Trends: smaller, more friendly

Trends: smaller, more friendly

We are starting to see some real estate deals pop up here and there – nothing too major but an indication of signs of life again. The few clients we have this year are focusing wisely on smaller, high end, energy efficient, mountain style/log and timber construction. Our clients aren’t interested in speculating these days, but rather want a home or cabin they can enjoy. The common trend seems to be a move away from the mega home and towards smaller homes that are environmentally and economically friendly and best of all don’t require a map to find the bathroom.

The theme? Don’t over do it, but even in these tight times there is much to enjoy. As my grandpa always said, “If you die with money in the bank, you haven’t budgeted very well.”

Get outside and enjoy it before it’s too late.

18 off the back porch

18 off the back porch

Out of the 80+ projects I’ve built in the last 10 years – this floor plan easily makes the top five list.  Designed by Locati Architects and built in the Black Bull Golf Community, this plan really hits a note for a smaller home with more than enough space to accommodate the crowds, yet not too large for the retired couple.  Take a look at the photos – the home speaks for itself.

Federal Stimulus Plan

Federal Stimulus Plan

Still in the dark about the fed stimulus plan and how it will affect the different streams of the economy – check out THE web site on the subject.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an unprecedented effort to jump start our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century.

Read the entire article

Building Costs up 6.5% in 2009

Building Costs up 6.5% in 2009

Although we are seeing quite a drop in local building costs – the national average is still elevated over 2008.

With steel leading the way again this month, Engineering News Record reports the following figures for April 2009:

20-CITY:
1913 = 100
April 2009
Index Value
% change
Month
% change
Year
Construction Cost 8528.39 -0.1 +5.1
Common Labor 18015.79 0.0 +5.4
WAGE $/HR. 34.23 0.0 +5.4
20-CITY:
1913 = 100
April 2009
Index Value
% change
Month
% change
Year
Building Cost 4761.05 -0.1 +4.1
Skilled Labor 8112.22 0.0 +4.1
WAGE $/HR. 45.02 0.0 +4.1
20-CITY:
1913 = 100
April 2009
Index Value
% change
Month
% change
Year
Materials 2713.54 -0.3 +3.8
CEMENT $/TON 100.91 -0.8 -0.4
STEEL $/CWT 44.83 -0.2 +8.4
LUMBER $/MBF 411.60 -0.7 -4.2

Read the entire report

Head West

Head West

5 out of the top 15 housing markets in the U.S. are found in Montana.

I had to double check to make sure this list wasn’t published on April Fools Day – Fargo, ND made #2…?

  1. Billings, MT
  2. Fargo, ND
  3. Lander, WY
  4. Trenton, NJ
  5. Morgantown, WV

Read the entire article.