Edgar Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share Posted February 14, 2021 49 minutes ago, Ceptorman said: No....your builder should make sure this process is painless and enjoyable. Thanks, but we're not even to the building part, yet. Just choosing options and applying for the mortgage. It seems like every time I look around there it another document to provide, another paper to sign, and another check to write. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 5 minutes ago, Edgar said: Thanks, but we're not even to the building part, yet. Just choosing options and applying for the mortgage. It seems like every time I look around there it another document to provide, another paper to sign, and another check to write. And the $5,000.00 you will spend in city permits. JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NADman Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 1 hour ago, Edgar said: It it normal to be totally stressed-out about buying this house? It's only the second time I've bought a house, and the first time was 22 years ago so I don't really remember what it was like. I've noticed that my 'stress' today is a lot different than it was 22, or 42 years ago. Hang in there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted February 15, 2021 Share Posted February 15, 2021 6 hours ago, Edgar said: It it normal to be totally stressed-out about buying this house? depends. I was told by a minister once, "never doubt in the dark, decisions that you made in the light." not everything goes exactly as planned; but if you've done your due diligence, then rock and roll with the changes. I've bought houses before; but was never stressed out; but then, I'm not one that overly attached to "stuff." I hope all works out to your satisfaction. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgar Posted February 15, 2021 Author Share Posted February 15, 2021 13 minutes ago, BigStewMan said: I was told by a minister once, "never doubt in the dark, decisions that you made in the light." not everything goes exactly as planned; but if you've done your due diligence, then rock and roll with the changes. I need to take some of my own advice. I have told others who were buying houses, "There will be lots of surprises. In the context of the price of a house, a few hundred dollars here or there are insignificant. Just sign where they tell you to, and don't worry about the details." Last time I did this, I wasn't nearly as freaked-out about it as I am this time. Not sure why that is. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakamichiman Posted February 15, 2021 Share Posted February 15, 2021 A taller ceiling height in a basement is preferred now days. Especially if there is natural light (regular size windows) down there. I regret my basement having low ceilings due to sunken family room. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 Go with the 9' ceilings unless the $6K is a big deal. If you ever have a shop down there or need the space for clearance you will be glad that it is there. I always regret not spending money up front and have learned from this lesson (more than a few times, I am a slow learner). Other really good ideas here. Especially the Radon (Buy an Airthings meter) How is your attic? Any HVAC up there? Can you have a completely sealed ceiling (virtually no holes in the drywall) and move the HVAC into the conditioned space? This should pay off over the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgar Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 26 minutes ago, tigerwoodKhorns said: Go with the 9' ceilings unless the $6K is a big deal. If you ever have a shop down there or need the space for clearance you will be glad that it is there. It's only a big deal because I have no need for the space and I therefore consider it a waste of money. Quote How is your attic? Any HVAC up there? Can you have a completely sealed ceiling (virtually no holes in the drywall) and move the HVAC into the conditioned space? This should pay off over the long run. Nothing in the attic except rafters and maybe a TV and/or FM antenna. Attics around here easily exceed 120°F in summertime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 25 minutes ago, Edgar said: It's only a big deal because I have no need for the space and I therefore consider it a waste of money. Nothing in the attic except rafters and maybe a TV and/or FM antenna. Attics around here easily exceed 120°F in summertime. 120, you have a cool attic. HVAC is located in the attics out here in the desert and the temps get very hot up there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 27 minutes ago, Edgar said: It's only a big deal because I have no need for the space and I therefore consider it a waste of money. not trying to change your mind or criticize in any way ... can you envision a future time where you could have a need for that extra space? when I was a young married guy, we were renting a place and my wife wouldn't buy furniture unless it matched well with the room and wall color. I kept telling her that this isn't our forever home so don't limit herself to the color of the walls in the rental. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 Honestly, I'd try to go 10' ceilings in the house and 9' in the basement. A 9' ceiling is a big improvement over 8', but a 10' ceiling makes every room have a very different feel. You should also go with tall doors if you can. With a 9' ceiling, an 8' door works, but I trimmed all of mine down to about 93" if I recall because it looks better having more than one foot over the top. 6'8" doors are too small and I got rid of mine. Go solid core too to give them a better feel if you can. A dark or cherry wood finish with white trim works and is economical. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrestonTom Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 It's always fun spending someone elses money 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 Those extra tall basement wall cost can vary a lot. If it's a matter of just switching to a taller concrete form it might not be bad, but adding to an existing form will cost. I built a new home in 1998, the basement company easily replaced their form to a 9'4" , after the concrete floor I had a 9' ceiling. Plus your floor joist system could help hide some mechanicals, usually the HVAC guy is the culprit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 7 minutes ago, PrestonTom said: It's always fun spending someone elses money I wish that I had 10' ceilings. Makes a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paducah Home Theater Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 8' walls should be outlawed on new construction in my opinion. The benefit to cost ratio for 9' just doesn't make any sense to keep 8' ones around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 On 2/14/2021 at 3:55 PM, Edgar said: It it normal to be totally stressed-out about buying this house? It's only the second time I've bought a house, and the first time was 22 years ago so I don't really remember what it was like. get a builder to pour a slab , no basement and dump a double wide onto the slab ---easy and less stress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgar Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 My sincere thanks to everyone who replied. It has been interesting, even amusing, to see the directions that the conversation took. One faction supports 9' or even 10' basement walls. Another supports no basement at all. Yet another supports 10' walls on the main floor. I only have two options: 8' basement walls or 9' basement walls. And I have a budget. I'm going with 8' walls. I have other places where I can spend the $6000. Thanks again, Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 26 minutes ago, Edgar said: I'm going with 8' walls. I have other places where I can spend the $6000. Whole house generator. Now is the cheapest time to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 I just saw an ad for a 22KW (200amp service) for about $5200.00 with control panels. JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 42 minutes ago, CECAA850 said: Whole house generator. Now is the cheapest time to do it. ^^THIS^^ 90% of basements are 8' tall, if you don't need that extra height, save your money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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