This year, probably half of the construction loans I have done have been for owner-builders. This is the term we use for people who are building a home without a general contractor. In reality, the projects vary from individuals who never lift a hammer and just schedule all the subcontractors, to the people who are out there on the project themselves setting their own concrete forms and doing all their own framing and finish work. 

For those who are a little nervous about being completely in charge, there are now lots of consultants available, as well as companies who will build everything for you except for the parts you feel comfortable with. Oftentimes they will build the external shell of the house -framed inside with roof,siding, doors and windows. You can then split the rest between your own labor and subcontracting.  Basically, if you know which parts you want to do, you can find a builder who will take care of all the rest.

What I have been seeing is a nice drop in materials and labor prices this year, making these projects a great investment for the homeowners, as the cost savings equals additional equity in their homes.

If you are in the greater Wenatchee area, pick up a copy of the July issue of The Good Life magazine; a story inside features my clients the Flittons and the success they had with their owner-builder project in East Wenatchee.  I would love to link to the article, but the magazine is not online.

I currently have owner builder homes under construction in Winthrop, Omak, Chelan, East Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere and Crescent Bar, and just finished one in Wenatchee. 

If you are looking for a new home, with prices down for land, construction materials and labor, now would be a good time to check out the option of being your own contractor.

Here are a couple shots of some owner-builder projects currently underway.