All Forum Posts by: John Watson

I'm searching for a log cabin builder that services the Pigeon Forge area. There is a long list of builders that I found searching the Internet. Any personal recommendations? In terms of questions to ask a prospective builder, I have pulled the following questions, again from the Internet. Is there a BR podcast that anyone can point me towards or questions that I'm missing?

How many years have you been in business, and how many homes have you built? Are you licensed (where required) and insured?

What sort of new home warranty do you offer?

Do you only build from existing floorplans, or can I provide my own set of plans?

What are features standard in the homes you build? What are the upgrade options?

When and how can I make changes or upgrades throughout the building process? Do all decisions need to be finalized before construction begins?

What are the energy-saving features of the homes you build?

Who will be overseeing the construction of my home? Who can I reach out to with questions as they arise, and how can I contact them?

What is your process for inspections throughout construction, final walk-through, and addressing matters that need to be corrected or finalized?

How long will it take to build my home?

How and when will the final cost of my home be determined?

Can I view a current project you’re working on? 

Can you provide me with references or testimonials from previous home buyers?

@Chris Watson, great info. This is all new. I never had a well or septic system. 

@Paul Sandu, thank you. 

Thanks @Luke Carl. I’ll ask about the gas option for the pool. Good news on the water and septic. The cabin will have a septic and we’ll system. I assume the cleaning crew will take care of the garbage at the end of each stay. 

Looking forward to the Master’s Class next week!  

Ken Boone, exactly the details I’m looking for. Thank you. Any insight on water? I think I’m outside public water. 

Good afternoon from Germany! I'm looking for insight on the average monthly utility cost for water, sewage, electricity, internet, and anything else I may have forgotten for a 3 BR, 3.5 BA, with pool, in Sevierville. This is my first time trying to determine cash flow on a new construction cabin we are considering. Initial numbers are 21% CoC ROI. Is this good? I used Zillow for property tax and insurance and $80 per month for Internet and Cable TV. What am I missing for expenses if I am self-managing? Thanks.