Unbelievable LOCAL 2008 House LEFT TO ROT!

Win07_351 · #41 11/17/11, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorichristie

As for construction, the bottom line was simply the house cost more to build than they anticipated. They had taken out a construction loan... The taxes were high, yes, but that wasn't the deciding factor.

I guess the admonishion Jesus gave about counting the costs before building a tower (to make sure you had enough to finish) could apply in this situation.

ChristieAcres · #42 11/17/11, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Scharabok

The stair railing looks to have been made by a custom ornamental shop out of pre-case parts. Even so, I suspect it cost an minimum of $50K. One done by a blacksmith would likely run $100K or more.

Actually, the spiral rail sections came from a company in Seattle. They are precision made and very expensive. The ballisters are separately welded on using pre-made sections (not done by a Blacksmith). You are right on with the cost ($50K). This couple started out going "high end," then when their house didn't sell, they realized their "dream" was now a "nightmare," which led to the cheap finishing work done. The construction was done by a reputable company, very poor design w/that flat roof here, but obviously mistakes were made due to it quickly failing. Interesting to note, the stair treads were designed for inset tile. They were inset by wood, and the resulting "edge" left is dangerous (you can easily trip on the edges and fall...).

Jolly · #43 11/19/11, 10:57 AM

Lots of lessons in that house:

1. Never commit money you don't have.
2. Look at older homes in the community and see what survives. Base your architecture on that theme. What works in Santa Fe may not work well in St. Paul, which may not work well in Houma.
3. Interior climate control is nice. Building a house that needs a minimum amount, along with building a house which could do without it and still stand, is nicer.
4. With the exception of the largest financial interests, such as the needs of a multi-national corporation, all banking should be local at best, regional at most.

jwal10 · #44 11/19/11, 12:20 PM

This little town I am living in is dying, houses everywhere owned by banks. Empty and rotting away. It started here early and hard. It is low/middle class, many single parent families not working. With the drive to town many run to the little market paying 20% more than at a supermarket. No gas station so they run to the next town anyway. Depressing to see a town die, nice old homes built in it's hayday, collapsing/rotting. No buisnesses anymore, boarded up. Many are being bulldozed/ burned and the mess left. Banks drop the price $5,000.00 a month and properties just are not selling. Don't know if the town can survive....James

ChristieAcres · #45 11/19/11, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolly

Lots of lessons in that house:

1. Never commit money you don't have.

Right now, that means CASH ONLY. That is a lot of CASH for anyone to come up with or then face renting. Right now, the rent prices are higher than the house payments... This is an example of some poor choices. The original couple had a home up for sale, mostly equity... When they built this house, they spent a lot of their own money. It was a financially devastating decision for them to build before they sold their first home. See jwal10's post... That is happening all over the Country, and will be seen more and more.

2. Look at older homes in the community and see what survives. Base your architecture on that theme. What works in Santa Fe may not work well in St. Paul, which may not work well in Houma.

Very strange I'd certainly agree, don't know what they could have been thinking...

3. Interior climate control is nice. Building a house that needs a minimum amount, along with building a house which could do without it and still stand, is nicer.

Yes!

4. With the exception of the largest financial interests, such as the needs of a multi-national corporation, all banking should be local at best, regional at most.

There is an exodus from Banks and folks are putting their money in local Credit Unions...

This is very wise...

jwal10- sorry to hear about your local community, how awful

Ken Scharabok · #46 11/19/11, 05:52 PM

Why does the movie Money Pit come to mind?