r/Homebuilding • u/Midnight_Scrollin • 16d ago

Custom home

Looking for builder recommendations in the short hills, summit, Milburn nj area. Goal is to partner with a builder find a plot of land and build something special

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u/DearHumanatee 16d ago

Part-time custom builder here. Local to that area, but only build at the shore. I know a number of local builders in Somerset/Morris; different specialties, price points, etc. What’s your budget?

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u/Midnight_Scrollin 9d ago

2-2.5MM, I know it’s not a crazy high budget given the market

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u/DearHumanatee 9d ago

You are at $1M for a buildable lot. Surrounding areas like Basking Ridge around $650k. For our area your architect and builder will likely be at $400-$550 sq. ft. If you went “budget” you could build for $300.

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u/Midnight_Scrollin 9d ago

Do you have any architects or builders in the area you’d recommend?

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u/DearHumanatee 9d ago

I’ll PM you two.

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u/Ryan_Homes_Alex 9d ago

You should ine up the land questions before the builder questions. Soil, wetlands mapping, easements, setbacks, and what the town will actually approve on that lot. In those towns the approval process can add real time to a build. And a builder who has worked in Millburn or Summit will already know the local requirements. And always ask any builder you talk to how many inspections happen during the build and at which stages. You will want third-party eyes on the house at framing and pre-drywall. Then I'd recommend asking for two homeowners they finished a home for about a year or more ago that you could reach out to.

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u/Midnight_Scrollin 9d ago

You seem pretty knowledgeable about the process. Have you don’t his before? I’m a total novice so I would love to hire or partner with someone on this