Getting Lot Ready for New Home Construction

Last week we were out of town, but that does not mean I had a vacation from planning our new home build in Eugene, Oregon. There was still plenty to do. At the beginning of the week I was scrambling, as I was trying to get the meter placed for the temporary power.

I was previously told that once the temporary power poll was placed, the power company took a couple days before they placed a meter. Well, that is true, but we had to have the electrician come out and set up the power, then the city needed to inspect it and then the power company would schedule a time to come out; and with how things have been going it seemed like it would take a week to hear back from each person.

Also, we had a delay from the city because of some confusion with the permit for the temporary power. We were able to get things figured out, the electrician came out, it was inspected and the power company was scheduled to put the meter up. As scheduled, the meter was placed earlier this week.

This was all happening while our excavator was putting down rock and leveling the pad, getting ready for foundation. He completed the pad as planned and it was tested by the engineer without any problems.

Building Permits from the City of Eugene

We finally received permits from the city. My last post we were still waiting to hear back from the city in regards to the permits. I had emailed the project manager and he was waiting on the public works department. I checked in with him again the next day and voila, the permits were approved.

I kind of wonder how long it would have taken if I didn’t say anything. I was feeling a little anxious about getting them, as I knew our time was running out before we needed to have everything ready for the builder. It took ten weeks to get the permits from the time we submitted them, four weeks longer than the estimated time; but we have them now, and are ready to proceed with construction.

Putting in Work for Our Eugene, Oregon New Home Build

By building with Adair Homes, the owner has to put in some of the work. Anything outside of the construction of the actual building is the owner’s responsibility, starting with foundation and in is Adair’s responsibility. We knew this from that start and this allows you to save money, but the exchange is that you’re doing some of the work: arranging the excavator, meeting with the jurisdiction, obtaining permits, etc.

Everything to be done to prepare for the foundation is well outlined, but it does cause some stress, if you don’t get it done by the “lot ready date” you risk having a price increase. I have talked to other people building with Adair Homes who had issues with different things, such as lending and had an increase of over $10,000. When you’re working with a budget, any price increase can really throw things off.

We were able to get everything done in time and got our “Notice to Proceed” in on time, never a dull moment when working with contractors and the city. The lesson learned is that you need to stay on top of everyone to get things done, and sometimes it’s just a reminder or question to keep your project in the front of their mind.

We have our lot ready meeting next week with Adair Homes, so hopefully that goes well and nothing new comes up and we can proceed with the foundation soon.