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Updated 9 months ago on . Most recent reply
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New Construction Duplex Development
Hello everyone,
As last resort I am reaching out to the bigger pockets forum. There isn't much information / YouTube videos on new construction duplex developments. The goal is to build & sell, but worst case scenario maintain the property for a couple of years if it doesn't sell. I have attached a spreadsheet I've created on the following cost of developing a duplex. Currently seeing what has sold in my market, checking rent comps then working the number backwards.Professional input would be appreciated. (Linked for free use as well) Thank you in advance. https://www.icloud.com/numbers/001gDqWRq6WawXhBzkGU0fOpg#Dup...
20%-15% land accusation
50% construction
25%-30% sweat equity
- Permits
What is the laundry list of permits needed to to get started with a new construction duplex?
Architect & Engineering plans
Rendering
Surgery 1 & 2
County permits
Municipality Utilities District cost
These are the permits I am aware of, but I know there has to be more permits I could be missing.
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Cost Tracker | |
Lot Purchase Price 20% - 15% | |
Architect & Engineering Plans | |
Rendering | |
Survey 1 (Stake Corners & Elevation Cert) | |
Surveyor (Final Elevation Cert & Final Survey) | |
County Permit | |
Municipality Utilities District | |
Portable Toilet | |
Foundation | |
Silt Fence | |
Site Work (tree removal / 8in Dirt Scrape) | |
Concrete Slab | |
Framing | |
Lumber | |
Engineering Wood Products (Trusses) | |
Accessories & Lumber | |
Framing Labor $2.5 per sqft | |
Plumbing | |
Plumbing Turnkey | |
Sinks | |
Toilets | |
Faucets & Shower Trim | |
Electrical | |
Electrical | |
HVAC | |
Hvac | |
Interior | |
Windows & Material | |
Back Door | |
Front Door | |
Siding, Sheathing & Cornice Material | |
Siding, Cornice, Doors, Window Labor | |
Roof | |
Roof Deck Material | |
Roof Deck Labor | |
Standing Seam Metal Roof (optional) | |
Insulation | |
Insulation | |
Drywall | |
Drywall | |
Firewall | |
Hang, Tape, Float & Texture Labor | |
Drywall Touch Up Labor | |
Paint | |
Exterior Paint | |
Interior Paint | |
Extra Cost (Caulk & Paint Upgrade) | |
Carpentry | |
Door Handles | |
Cabinets | |
Interior Doors | |
Baseboards & Shelving (closets, utilities & Pantry) | |
Carpentry Labor | |
Counter Tops | |
Counter Tops | |
Mirrors | |
Mirrors | |
Garage | |
Garage Door & Opener | |
Driveway | |
Driveway | |
Flat Work (AC Pad, Walkways, Steps, Backyard Steps) | |
Tiling | |
Tile Material | |
Tile Labor | |
LVP | |
LVP Material | |
LVP Labor | |
Railing | |
Railing | |
Landscaping | |
Landscape Final grade | |
SOD | |
Flower Bed | |
Dumpster | |
Dumpster | |
Appliancese | |
Dish Washer | |
Stove | |
Microwave | |
Misc | |
Mail Box | |
Final Cleaning | |
House Plan Prints | |
Water & Electric During build | |
Refunds / Deposits | |
Refundable Deposit | |
Most Popular Reply

Hey Amir,
You are right, there isn't many resources out there that teach you how to do ground up development in Houston. It took me almost 2 years of talking with people and researching to push out our first project. I'm still learning everyday but now I Know enough to be dangerous. lol
What area are you looking to build in? The build to sell duplex market is some what saturated in certain areas of Houston causing a real problem for people using lenders to fund their projects. I like that you are open to renting the project out if selling doesn't pan out.
Feel free to send me a private message with questions. I am a Realtor, RE investor and developer in central Houston (I build Duplexes).
-Chris Kersey