems . . . and sometimes the best solutions.

First Step for Our Big Project

Our property is four wooded acres, with no access to water lines or any other urban services.  We knew we would need a well if we wanted water.  So, the first thing we paid to add was our well.  Luckily, the water is clear and sweet.  Unfortunately, the well is very deep and that’s expensive.

When we started considering the house we wanted to build, we looked at plans for log cabins, tiny homes, how to efficiently use space, and everything else available for ideas. What we wanted was a home that would help us use less energy and cost less than a conventional house.

Expert Help?

The first place I tried was an online company with some interesting ideas for homes.  I called to get the details.  Being out of state, they had only built one house in Florida. We drove a few hours to meet the owner of that house and find out what she thought about it. She was very pleased with their work, which was the best endorsement in our view.

I also asked a person with a background in architecture and permaculture to assist us.  I researched composting toilets, innovative kitchen and bathroom designs, water heaters, solar power, wind turbines, hemp construction, and anything else that we might use in our big project.  Next, I spoke with experts: engineers, contractors, distributors and the government.

I called engineers all over the state of Florida to find someone to design the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for our house that would pass inspection with the local building department. One engineer said it wasn’t needed.  In fact, not only did we have to have an engineer sign off on the drawings, but also a licensed contractor to meet code requirements.

Working with a General Contractor

We did hire a general contractor, only to wait for months for him to get the drawings from the engineer, get the permit, and finally start on our big project.  This has been frustrating, but in checking with other people we have found that this is pretty common.

The Local Advantage

It’s always best to use local people. Anyone who has worked in your area is going to be more familiar with the county’s building inspectors.  Every county in Florida is different, so local people is a distinct advantage.

The advantage to using a general contractor as opposed to trying to do it all yourself, is that they have people they normally use for plumbing and electrical.  It’s also his job to deal with their licensing and insurance information. 

Distributor Data: True or False

Distributors can be helpful if you want their product. Solar distributors have different ideas from propane distributors on what kind of energy to use.  One person may try to steet you away from another product, so you have to decide what is true for you in considering different products.

The Government!

The government will always create the most problems in a big project. Every area has written codes and laws on building and any solution you propose has to be covered by their regulations. Subcontractors and other professionals can give you their insights, but there are times when you have to investigate the regulations for yourself.  Occasionally, you can talk to a government official ahead of time and find out if your idea will fly or be DOA.  Just be willing to jump through some hoops to get your project finished, if it is even a little unusual!