Builder Needed for Out Building in Tuftonboro

chocophile · 08-28-2023, 01:39 PM

I have a designed and permitted out building (small workshop and one-bay boat space) and I'm trying to get a builder to build it. I don't have an urgent timetable, but want it done by next summer. Located in Tuftonboro. It's probably 2 weeks of work for 2 people.

I've had trouble getting my contacts returned, or getting quotes. I'm willing to pay a fair price for a good job.

Any referrals to someone who would do the job? Thanks in advance.

MeredithMan · 08-28-2023, 02:44 PM

I am looking to have my entire deck replaced. It's a sizeable job and it has been horrible getting quotes. People come out and look and set the expectation that a quote will be forthcoming in a "week or two" and I never hear from them. One contractor told me he couldn't even touch it for 15 months from now, so he didn't even come out.

Two folks that have provided prices and seem reasonable to deal with are Scott Compton Builders and the construction crew of Stephens Landscaping, (yes, they have a legit carpentry/construction crew now). Even though I have quotes, neither of them can touch it till sometime late Spring, 2024.

Biggd · 08-28-2023, 03:00 PM

One of my neighbors in Meredith is having a new home built. He hired the builder over a year ago. They started about a month ago and said it would be a year to completion. It was raining lightly Friday and no one showed up, nor Saturday or Sunday?
Being from Mass I'm just not use to this. They put new homes up here in less than 6 months. Most crews work at least 6 days a week with some working Sundays also, rain or shine.

WinnisquamZ · 08-28-2023, 03:04 PM

Will tell you it was 25 months to complete our recent kitchen/bath remodel. From the first email to returning of the key

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Biggd · 08-28-2023, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Will tell you it was 25 months to complete our recent kitchen/bath remodel. From the first email to returning of the key

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

For just a kitchen/bath remodel?

I know Covid put a damper on materials but they are still building homes in Mass pretty quickly.

WinnisquamZ · 08-28-2023, 03:59 PM

Yup. Around the lakes region the good ones are booked two years out. Worth waiting for

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John Mercier · 08-28-2023, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chocophile

I have a designed and permitted out building (small workshop and one-bay boat space) and I'm trying to get a builder to build it. I don't have an urgent timetable, but want it done by next summer. Located in Tuftonboro. It's probably 2 weeks of work for 2 people.

I've had trouble getting my contacts returned, or getting quotes. I'm willing to pay a fair price for a good job.

Any referrals to someone who would do the job? Thanks in advance.

Who have you tried so I do not repeat the work you've already put in.
I may have some on our list that you didn't seek out yet.

John Mercier · 08-28-2023, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

I am looking to have my entire deck replaced. It's a sizeable job and it has been horrible getting quotes. People come out and look and set the expectation that a quote will be forthcoming in a "week or two" and I never hear from them. One contractor told me he couldn't even touch it for 15 months from now, so he didn't even come out.

Two folks that have provided prices and seem reasonable to deal with are Scott Compton Builders and the construction crew of Stephens Landscaping, (yes, they have a legit carpentry/construction crew now). Even though I have quotes, neither of them can touch it till sometime late Spring, 2024.

Are you willing to wait, or do you need more names?
Both of them would be a decent choice, and I'm not sure that we could find anyone that would be sooner, but I could supply more names if that timeline doesn't work for you.

Woody38 · 08-28-2023, 06:29 PM

We did a complete tear down of the kitchen, laundry and powder room prior to covid. Got rid of the fiberboard builder stuff the previous owner had when the house was built. This took one month start to finish and we thought that was a long time. How things change.

________________________________

I am a retires workaholic and continuing aquaholic

John Mercier · 08-28-2023, 07:41 PM

I think most brands of higher end kitchen cabinets are still out about 20 weeks plus shutdowns for holidays.
Really a winter kitchen remodel should be started in June, and on-site will be in the winter.

SAB1 · 08-31-2023, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Yup. Around the lakes region the good ones are booked two years out. Worth waiting for

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

This. Very tough and it’s been this way awhile.

bobkatfly · 08-31-2023, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAB1

This. Very tough and it’s been this way awhile.

Yeah, it has.

Ive been trying to get someone to replace a skylight on a low 6 pitch roof for almost a year. Didn't want to do it myself because I'm currently renovating another house and thought it could be an easy one or two day "filler" job for someone. Called five contractors, two showed up to look. Never heard back. Really need to have it done before the winter so I'm starting it myself today.
Very surprised by all this, especially for a relatively small job.

Want to say thanks to John M. for his recommendations. Wish it had worked out better, though.

John Mercier · 08-31-2023, 11:16 AM

Its actually very tough on that side of the lake.

They are all going after some very high end jobs that take months to complete.

I remember around 2016/17 when a lot of these younger contractors just entered the field. Well trained from the local high school programs that we had, but developing more skill in the field working on the older structures that could have various building techniques and components through the eras. Now they are all crewed up and doing large new builds and renovations.

In Bristol, I still have more options on handypersons that do small jobs, but to travel to the other side of the lake becomes problematic.

codeman671 · 08-31-2023, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobkatfly

Yeah, it has.

Ive been trying to get someone to replace a skylight on a low 6 pitch roof for almost a year. Didn't want to do it myself because I'm currently renovating another house and thought it could be an easy one or two day "filler" job for someone. Called five contractors, two showed up to look. Never heard back. Really need to have it done before the winter so I'm starting it myself today.
Very surprised by all this, especially for a relatively small job.

Want to say thanks to John M. for his recommendations. Wish it had worked out better, though.

Do you have the skylight? I have an island focused crew that I am helping to get established, but could possibly have them squeeze it in as a filler. Simple time and materials project by the sound of it. They are working on my place now but would be available within the next few weeks at most to do it if you have the skylight.

sky's · 08-31-2023, 03:32 PM

the estimating process needs to change. for some contractors or i should say good contractors with 10+ years experience should have a fairly close idea or a "ballpark" of the cost of the job. yes nothing is etched in stone like rot repair for for example. but the contractor has to ask "what is your budget?" from there both parties have to explain yes sir i think we can make that work or sorry i think were off on that budget. estimates take hours and sometimes days to put together its not like selling a tv or a new toaster. its a service we provide along with other sub contractors at times and this stuff takes time. for myself i try to disclose a ballpark up front and also ask the customer to provide a budget. if the customer refuses to disclose a budget than we will not proceed with the estimate process. for myself im 55 yrs old 20 years a contractor in the Lakes Region and this process has to change for both parties. Good luck to the gentlemen in Tuftonboro if your still stuck feel free to call me 603-254-4151

WinnisquamZ · 08-31-2023, 04:12 PM

Interesting take. Why can’ estimates be completed with a video phone call and photos. Ballpark the job based off assumptions. If those assumptions change the price changes. Must say as a 20 plus year lakefront property owner sometimes contractor estimates are based on “ he owns a lakefront home bump it up”

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

TheTimeTraveler · 08-31-2023, 08:44 PM

Isn't $150 per square foot (on average) a good figure to go with these days?

I realize some variations due to various situations......

John Mercier · 08-31-2023, 08:46 PM

He is making a ballpark on assumptions.
He is upset with a customer that doesn't want to disclose their budget.
It wastes time in our quoting; and for a contractor that is the ''kiss of death''.

tis · 09-01-2023, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Isn't $150 per square foot (on average) a good figure to go with these days?

I realize some variations due to various situations......

I think it would be a miracle to build even a small house now for that kind of mon ey.

codeman671 · 09-01-2023, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Isn't $150 per square foot (on average) a good figure to go with these days?

I realize some variations due to various situations......

Years ago…

bobkatfly · 09-01-2023, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

Do you have the skylight? I have an island focused crew that I am helping to get established, but could possibly have them squeeze it in as a filler. Simple time and materials project by the sound of it. They are working on my place now but would be available within the next few weeks at most to do it if you have the skylight.

I have the light but already into it and should be done today. Wish we could have talked early on. Thanks for the offer though.

John Mercier · 09-03-2023, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Isn't $150 per square foot (on average) a good figure to go with these days?

I realize some variations due to various situations......

You would need to be very careful on your design and product choices.

Studs and sheetrock are relatively cheap... and a bigger home would cost less per square foot based on those. But windows, doors, siding, and other ''finishes'' can really add up.

The higher series has more options, and because of the aluminum cladding can get a 20 year paint warranty. But not every build needs that.

aydinlik · 09-25-2023, 05:25 PM

I have been talking to contractors about adding another story to my home. The cheapest price so far is around 350$/square ft. I even got a quote for 700$/square feet. All basic second floor with 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. I bought my home 5 years a go. If I pay 350$/sqft for the addition I will be paying more than price I paid for the place.

John Mercier · 09-25-2023, 06:43 PM

Demo for tearing a roof off is one cost, and the addition needs electrical, plumbing, HVAC... about the only thing not happening is a new kitchen.

Have you thought of trying to re-imagine your space within the same footprint and shell?

aydinlik · 09-25-2023, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Demo for tearing a roof off is one cost, and the addition needs electrical, plumbing, HVAC... about the only thing not happening is a new kitchen.

Have you thought of trying to re-imagine your space within the same footprint and shell?

Thanks for the great advice. I think we need to do that. May be looking at the basement to see if we can get extra space from there.

sky's · 09-26-2023, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aydinlik

Thanks for the great advice. I think we need to do that. May be looking at the basement to see if we can get extra space from there.

whenever youre adding a bathroom it ads up fast. basement you'll probably need an ejector pump unless you have the head room to do a step up into the shower for example. good luck

FlyingScot · 09-26-2023, 11:08 AM

Having had finished third floors and also finished basements at different times, we have found finished third floors get much more use--the light and sense of privacy is often much better. OTOH, a finished basement has easier access to outside. So it's a matter of taste and specific need, but I would not describe them as an even trade off

aydinlik · 09-26-2023, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Having had finished third floors and also finished basements at different times, we have found finished third floors get much more use--the light and sense of privacy is often much better. OTOH, a finished basement has easier access to outside. So it's a matter of taste and specific need, but I would not describe them as an even trade off

I agree. We also prefer to add the second story. However It doesn't make any financial sense with these prices. Contractors are very busy and material shortages are still a big problem. One contractor told us that it is hard to get hardwood floors these days.

I also see that there are more contractors available for interior work such as finishing the basements. Many companies don't want to do structural work and framing.

aydinlik · 09-26-2023, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sky's

whenever youre adding a bathroom it ads up fast. basement you'll probably need an ejector pump unless you have the head room to do a step up into the shower for example. good luck

According to contractors the biggest item is structural. Using different material for bathrooms makes some difference but not very significant.

aydinlik · 09-26-2023, 04:45 PM

Can anyone recommend some names for me as well for the second story addition project? The project is not urgent so i can wait.

John Mercier · 09-26-2023, 07:40 PM

I'm a bit confused. I thought you posted that you have had contractors bid on the second story addition, but didn't like the pricing; so it sounds like you have access to contractors. Why more names?

MorelloConstruction · 09-28-2023, 11:02 AM

Hello
My name is Nate Morello. My company is Morello Construction Inc. Specializing in Custom Homes, Additions, Site Excavation, and Septic Systems. We work in the lakes region specifically on shoreline projects and island projects.
If you want to email me some information I would be happy to take a look at your project for you.
morelloconstruction@comcast.net

08-28-2023, 01:39 PM	#1
chocophile Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 19-Mile Bay Posts: 109 Thanks: 14 Thanked 30 Times in 13 Posts	Builder Needed for Out Building in Tuftonboro I have a designed and permitted out building (small workshop and one-bay boat space) and I'm trying to get a builder to build it. I don't have an urgent timetable, but want it done by next summer. Located in Tuftonboro. It's probably 2 weeks of work for 2 people. I've had trouble getting my contacts returned, or getting quotes. I'm willing to pay a fair price for a good job. Any referrals to someone who would do the job? Thanks in advance.

08-28-2023, 02:44 PM	#2
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 864 Thanks: 233 Thanked 768 Times in 302 Posts	It's not easy... I am looking to have my entire deck replaced. It's a sizeable job and it has been horrible getting quotes. People come out and look and set the expectation that a quote will be forthcoming in a "week or two" and I never hear from them. One contractor told me he couldn't even touch it for 15 months from now, so he didn't even come out. Two folks that have provided prices and seem reasonable to deal with are Scott Compton Builders and the construction crew of Stephens Landscaping, (yes, they have a legit carpentry/construction crew now). Even though I have quotes, neither of them can touch it till sometime late Spring, 2024.

09-28-2023, 11:02 AM	#32
MorelloConstruction Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lakes Region Construction Hello My name is Nate Morello. My company is Morello Construction Inc. Specializing in Custom Homes, Additions, Site Excavation, and Septic Systems. We work in the lakes region specifically on shoreline projects and island projects. If you want to email me some information I would be happy to take a look at your project for you. morelloconstruction@comcast.net

08-28-2023, 03:00 PM	#3
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 3,752 Thanks: 1,966 Thanked 1,071 Times in 676 Posts	One of my neighbors in Meredith is having a new home built. He hired the builder over a year ago. They started about a month ago and said it would be a year to completion. It was raining lightly Friday and no one showed up, nor Saturday or Sunday? Being from Mass I'm just not use to this. They put new homes up here in less than 6 months. Most crews work at least 6 days a week with some working Sundays also, rain or shine.

08-28-2023, 03:04 PM	#4
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 1,896 Thanks: 193 Thanked 595 Times in 400 Posts	Will tell you it was 25 months to complete our recent kitchen/bath remodel. From the first email to returning of the key Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

08-28-2023, 03:59 PM	#6
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 1,896 Thanks: 193 Thanked 595 Times in 400 Posts	Yup. Around the lakes region the good ones are booked two years out. Worth waiting for Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

08-28-2023, 06:29 PM	#9
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 564 Thanks: 46 Thanked 104 Times in 75 Posts	We did a complete tear down of the kitchen, laundry and powder room prior to covid. Got rid of the fiberboard builder stuff the previous owner had when the house was built. This took one month start to finish and we thought that was a long time. How things change. ________________________________ I am a retires workaholic and continuing aquaholic

08-28-2023, 07:41 PM	#10
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 2,983 Thanks: 2 Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts	I think most brands of higher end kitchen cabinets are still out about 20 weeks plus shutdowns for holidays. Really a winter kitchen remodel should be started in June, and on-site will be in the winter.

08-31-2023, 11:16 AM	#13
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 2,983 Thanks: 2 Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts	Its actually very tough on that side of the lake. They are all going after some very high end jobs that take months to complete. I remember around 2016/17 when a lot of these younger contractors just entered the field. Well trained from the local high school programs that we had, but developing more skill in the field working on the older structures that could have various building techniques and components through the eras. Now they are all crewed up and doing large new builds and renovations. In Bristol, I still have more options on handypersons that do small jobs, but to travel to the other side of the lake becomes problematic.

08-31-2023, 03:32 PM	#15
sky's Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 250 Thanks: 55 Thanked 61 Times in 44 Posts	the estimating process needs to change. for some contractors or i should say good contractors with 10+ years experience should have a fairly close idea or a "ballpark" of the cost of the job. yes nothing is etched in stone like rot repair for for example. but the contractor has to ask "what is your budget?" from there both parties have to explain yes sir i think we can make that work or sorry i think were off on that budget. estimates take hours and sometimes days to put together its not like selling a tv or a new toaster. its a service we provide along with other sub contractors at times and this stuff takes time. for myself i try to disclose a ballpark up front and also ask the customer to provide a budget. if the customer refuses to disclose a budget than we will not proceed with the estimate process. for myself im 55 yrs old 20 years a contractor in the Lakes Region and this process has to change for both parties. Good luck to the gentlemen in Tuftonboro if your still stuck feel free to call me 603-254-4151

The Following User Says Thank You to sky's For This Useful Post:
Lesdeak (12-23-2023)

08-31-2023, 04:12 PM	#16
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 1,896 Thanks: 193 Thanked 595 Times in 400 Posts	Interesting take. Why can’ estimates be completed with a video phone call and photos. Ballpark the job based off assumptions. If those assumptions change the price changes. Must say as a 20 plus year lakefront property owner sometimes contractor estimates are based on “ he owns a lakefront home bump it up” Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

08-31-2023, 08:44 PM	#17
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 818 Thanks: 258 Thanked 259 Times in 157 Posts	Isn't $150 per square foot (on average) a good figure to go with these days? I realize some variations due to various situations......

08-31-2023, 08:46 PM	#18
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 2,983 Thanks: 2 Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts	He is making a ballpark on assumptions. He is upset with a customer that doesn't want to disclose their budget. It wastes time in our quoting; and for a contractor that is the ''kiss of death''.

09-25-2023, 05:25 PM	#23
aydinlik Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 42 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I have been talking to contractors about adding another story to my home. The cheapest price so far is around 350$/square ft. I even got a quote for 700$/square feet. All basic second floor with 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. I bought my home 5 years a go. If I pay 350$/sqft for the addition I will be paying more than price I paid for the place.

09-25-2023, 06:43 PM	#24
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 2,983 Thanks: 2 Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts	Demo for tearing a roof off is one cost, and the addition needs electrical, plumbing, HVAC... about the only thing not happening is a new kitchen. Have you thought of trying to re-imagine your space within the same footprint and shell?

09-26-2023, 11:08 AM	#27
FlyingScot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Tuftonboro and Sudbury, MA Posts: 2,210 Thanks: 1,112 Thanked 935 Times in 577 Posts	Having had finished third floors and also finished basements at different times, we have found finished third floors get much more use--the light and sense of privacy is often much better. OTOH, a finished basement has easier access to outside. So it's a matter of taste and specific need, but I would not describe them as an even trade off

09-26-2023, 04:45 PM	#30
aydinlik Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 42 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Can anyone recommend some names for me as well for the second story addition project? The project is not urgent so i can wait.

09-26-2023, 07:40 PM	#31
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 2,983 Thanks: 2 Thanked 529 Times in 435 Posts	I'm a bit confused. I thought you posted that you have had contractors bid on the second story addition, but didn't like the pricing; so it sounds like you have access to contractors. Why more names?