You Can Get a Pre-Move-In Inspection

Get an independent inspection done before taking possession of your new home. Many people assume that a newly built home is close to perfect and skip this step. Inspections are not expensive and an inspector may find problems–small or large–that can be remedied before you move in.

Get Everything In Writing

Don’t make verbal agreements. Your contract should contain as much detailed information as possible–such as timelines, costs, payment details, specifications, and how any changes are to be addressed. Detailed written contracts help prevent misunderstandings and ensure your new home is what you are paying for.

Do as much research as possible before signing a contract. If the contract and blueprints specify things like types of insulation, roofing materials, floor finishes, paint, etc. you can get some understanding before committing to the job.

Licensed Is Not Enough

In some cases “licensed” may only indicate that someone has paid a fee to the local authority to enable them to conduct business. It does not cover bonding, insurance, or ability. Do your own homework to ensure the builder can provide the home you are contracting for. Inspect previous work and talk to previous customers. Experienced builders should be willing to supply references.

First Price Quoted Is For a Basic Unit

Home prices advertised on billboards and brochures are invariably “starting at” basic house costs. Upgrades and customized options easily add 25% or more. A $400,000.00 basic house can easily become a $500,000.00 house when you start including all of your dreams in the project. Get everything in writing–especially costs.

Change Orders

Changes almost always occur during construction. Some builders downplay the costs–even though changes are often expensive–and added time. You may be told that a change or upgrade adds a few hundred dollars and be asked to sign an uncosted change order. Don’t. A few hundred dollars for an upgraded door, a couple thousand dollars for a bay window, and a few other apparently minor changes can give you a nasty surprise when the final invoice arrives.

Have every change order costed before you and the builder sign it. Builders are in business to make money. Changes and upgrades during construction annoy them and they usually charge accordingly.

You Can Shop For a Lender

Many builders work with a lending company. The lenders often provide competitive rates, terms, and even a bonus of some type. Compare their offer with others. You do not have to use the builder’s lender if you can find a better deal somewhere else.

Do Your Own Inspections

You don’t have to be on the job site every minute during construction, but showing up once or twice a week shows the builder and sub-trades that you are taking a close interest in the progress.

Taking along a friend in the construction industry or a friendly realtor is helpful. Another set of eyes may see something that you miss. You have every right to be onsite. You are paying for all that happens.

Timelines Are Only a Suggestion

Any timeline your builder provides is based on many uncontrollable variables. Weather, permits, supply chains, subcontractor delays, and other factors can conspire to cause delays. Be prepared and don’t move out of your existing home early.

Establish good communications with your builder from the outset of the project. Builders do not purposely delay construction. Most of their profits come when the final payment is made.

The post Secrets Your Home Builder Doesn’t Want You To Know appeared first on Homedit.

Inside the Night Fox Catskills A-Frame

Located in Livingston Manor, New York, this small A-frame cabin has two bedrooms and one bathroom and can accommodate up to four guests. Its Scandinavian-style interior design has been highlighted in Vogue, Domino, and Hudson Valley Magazine.

The cabin features a bedroom in the back and a second loft-style bedroom you can access via the stairs. Many tiny homes include loft bedrooms to save space, making this cabin a good one to test.

It also features one full bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining area. The kitchen is small but functional and beautifully designed. Outside is an outdoor barrel sauna, a large deck, and a firepit surrounded by chairs for relaxing.

It’s also located only minutes from restaurants and breweries so you can drive into town during your stay.

Renting a Tiny Home is One of the Best Ways to Test Out This Type of Living

If this cabin is too far for you to visit, you can find a number of other inexpensive tiny homes to book on Airbnb or Vrbo. Spending time in different small homes is one of the best ways to test this type of setup and get a feel for the space.

It also gives you the opportunity to book many different architectural styles, so you can find the setup that works best for you and your family before committing to building or buying your own house. You can also get a sense of how much downsizing you’d need to do to make tiny home living work.

The post Test Drive Tiny Home Living in this A-Frame Airbnb appeared first on Homedit.

Read below for ten of the most unique Airbnbs across the United States that you can book today.

10. The Chinook CH-47D Helicopter House in Brooksville, Florida

Make an aircraft lovers’ day by booking this Chinook CH-47D helicopter transformed into living quarters. Located in Brooksville, Florida, this aircraft home accommodates six guests and has four beds and one bathroom. 

It’s near a plethora of horseback, mountain bike, motorcycle, and hiking trails. Best of all, rental rates are as low as $154 per night.

9. A Hobbit-Like Forest Garden Yurt in Galena, Missouri

Step out of real life and into a storybook with this hobbit-inspired garden yurt. It’s located in Galena, Missouri, on four acres of Ozark forest. It has one bedroom and one bathroom but features five beds and can sleep up to six people. 

Fire pits, camp chairs, and roasting sticks are included in the stay for a secluded, camp-like feel. This yurt rents for less than $100 per night.

8. The Haines Shoe House in Yorkana, Pennsylvania

Obsessed with nursery rhymes? Learn what it’s like to live in a shoe in this uniquely shaped house in rural Pennsylvania. This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home can sleep up to six people and is near many York County attractions, including the Lancaster Amish community.

The home also boasts a hot tub, wood-burning fire pit, and outdoor dining space. This attraction can be rented for around $350 per night.

7. The Band Wagon in Benton, Tennessee 

Step back into the 1800’s and book a stay in this covered bang wagon in Benton, Tennessee. Located on the Ocoee River, this unique dwelling allows access to the water and the Ocoee Riverside Farm. 

While primitive on the outside, the inside of the wagon features a king bed plus bunk beds and central heat and air. There’s also a coffee maker, mini fridge & freezer, and microwave. The private full bathroom is only a few steps away. You can book the wagon for as little as $162 per night.

6. A Converted Silo Barn in Louisa, Virginia

Unwind in nature at this private converted silo barn located on 140 acres in Louisa, Virginia. The home is near a private natural swimming pond and 5+ miles of trails. You’ll enjoy farm animals like sheep, dwarf fainting goats, and more.

The silo features three bedrooms and one bathroom and can sleep up to six people. Rates are around $515 per night before fees.

5. The Apple Ridge Farm Caboose in Copper Hill, Virginia

If little ones (or adults) in your family are enamored with trains, make their dreams come true with a stay in this caboose on Apple Ridge farms. It boasts one bedroom and one bathroom but can sleep up to four people. It’s located in Copper Hill, Virginia, on 96 acres of mountain property, including more than 4 miles worth of hiking trails.

Proceeds from this Airbnb go to the non-profit “Help Kids Grow!.” You can book a night on the Apple Ridge Farm caboose for as low as $140 per day, excluding fees.

4. The Looking Glass Treehouse in Campton, Kentucky

Get your adventure on at this dual treehouse in the woods of Campton, Kentucky. Each treehouse is covered in mirrors, reflecting the woods to you, hence the Looking Glass name. There are two treehouses—the lower one houses the kitchen, and the bedroom is in the upper treehouse. 

The treehouse has three beds and can accommodate up to five guests. Rates start at $252 per night. 

3. The Owl Hill House in Pownal, Vermont

Get cozy in this organic-shaped home in Pownal, Vermont. The 570-square-foot house was built by a group of sculptors in the early 1980s. The interior features one bedroom, one bathroom, and a mid-century modern-like feel.

The home is near the Clark Art Institute and picturesque neighborhoods in southern Vermont. You can rent this home for as low as $255 per night.

2. The Hobbit-Inspired Enchanted Forest Tiny Home in Sevierville, Tennessee

Spend your vacation in a fairy-tale-inspired house in Sevierville, Tennessee. This tiny home features 200 square feet and can house up to four guests. The home was built with repurposed materials from the surrounding area with a Hobbit inspired design.

It’s minutes from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Wi-Fi and a Roku TV are included, as are outdoor chairs and a shared barbeque area. Rates start at only $129 per night.

1. The Highlands Castle in Bolton, New York

Live in luxury at the Highlands Castle in Bolton, New York. Perched upon a mountaintop, this Castle overlooks Lake George for stunning views. It’s near downtown Bolton, making it easy to access grocery and dining options.

The Castle features three bedrooms and four beds and can sleep up to eight guests. Although it is stunning, it’s by far the most expensive on this list, costing a whopping $2,290 per night before fees.

The post Counting Down 10 of the Most Unique Airbnbs You Can Book Today appeared first on Homedit.

But within a couple of weeks, my high hopes came crashing down, and reality slapped me across the face.

Nobody Can Afford to Buy a House—Especially Not in Rural, Middle Class or Low-Income Areas

The insanely high house prices, paired with the high interest rates, mean that nobody can qualify for a mortgage. And even if they could, they’d be crazy to take on such a high payment. 

I bought my house in 2015. My mortgage, including property tax and insurance, is $1,053 per month. At today’s prices and rates, I’d pay $3,100 for the same house— an almost 300% increase.

You’ve Gotta Sell a House to Buy a House

I made an offer on a new house contingent on selling my house. Someone made an offer on my house contingent on selling their house. Those people received an offer on their house contingent on—you guessed it—selling their house. And so the cycle continues, a never-ending loop of hope and disappointment. 

Nobody will be moving unless someone in my (very rural) town can whip out a half million dollars to buy one of these houses. And seeing as the median household income is $60,000, that seems unlikely.

I’m fortunate in this situation, though. My husband and I don’t need to sell. We were testing the waters—seeing if we could sell our house for enough to pay off our mortgage and buy a different home. The plan might work out. Or, the loop of contingencies may never end.

Either way, I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be a first-time home buyer in 2024.

Good Deals are Hard to Find

My brother was fortunate enough to buy his first house this year, snagging a rental off a landlord for $82,000. It’s a smaller house but in a nice enough neighborhood, and he quickly spruced up the place with a good scrubbing, some paint, and new floors. 

But it took me a year of checking the MLS daily to find a three-bedroom property that was less than $100,000 and not in shambles, and I haven’t seen one since. And while you might think that $82,000 is one hell of a deal, the landlord bought the home in 2019 for $31,000—a 264% price increase in five years. 

(And yes, getting smaller houses with minimal land for $50k or less five years ago was very common.)

What are the Options for Those Needing Housing?

Buying a new house means nothing if you don’t have the money to cover the mortgage. Before you put pen to paper and take out a loan that will make you house-poor, consider these options.

Keep Renting

Rent increases are almost as bad as house prices and mortgage rates—although it’s harder to find concrete data on rental prices. (Based on my area’s Facebook marketplace advertisements, rent has at least doubled over the past five years.) 

However, you have an advantage if you’re still paying pre-2021 rates. In this case, keep your low(er) cost rental and stash as much money in savings as possible.

Purchase a Much Cheaper/Lesser of a House than You Initially Wanted

Five years ago, $80,000 would’ve gotten me at least an acre of land somewhere in the country. Today, that $80k can get me a small parcel in town. That’s the situation my brother found himself in—what he bought was far from his dream home but gave him low-cost housing. (His mortgage is about half of what he’d pay in rent for a three-bedroom home.)

You might be in the same situation. 

Rather than getting your dream house, you might need to get something less than what you pictured. Think of it like a stepping stone—find something where the mortgage will be cheaper than you’d pay for rent. Then, save as much money as possible. When you get a good amount of cash stashed away, and interest rates drop a little, sell the house you bought and upgrade to something else.

Buy a Tiny House

If you have land, tiny houses are always an option. They can be permanent or temporary solutions. Here’s a list of tiny house kits I compiled last year. You’ll need to build these homes, but there are plenty of options to choose from.

Live in an RV Temporarily

If you have an RV and are trying to save money to buy a house, living in it temporarily might be tough, but it is a way to avoid astronomical rent prices. Rather than paying rent, you can pay a small lot fee somewhere for hooking up to water and electricity and add the rent money to your house savings account.

Save as Much Money as Possible and Cross Your Fingers for Lower Prices or Lower Interest Rates

We’re currently experiencing high mortgage interest rates and record-breaking house prices nationwide. According to Yahoo Finance, mortgage rates are expected to drop slightly (about 0.5%) over the next year. We can only hope that house prices will drop a bit, making homes affordable enough to buy and sell. (Because it’s hard to sell a house when nobody has the money to buy it!)

Either way, if you’re looking to buy in the near future, start making the tough decisions now. Squirrel away as much money as possible, and keep your eye out for good deals because finding one will probably take a while.

The post I Tried to Sell My House—Now I Feel Bad for First-Time Home Buyers appeared first on Homedit.

While working from home can offer numerous benefits, such as a more flexible schedule, time savings on commuting, and the ability to work in your pajamas, it also comes with some drawbacks, like constant distractions from family members.

A rising solution for increasing work-from-home productivity is the backyard office. These buildings, sometimes made from sheds, offer a distraction-free escape, allowing for peace, quiet, and concentration during the workday. One model that caught our eye is the Writer’s Haven from Jamaica Cottage Shop.

A Fully Constructed Office Building for Your Backyard

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you’re available to your family at the drop of a hat. Create some work-life separation with a cabin like this.

The Writer’s Haven is available in a precut or fully assembled kit in two sizes: 12′ by 14′ and 12′ by 18′. The fully assembled shell costs $12,108 for the smaller version, and three-season and four-season upgrades are available.

The cabin features a translucent roof panel and plenty of windows to maximize natural daylight. It comes equipped with a built-in daybed and space for a desk and chair. The front porch also provides just enough space for you to sit out in nature when you’re ready for a work break.

Best of all, you can configure the doors, windows, siding material, roof, and more to fit exactly what you need. Whether you prefer a cozy, insulated space for winter or a bright, airy environment for summer, the Writer’s Haven can be adapted to your preferences. Then, the cabin will come to you preassembled and ready for you to use.

The post This $12,000 Tiny Home is the Perfect Backyard Office Building for Work-From-Homers appeared first on Homedit.

An Integrated House with Amazing Views

The architects built this home based on the size and slope of the escarpment. The lowest level blends in with the land, making it unnoticeable from certain angles. The sloped roof features a living garden, seamlessly blending in with the surrounding landscape.

The architects of this house, mindful of the area’s strong winds, designed it in the shape of a letter ‘C.’ This innovative design not only shields the center from winds but also creates an inviting outdoor entertainment area complete with a dining table and a fireplace.

The house also provides views of the river and the Mazovian plains.

A unique feature earned this house the name “35:35: — an infinity pool adjacent to the living room that appears to merge with the river, which is 35 meters and 35 centimeters below.

A Large, Modern Interior

At the center of this home are the main living areas including the living room, study, kitchen, and primary bedroom and bathroom. The house also boasts a two-car garage on the main floor.

The lower floor is home to other spaces and features a walkout to the garden.

The house has many large window walls that offer views of the surrounding landscape. Wood-slatted ceilings and sleek materials add to its modernity.

Photographs: Piotr Krajewski.

Architecture: 77studio.

The post Love Nature and Modern Design? Draw Inspiration from This Polish Slope House appeared first on Homedit.

A Private Design that Blends with the Landscape

Responding to the homeowners’ desire for seclusion and a link to nature, the architects delivered a design that was both private and integrated with the meadow. The result is a home that offers three levels of personal space while blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Construction entailed lowering part of the home into the ground and covering the remainder with dirt and greenery so that it appeared to be a hill from the outside.

A Three Level Home with Plenty of Space

The home’s lowest level is underground and houses the sleeping quarters and utility room. The dirt surrounding this area provides natural insulation and helps keep the sleeping quarters cool in the summer. There’s a set of glass stairs on this level. The transparent finishes allow natural light to reach this lowest floor.

The home’s second floor features a living room and a second sleeping area. The top floors house the kitchen and dining room. This section also features a large skylight that helps to illuminate the entire house.

The interior has a modern industrial look with wood, concrete, and glass finishes. Windows line much of the front of the home, providing views outside and letting in much-needed natural light.

In total, this house boasts 1829 square feet of living space.

The post This House Is Truly ‘One with Nature’ appeared first on Homedit.

Rugged Materials Stand Up to the Harsh Setting

The home consists of prefabricated systems called Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). These prefabricated systems allowed the builders to build most of the house in the winter months and then install it when the weather turned.

Building on sloped, rough terrain was difficult, but three concrete foundation walls helped anchor the home.

The dark exterior finish of the CLT helps the house blend with nature while still providing a modern look.

The exterior also boasts a galvanized steel bridge that runs from the front door to the granite steps on the hillside.

Warm and Modern Finishes on the Interior

The interior of this lake home features wood floors, wood-paneled walls, and wood ceilings. The dark kitchen cabinets contrast the light wood finishes for a modern touch.

The living room is elevated and outdoors, surrounded by motorized screen walls for protection from the elements. Bedrooms are on the other side of the shared living spaces.

The home also boasts plenty of outdoor entertaining areas, including large decks on the lower portion. These spaces provide views of the lake, forest, and wildlife.

The post This Kawagama Lake Home Offers an Escape for Nature Lovers appeared first on Homedit.

An Urbanized Exterior

This home is a secondary dwelling in historic Austin. The primary house is a 1940s cottage that faces the road in its neighborhood. The library house is on the back of the property and is surrounded by commercial dwellings.

The designers used concrete masonry to blend this home with other urban developments.

The Interior: Book Lover Meets Industrial Style

The interior of the home takes on a minimal, industrial style. Exposed ceiling beams, duct work, and masonry brick run throughout the house. The exposed utilities not only create a specific look but also make it easier to maintain the heating, electrical, and plumbing.

The concrete floors and natural wood finishes match the industrial look, and the house has very little decoration.

The most significant focal point is the two-story bookshelf. Filled with hundreds of colorful art and architectural books, these shelves are the star of the home.

Though this house is 1,653 square feet, it only features one bedroom, which is in the loft. The primary purpose of the home is to act as a library. 

The loft bedroom has an attached bathroom. The first floor features the living space and kitchen. There’s also a second bathroom and laundry room in the utility wing.

Photographs:Leonid Furmansky.

The post This Texas Home is Every Book Lover’s Dream appeared first on Homedit.

A Design Inspired By a Peanut Shell

The basic layout for this home is reminiscent of a peanut shell: two oval spaces connected by a shallow dip. One oval contains the living room, dining room, and kitchen, while the other includes the bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom.

The interior required a moldable material, so the architects chose ferrocement, a combination of wire mesh and cement mortar.

The walls curve to the shape of the land, and built-in features include a sizeable winding sofa and a bookshelf.

The living room contains a glass front, allowing plenty of natural light to enter the home. The window orientation makes this home brighter than a conventional house, avoiding that dark, cave-like feel.

A Live Roof Camouflages the Living Space

Since this home is constructed with nature rather than against it, the existing earth acts as the roof. The grass and greenery shield this home from major weather events, including the sun, rain, hail, and wind.

From the outside, it’s hard to tell there’s a living space on this property. Guests could walk through the gardens and on the roof without even realizing it. The beautiful landscaping in this Naucalpan de Juarez home features lush grass, shrubs, and trees.

Photograps by Javier Senosiain.

The post Could You Live Underground? Explore This Epic Cave-Like Home appeared first on Homedit.