A lot to think about

[FROG MAN]

First off thanks to randy and laura for meeting us for supper in bristol on Good Friday. We had a nice evening with friends.Ramona and I meet with a log home mfg and viewed our dream retirement home.We were very impressed with the quality and hand hewn work.I called one of my banks up and was surprised that they financed new construction building with land.Now the hard part. I have thought all week while on vacation about all the reasons I should not do this (recession,job security,and being 50 years old with a mortgage starting).On the other hand (interest rates are low,we want to move,and besides our property is a good investment and a new home will grow in value).I don't know of any more prime real estate being mfg.People are building on the hillsides now and where ever they can find land.I thought about saving enough money to put a shell up under roof then finishing it little by little with cash but that would take about 10 years. I would have less time to enjoy it and my 10 year old son wouldn't get a chance to grow up there and enjoy fishing,swimming,the ball field, and all the other things lake front property has to offer.I have a meeting with several contractors to put together a turn key job and we will look at those numbers.I'm sure we will be shocked at the bottom line but 20 years from now those same numbers will be like small change.I may have to sell a few assets like a first gen or two.

[bongobobny]

Where there's a will, there's a way. I say Go For It!!! Don't find yourself older and regretting not doing it!!

[Marcarl]

From experience and watching others:

First off, you're right about the money part, no issue there, but it could change as the financial world shows today.

Second and more important is the'life' part.

Option 1: put up a shell and finish it with the help of your son and others maybe, learn to teach someone how to work, run hydro, do plumbing, hammer nails, paint, stain, and be patient while the work delve lopes. Learn to plan things out and see the results.

Option 2: Build it complete now and have time for play together,,,, if he doesn't get totally involved computer games (which one doesn't), gets too busy with friends, (which will be paramount) decided on a whim that baseball is not his thing (peers have input here).

If you spend it now, you can't change your mind later,,, what's spent is gone. If you spend a little now and save to spend more later, it's worth a lot more when you get it done, because you've had to work and wait for it,,, and you can change your plans as you go.

Did you ask for input??? or merely just pose a question,,, anyway you got input.

JMHO

Carl

[Redneck]

My guess is you have already decided to have it built. I hope all goes well and you have many happy years there.

[FROG MAN]

I'm not sold yet.It would be easy to sign on the bottom line and go but don't forget somebody has to pay for it.I know one thing my days of buying a new vehicles every 3-4 years is over.I'll just build a new house and ride a first gen forever.

 

I have a meeting with a water well driller and a geothermal heat pump specialist Saturday for their quotes.The foundation contractor is preparing a quote now and the building contractor has yet to schedule with me.Like I said I'm going to put the numbers together and take a look.I still have 2 years left on my land contract before I must borrow and build or pay him in full to honor the terms of our agreement.In 2 years the cost to build may go up and interest rates to but by then this recession may be over.I would like to cut cost and do as much myself as possible but my time is limited.We will build something there eventually but what and how soon is a good question?There is a good possibility we may loose our Health care Insurance real soon and that weights in on the finances.Seems the provider wants another 30% raise of premium for another year.Our deductible was raised to $5000 per family member last year just to keep it affordable. Now it is still going up.

[Skid]

Does that mean you may be selling a Second Gen?

[FROG MAN]

Ask Mamamo if she would rather have a new house or a second gen?

[DragonRider]

Go for it, my dream house would also be a log home, but it wont happen for me, we want to get rid of what we have now, but the market being what it is.........aint gonna happen soon here. GO for it, I signed on the dotted line at 50 for this house, and dont regret it...........just wish it would have been my dream home.

 

Good luck with whatever you do. And dont:no-no-no: forget the pics if you take the plunge............

[halfwitt]

Ask Mamamo if she would rather have a new house or a second gen?

 

We're looking forward to the M&E at your new place. Maybe have a good ol' fashioned barn raising!

[Yammer Dan]

I was 50 when I got caught in a pinch and signed for my "LAST" one. It is a Doublewide but I don't regret it. Almost got it paid for. Probally go ahead and pay it off next few months. That or buy a 2nd Gen!!! And we know......

Edited April 21, 2009 by Yammer Dan

[Grandpagak]

good luck pal on whatever you may decide to do.. i wish you the best.....:smile11::smile11:

[Venturous Randy]

First off thanks to randy and laura for meeting us for supper in bristol on Good Friday. We had a nice evening with friends.

 

Gerald and Ramona, we want to thank you again for the invite and the great evening and meal together. We had a very pleasant evening.

Randy & Laura Lou

[DragonRider]

Never thought I would hear those words come out of his mouth............Yammer, remember, they arent as fast :bang head:as our 1st Gens.........and also.........1st Gens Rule..........just keep repeating that everytime you start thinking 2nd Gen.

 

 

buy a 2nd Gen!!! And we know......

[FROG MAN]

It just doesn't feel right. Down deep inside my gut says No not now. We talked last night and Ramona agrees to wait and put up a shell.For now were going to proceed with a septic system and water well. I may temp plumb both into the old camp house for a few years until the time and finances are right. A lot of landscaping to do to finish my plans.Plenty to do on the weekends and last night was great. We grilled out and sat around by the campfire. Life is still good and I have retired carpenters who work cheap just for something to do so we will get her done in time.

[Guest seuadr]

a word of advice, when you get around to it about the geothermal..

 

while verticle loops ARE a little more efficent/quick at heating/cooling, horizontal loops, if you have the space will save you a mountain of cash. you won't have to drill wells that way ( could need as many as 4-6, depending on depth and size of the heat load ).

[FROG MAN]

Geothermal contractor says 3 wells 140 ft deep and 12 ft apart will do it. He also does the water wells. That geothermal sounds like the way to go.