How do I find a lot to build on?

A: There are many ways to begin; internet search, real estate listings, informal leads and carousing the neighborhood. However, we recommend that you start with identifying the neighborhood, town or area you enjoy to make sure it is where you want to live.  Walk around, talk to people, visit area shops and restaurants, explore the location during the day as well as at night.  It is much like searching for a home, but if you have plans for the Side Hustle House, your search can be that much easier!

 

What is included in the Side Hustle House Plans for $450?

A:  You will receive a well considered design for a simple and flexible home that provides you options for future needs.  In the drawings are plans for the Base House as well as each of the suggested additions shown on our website; Side Addition and Tail Addition.

 

Will I need a building permit to build a Side Hustle House?

A: Yes, most likely. Most jurisdictions will require you or your builder to have a building permit in order to build a new home. This usually requires a structural engineer (or builder) licensed in your jurisdiction to review and/or stamp the plans, submit them to your local building inspector, and pay a small permit processing fee. Contact your local building department to inquire about specifics.  Meeting the local building permit requirements for construction is the responsibility of the applicant.

 

Are the Side Hustle House plans building permit ready?

A: Sort of, kind of, not really.  Although these plans can be built ‘as is’ in most places, your local building department and building codes may have specific requirements including but not limited to structural engineering, soils reports and energy efficiency calculations and therefore require additional engineering.   These plans do not include electric, plumbing, heating, venting or air conditioning drawings due to the wide variety of locate code requirements and climatic conditions.

 

How do I find a builder who can build my Side Hustle House?

A: There are many builders out there waiting for your phone call.  Some are great, others are good, and then there are the bad apples.  How to choose from so many can be a difficult task.  Start with asking friends, colleagues or neighbors about builders that they may know of and would recommend.  Keep your eyes peeled for job site signs, advertisements in local publications and even construction pick-up trucks that are clean and orderly.  Use resources like the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List to see if the contractors are reliable and in good standing to help you narrow down the options.  Once you have 3 or 4 on your shortlist, interview them to learn more about their work, communication style, and personality. And definitely ask them for previous client references!

 

How long will it take to build?

A: This is a loaded question. It all depends on you and the builder’s schedule.  If you choose to go modular or panelized, that may save some time.  If all goes well and there are no hiccups along the way, we estimate 4-6 months.

 

What will the interior look like?

A: That will be up to you!  Have fun. Go modern. Go traditional. Go minimal. Browse through magazines, product catalogues and houzz.com to find your inspiration.  Once completed, please send us photos of your masterpiece – interiors as well as exterior – so we can share with others.

 

How much will the total cost be?

A: There is not an exact number answer for this question. Location, labor, materials, finishes, and your personal customizations all factor into price. If you are looking for a very ballpark figure we could offer the following scenario: location is Rhode Island, you are using a very simple, straight forward materials palette and will not make any modifications to the plans.  Vertical construction (building only, no site)estimate in the range of $120-150 per square foot.