The UBuildIt Way
    Project Showcase  
 
 "Owner Builders in Action"
 
Issue:09                                                                   November/2008
Greetings!
 
Featured this month is the home of Terry and Donna Meek. Their home is located in off Castlewood Drive in Castlewood Subdivision in Richmond, KY. Read on to see how they made their dream a reality with UBuildIt!
 
 
 
Build Cost: $205,000
 
Finished Sq Ft: 1,977/$103
 
Total Sq Ft: 2,553 /$80
 
Land Cost: $24,000
 
Appraised Value: $250,000
 
INSTANT EQUITY: $21,000
 
 
"We went to your seminar with our son and came away thinking...we can do that. Now that we have moved into our dream home all I can say is... I really LOVE this house! Thank you UBuildIt."
 
Sincerely,
 
Terry and Donna Meek 
 
The Empty Lot
 
"A Little Advertising for The Meeks Business!"
Donna Meek is at the lot when construction begins! 
Home Design Specifics
 
The Meeks decided to downsize and build their "retirement" dream home in a nice subdivision in the Richmond city limits. This home has a very liveable floor plan constructed with a slab on grade design with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has no steps and features full handicap accessibility.
 
Lot Elevation Concerns 
"Proper Drainage is Critical!"
With the lot sloping considerably to the front of the road, a good drainage plan was essential to keep water from entering the rear of the Meeks new dream home. The next picture details the solution.
 
The Retaining Wall System
"The Drainage Solution!"
The retaining walls diverted surface water away from the back of the house and underground draintile removed all remaining exterior water. The Meeks planted flowers and other decorative landscaping to finish out the backyard area.
Framing 
 
Terry and Donna Inspecting the Framing!
Energy Pros Free Home Seminar in Lexington 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME BUILDING SEMINAR  

Why? Learn the 5 basic steps to building a high performance energy efficient home  
 
Where? Bluegrass Community and Tech College, 470 Cooper Drive (across from Commonwealth Stadium)  
 
When? The 3rd Wednesday nite of every month from 6:30 to 8:30PM. 
 

Interested in more information about our group and the upcoming seminar. Just check out our website at: 

 Masonry Details 
 
Note how the brick soldiers at the top of the wall are alternated at an angle. A masonry detail that adds a nice decorative touch.
 
 Kitchen 
 
"This Cozy Kitchen Ready For Some Home Cooking!"
 
 Great Room
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trey ceilings, rounded door openings and builtin areas accent this nice home.
 Helpful Information from UBuildIt Lexington South!
 
The Top Seven Reasons to Build Your Own Home
 
When you compare the process of buying a home that adequately fits your needs with building a home that truly satisfies your needs, it's easy to see why building is simply better. And aside from the dramatic sense of accomplishment, there are many reasons to consider taking the lead on such a task. We'll list a few of the more timely ones here.
 
#1 - A Solid Investment
Homeownership has proven to be one of the most dependable investments in today's economy. Even with current speculations of falling prices, economists like Robert Shiller, Professor of Economics at Yale University can't help but agree that we have seen an 88% overall increase in national home values over the last 10 years. Owning a home may be a personal investment in building neighborhoods and strengthening communities but buying a home is often the first and most crucial step in securing future financial stability.
 
#2 - Attractive Interest Rates
Despite slightly increasing interest rates over the last few months we are still experiencing record lows when comparing our rates with the final three decades of the 20th century. According to the Master Builders Association between 1971 and 2001, there were only 13 months where the interest rates actually dropped lower than seven percent. So while we may not be knocking on the door of five and a half percent anymore, we're certainly continuing a steady trend of attractive rates.
 
#3 - New Homes Offer More
Typically, homes built today have roughly 700 more square feet of livable space when compared to homes built 20 years ago. This means more windows, more closet space, larger kitchens, and more. When you combine this with lower maintenance, new energy efficiencies, and upgraded safety features; you get a home that not only offers you more, but a home that truly works for you.
 
#4 - Lower Material Costs
The Master Builders Association has indicated that "the current normalization in the market has already resulted in a drop in lumber costs." The MBA has also reported that material costs have either declined or held steady, and some are currently at a five year low. This could equate to a 10-15% savings in lumber costs for a typical 2400 square foot home. This kind of savings may also be realized in other materials required in the construction of your home.
 
#5 - More Home For Your Money
Material discounts, smarter project costing, and being in control of your project from start to finish allows for savings that can easily be converted into a more customized home. An unexpected savings of 3% on plumbing could turn into an extra closet in the master bedroom. Working out a deal on bulk lumber could turn into granite countertops in your kitchen. No matter what the savings, you can quickly convert it into the finer details of creating your ultimate dream home.
 
#6 - Instant/Smart Equity
One way to look at instantly increasing the equity of your new home construction project is to consider current tax laws; you are allowed to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 if you are married) of gain on the sale of your home. In addition to favorable tax laws, you'll be able to increase your equity by selecting and purchasing your own building materials eliminating hidden fees and traditional mark-ups. Even the combination of working with national and local companies will allow you to negotiate preferred pricing, again adding to your growing instant equity. The reality is that when you control every step of the construction process, you are much more likely to end up with a home that appraises for more than the actual cost of construction. That's not only instant equity, that's Smart Equity!
 
#7 - Proven Financial Advantages
When you build your own house you generally pay the suppliers directly which means you omit traditional mark ups and have better access to "builder pricing." You can also circumvent the typical padding of builder prices which are thrown in to cover potential cost overruns. Change is a big part of constructing your own home. Change will happen and when dealing with a builder, those changes will be costly. Being in control of your own project can free you from penalties. Lastly, one of the most personal financial advantages of building your own home is the ability to contribute labor - putting your own skills to work will not only help you realize your dream, it will result in immediate savings. Dreaming big has always been exciting but the chance to actually build one of those dreams simply goes unmatched. From the positive investment strategy to the proven financial advantages, you are in control. Your location, your choices, your dream.
 
  
We'd love to help you make the right building decision for your family. Here are the next steps:
 
1.) Visit our website at www.UBuildIt.com where you'll find out more about our company and building your own home.
2.) Order your FREE INFORMATION KIT below and read through the report "You CAN Build Your Own Home" if you haven't already... and watch the DVD. Write down any questions you have as you review these materials.
3.) Call us to schedule an appointment so we can talk about your situation. Our number is 1.866.UBuildIt... 
...or call us about attending a FREE HOMEBUILDING seminar here in Lexington
 
On behalf of everyone here at UBuildIt Lexington South, I'd like to thank you for your interest, and let you know we look forward to helping you enjoy the satisfaction and savings that comes from building your own home.
 
Sincerely,
 
Wayne Henning/Owner
UBuildIt Lexington South
 
The Meeks Dream Home is Complete! 
 
Want Some Free Help With Your Dream Home?
 http://www.buildwithequity.com/inforequest

  Want to See How Our Program Works?
 
Watch This Video! 
Wayne Henning
UBuildIt Lexington South
1031 Wellington Way Ste 110
Lexington, KY 40513
859-223-5300

Join Our Mailing List