Square footage costs

Frequently I am asked to quote the square footage cost of a finished home over the phone. Every time I have done so, I have been wrong. Usually too high or too low, never right in the middle.
At a home builder's seminar a few years ago, the instructor compared that question to 'how much does a bag of groceries cost'. In other words, there are a lot of variables. I know there is an average cost per square foot but I have never been able to pin it down.
A general rule of thumb in south central Alaska on the road system is between 100 and 140 per foot. (Once you get off the road the cost can be as much as 50 t0 75% more depending on location) Next you have to determine how to calculate the square footage. Do you include open areas and stairwells as living space, what about the garage if there is one, attic space, basements etc.? Is it on one floor or two? Is there city water and sewer or are you going to need a well and septic? The questions keep coming at you.
It is really best to get a firm quote based on a certain design. We can usually provide you with a quote within a few days if it is one of our designs or something close to it.





The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.
Elizabeth Taylor
British movie actress (1932 - 2011)

Looking for land in all the right places.

If you are looking for remote or recreational property in Alaska I have a couple of recommendations for you. We have worked with both of these companies before and they have a vast knowledge of the state and many properties listed throughout the state.

Klaus Steigler- http://www.talkeetnarealestate.net/
Bernie Volkner- remoteproperties.com






One must have a good memory to be able to keep the promises one makes." – Friedrich Nietzsche

Planning Ahead

It seems like the financial institutions are slowly loosening up and loaning money again. Terms are going to be more restrictive and requirements more stringent but it is happening.
For planning purposes, it generally takes three to six months to process an owner/builder construction loan. It can sometimes be done in less time but it is normal to spend several months in the process.
If you want to build this year, now is a good time to start the process.







Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.
Benjamin Franklin, 'Poor Richard's Almanack,' June 1746
US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

Bringing em back!

We may be able to open a few more construction start dates this season. I have been approached by several past crew members about coming back and working with us this year.
These guys have built many projects for us over the years and know our system and quality expectations.
It is very difficult to hire new people and get them up to speed on how we operate and treat our customers. There are many qualified craftsmen out there but only a few have the do-whatever-it-takes attitude that we are looking for.
We haven't hired any new crew in quite some time, we just keep bringing them back whenever we can.




Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. ~ Mohandas Gandhi