Would you work on two builds at the same time?

13 years ago

On February 15th, we were approved for our plans by the homeowners association. We were ready to sign the contract so we can apply for the financing, but there was some wording we wanted to tweak in the contract and a few more quotes to come in. (We also discovered a wonderful winter view that we had not situated our house for so are looking at the house placement on the lot again.)

On March 6th, we were called to a fire at one of our rental properties. There was a grease fire and we had severe damage in the kitchen wing, dining room, and a lot of smoke damage in the rest of the 2400 square foot house. Fortunately, all got out safely. Fortunately, we have insurance that will restore the house better than new.

Can I survive 2 builds at the same time? The Restoration Company takes care of everything for the rebuild, but there will still be decisions to be made. Our build is 2 hours away. We were planning to rent up there for the duration of the build.

What would you do? Thanks for your answers.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

motherof3sons
13 years ago
I am very sorry to read about the fire. It is good that everyone escaped with no injury.

Hard question that I believe depends on the owner's management and leadership style. Will you be organized enough to make decisions from afar? Will there be anyone to help you such as a business partner on the rental property? Starting the rental rebuild first will give you some experience and insight into the materials/prices on the market.

Good luck with both projects!
dekeoboe
13 years ago
Have you built before? If so, and you think you can do two builds at once, go for it. If not, I would do the rental first and then your house.

Here's why - you will learn things during the build that you can then apply to your own house. There are always some of those - would have, should have, could have elements that can be tweaked the second time around. I think it is the same as most things in life, the second time you make anything you usually do a better job than you did with the first one you made.
Related Professionals
Fredericksburg Architects & Building Designers · Burlington Architects & Building Designers · Sioux City Architects & Building Designers · Kankakee Architects & Building Designers · Rockford Architects & Building Designers · Riverton Architects & Building Designers · Kissimmee Design-Build Firms · Quincy Design-Build Firms · Westminster Design-Build Firms · Southaven Design-Build Firms · Toledo Design-Build Firms · Napa Design-Build Firms · Natchez Home Builders · Plymouth Home Builders · Watertown Home Builders
auroraborelis
13 years ago
Do you have a full time job? :)
ILoveRed
13 years ago
"Fortunately, we have insurance that will restore the house better than new."

Don't count on it. I know that I am a little bitter because of my experience after our fire and the fight we had with the insurance companies involved. But, it always amazes me how naive everyone is after a fire and how they think they will be taken care of. That's what we thought too.

Be prepared for a fight. Don't think for one moment that it won't be stressful.

If it is a major fire, you may want to look into hiring a Public Adjuster to help you.

Good luck.
millworkman
13 years ago
I would say do the rental unit first as well. I know people who thought they were well insured (and actually were) but by the time the adjusters got done they ended up with nowhere near what $ was needed to rebuild. The time and effort into fighting with the insurance company was dam near a full time job in of in itself.
Linda Gomez
Original Author
13 years ago
Laura: I do not have a full- or part- time job. I'm our property manager.

Deke: We have never built from scratch. We have bought fixer-uppers and rehabilitated them. We start with the roof because most have had water damage. We shore up the foundation if needed. Most have needed bathroom remodels, 2 - 3 kitchens, floors refinished, some ceilings, all new replacement windows. Our first 2 we played with the historical windows and added storm windows...never again. All have needed painting.

Red-lover: I'm sorry about your fire. We were in a daze for 4 days and we weren't even displaced from our home. I can't imagine!

I think we'll do the rental first. When I've called for references, most people have said they went by every day to check on progress. They could check on things and correct them immediately, if necessary.

I think I'm at an advantage in that I've been checking out what's available in lighting, plumbing, and kitchens.