beachbum

I am still in the prelimanary stages of looking for a builder. Does anyone have info on Atlantis Homes (you see their signs a lot in La Porte, Shoreacres, Seabrook) or Huntington Custom Homes? I was just wondering if anyone has dealt with them professionaly and can enlighten me as to whether they are good builders. Thanks

Thanks for all the input! I hardly think that 1500 sq feet counts as a McMansion, though. Yes, it has to be a new house. I have this land that I bought incredibly cheap before all of the prices exploded on waterview lots and I could never afford this location again at today's prices. $350,000 would be about $200.00 per sq foot. Kind of high end, don't you think? Even new custom homes are going for 65-75 dollars per sq foot. Regardless, I have spoken to some architects and they have been very helpful. If anyone knows of anyone in the Houston area who has cutting edge small designs, I would appreciate an e-mail. Thanks

All of you architects/builders have been great at giving me tips on reviewing my houseplans. Here is another one. My wife and I agree on this one because it has everything we need in a small space (1515 sq feet). Do you think that this can be built for $110 to $115,000? I was thinking maybe the front and the bottom of the sides of the house could be brick and the rest hardy plank, compostion roof, etc. Pretty standard stuff, not too custom. Please see the link below. Thanks house plan

Thanks for your input! As far as the foundation, it will be on a slab, but elevated off of the street level about 4 feet. Wow! I did not know that metal roofing is so expensive. Does anyone know of an alternative metal roofing that is not so costly?

I was looking to pay about $115,000.00 to have it built. Do you guys think this is realistic? Say, instead of copper, use raised seam metal roof painted copper color and use a siding (hardiplank type) that mimics real shingles. It would be built right by the water.

Will all of you builders/architects please review this house plan. My wife is fixated on it because she loves modern architecture and because of it's compact size. I could take it or leave it. But what worries me is that because of it's unusual design, it might be expensive to build. Just from this link, could any of you enlighten me as to if this is too expensive to build? house plan

I am your average working Joe. My wife and I acquired a double lot (100x125 feet) a stones throw away from the Ocean on the HWY 146 corridor. However, we are planning on building a modest home for us and my elderly parents in a garage apt. type situation. I cannot find a home plan that suits our needs. They are all too big or too small and none have garage apts. My needs are the following: Main house-at least 1500 square feet but not over 1600 Stories-1, 2 or 3 but cannot be over 35 feet tall 3 bedrooms and 2 baths Port cochere or carport-2 car Garage apt-400 sq feet at most Does anyone know of an architect or home designer that could help me with this? We are far from rich and cannot pay millions for the home, much less the design. Since you all are in the architectural community, perhaps you could enlighten me as to anyone in the houston area who could make a neat small design. Perhaps a recent architectural grad or a student who needs the extra money and has innovative ideas? Thanks