BEING YOUR OWN HOMEOWNER BUILDER

   

   The Smart Way To Build.   In Alaska, you can act as the general contractor for your own home.  Many of our customers are realizing 25-40% equity in their completed home construction projects.  From plan design and blueprint services, Pacific Homes can take your ideas and produce professional drawings, and a detailed materials quote.  We can help you get prepared for the mortgage loan officer and provide advice on managing your labor, materials, and equipment.  How does the process work?

Property Selection.  Purchase your building site.

Plan Design.  Work with the Pacific Homes design professionals to  design your dream home.  Start with an existing plan that has the right curb appeal, square footage, elevation, and customize the interior to your lifestyle.  Or submit your own design or a design that has been drawn for you.

Request a materials package quote for your design.  This is a free service that takes 3-5 days after we receive your plans. Your quote is a 4-5 page detailed list of the products that we supply. 

Produce blueprints through Pacific Homes or have them drawn from a local professional.   Customers who use Pacific Homes to draw their blueprints will be credited up to 50% of their blueprint fee back when a materials package is purchased.  Some localities require additional engineering for earthquake and high winds.  Pacific Homes will provide a quote for Alaska certified engineering services for your home design, or you can hire a local engineer.

With blueprints in hand you will need to get at least one bid for each of the mechanical systems for your home.  Plumbing, heating, and electrical.  These materials are not part of the Pacific Homes packages.  You will also need to get bids for cabinets, counter tops, and floor coverings, which are not included in the Pacific Homes package.  We recommend getting 2-3 subcontractors to bid on each component.  This will let you evaluate each proposal and have a backup in case your first choice is unavailable to perform the work.  It is important to ask for and check references whenever hiring a subcontractor.......including your building materials supplier! 

Additional subcontractors for framing, siding, roofing, drywall, excavation, foundation, well, and septic may be needed.  We can provide names of local contractors that have worked with other clients in the area. 

Go see your banker.  They will hire an appraiser to develop a finished market value for your new home.  Many banks will loan up to 90% of the market value for your finished home.  The 10% equity that the bank requires is usually satisfied if you own your building lot.  

The more you prepare the greater the likelyhood that your home project will come in on time and on budget.  The more work that can be done within your circle of friends and family, the lower your finished cost.