Today's stop: 4-level townhomes with rooftops, plus unsolicited details about my job/career/whatever

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/29/2018 at 18:16 • Filed to: houses

I’m putting out construction content again! While I can.

T hese guys build exclusively townhomes in desirable parts of Seattle (Ballard, Fremont, etc.). Easily one of my favorite accounts as well. No piss in the tubs. No crooked walls, no deviation from specs or floor plans. Affordable — by this market’s standards. In fact, they kept these as two bedrooms in order to keep the prices down. There is a large flex room with no closet that a buyer could modify, if they wanted.

The operation is run by three “good old boys.” The owner of the company is on site regularly, not on a yacht somewhere . They initially were a difficult account because the last guy who had them (who was also fired) screwed the pooch, and I was left to pick up the pieces.

Unfortunately, this could be my last time working with them for a while . My company is so backlogged, we are telling people we can’t do male stripping or chandelier hanging for *** 3 months *** which is a painful, PAINFUL, turnaround when our clients are trying to get homes on the market and sold. I ’m very frustrated with the situation and how I wish I could post more details about it. B ut I’m walking the company line and just rolling with it.

So anyway... floor plans were as follows:

Ground level: 1-car garage w/ some storage

Level 2: coat closet, storage, bedroom, full bath, flex room

Level 3: Kitchen and living room, open floor plan

Level 4: master suite: Covered deck, bathroom, walk-in closet, large bedroom.

Rooftop: nice view tho

I would never live in a townhome because, among other reasons, I have the knee of a 60-year old man. B ut I don’t hate them like I used to. At least you get a place to park a car!

DISCUSSION (66)

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:19

Not gonna lie, I love my townhouse. However, the next place is going to be a house. We(especially my girlfriend) are getting a little annoyed with always having neighbors on the other side of the wall.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:19

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

The CIA will be so pissed.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:21

I’m thinking that 1920's Dutch Colonial to the left of those new townhomes is not long for this world. It looks like a lot of new construction going up nearby, in what I would guess is an older neighborhood going through gentrification.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy
08/29/2018 at 18:21

Y es , being one of these interior units would probably make a man yearn for a scary duplex in south Everett.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:22

So if you can’t sell chandeliers for the next three months because of backlog what are you going to do?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
08/29/2018 at 18:23

I think that there are people literally knocking on doors of old little homes and opening up a briefcase full of cash as an offer.

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:24

Prices “down” to a mere 999K (from 1.1MM last month) ?

lone_liberal > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:24

I don’t love the vertical nature of the new style houses, though I understand the reason for it, but I do love that rooftop view.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/29/2018 at 18:25

Yeah that's the big question I'm wrestling with right now. Sitting here and thinking about my livelihood, shaking my head.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:26

“we are telling people we can’t do male stripping or chandelier hanging *** 3 months *** which is a painful”

But wouldn’t male stripping at a construction site with nails and debris around be MORE painful than not doing it?

Kinja'd!!!

LOL

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:28

Sounds like your employer should hire more workers to do that thing whatever it is they do to keep up with demand or they will end up shooting themselves in the foot.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
08/29/2018 at 18:29

No way, Jose. Two single-family homes (4 beds) that I worked in up the street sold for 1.2MM. They can’t possibly list these for anywhere near 1.

Chariotoflove > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:29

A friend of ours lived in a townhouse in an upper crust neighborhood of St. Louis. There is a part of me that would enjoy something like that, but even with a good elevator, I think having stuff separated over multiple floors would drive me nuts.

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:31

800K? or 888K? I dunno, as long as offshore money is looking for a way to buy in, things can be wacky. Affordable if you are a ranking tech manager, have endless sources of un-vetted cash, or have lucky parents.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/29/2018 at 18:32

They tried that and we're still somehow in this situation. We obviously took on more work than we could handle, but of course that was not recognized until it was too late. My output is identical to what I was doing last year, so I'm not exactly sure what's going, but I have an educated theory, which I cannot post on here. I feel really bad for my clients.

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:33

Yup. That’s my bread and butter right there!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:36

Maybe consider going to another company that does that thing you do but does it better and pays more monies.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
08/29/2018 at 18:37

I was just at a 5.1MM in Clyde Hill. Yeah, the guy had a great job, but 5.1?! I often wonder if there's some stuff on the side going on with those buyers...

smobgirl > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:38

But where are the chandeliers?

facw > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:41

I like these, though I wish they had found a way for a two car garage, or at the very least a double-long single bay. I also suspect that they aren’t as isolated from next unit over as I would like, presumably close to the minimum required for the fire code.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/29/2018 at 18:41

Mmmm there are roadblocks for that which go far beyond just work itself. I spent 8 years clawing my way up and I have a good (albiet, incredibly stressful) job. Starting over again (this is a very niche line of work) is quite a risk. Also, i t would be tough to have another company match my pay, seniority, security, etc.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Chariotoflove
08/29/2018 at 18:44

“Where are my keys”

[walk down four flight of stairs]

“Oh, duh. I left them on the nightstand!

[walk up four flights of stairs]

“okay... [wheezing]... ready to... go...”

[walk down four flights of stairs]

“Oh, SHOOT. Where's my wallet?"

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:45

I almost, almost, wish that was happening here in Toledo, but we have so much vacant land in the surrounding suburbs, that the inner city areas are just becoming neighborhood after neighborhood of low income, rental housing, vacant homes and/or lots. It’s weird that the downtown area is experiencing real growth, with several converted warehouse buildings and newer condo buildings being completely sold out, but it hasn’t spread to some of the older neighborhoods. I could buy house after house for less than $20K each, not that’d I want to, or anything.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > smobgirl
08/29/2018 at 18:45

Cabinets just set, pretty early in the game. I don't expect light fixtures in for another 4 weeks.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > facw
08/29/2018 at 18:46

When you can squeeze in an extra unit and sell it for bigly dollars, you'd kind of be crazy not to.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spaceball-Two
08/29/2018 at 18:47

YOU

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:48

Ahhh..... well that complicates maters. May I suggest going into used toyota carolla sales?

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:51

A man’s gotta eat

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/29/2018 at 18:54

No, but I will be opening a beer soon.

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 18:57

Paid 5.1, or was an old house bought for 2MM and a 1MM pile built on it, now worth 5.1 in an overheated market ?

Take a look at what a 5.1MM mortgage run s, 30 years at 5%, even with 1MM down. Yeah, it opens questions even if someone has a great job.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spaceball-Two
08/29/2018 at 18:58

How are you doing by the way

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
08/29/2018 at 18:59

I may or may not know of a local politician who allegedly makes $70,000 yet lives in a 3.2MM home in [redacted]. Hmm....

WilliamsSW > Chariotoflove
08/29/2018 at 19:04

In my younger days, I thought levels were cool. My condo in the city was a split level on the top floor, with 2.5 flights just to get to the entry. Sold it 5 years ago and my knees have gotten to the point where you couldn’t pay me to live there now (despite having a great location and rooftop view).

Now I understand why my mom and her husband moved from a 2 level place to a ranch a couple of years ago...

wafflesnfalafel > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:04

love love love the rooftop decks....

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:07

Busy! My construction and reno portfolio increased by 30% in the last 9 months. The OR market is slowing but we’re still going strong. Another kid on the way. Other than that same ol shit. How’s the new digs?

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:09

You are correct in that having a garage(especially if it gets to -10 or -15 this winter again) is awesome, but I’m sure a house could provide that too. Ohio’s housing market is a bit different than Seattle’s, though.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spaceball-Two
08/29/2018 at 19:10

It’s great. It ’s old so we’ve been fixing it nonstop, but the neighborhood upgrade plus the view is worth every penny. Slightly overwhelming in my darker moments. Wife is good, dog is doggo; work is aging me rapidly.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
08/29/2018 at 19:18

Well extreme growth has it’s obvious cons. Yeah your property is “worth” more, but your rising property taxes are are becoming a fat bill. If you want to get a nicer home in town, you might find it's no longer affordable for you even with a rising income. And even if the market pushes out the riffraff, plenty will remain. Seattle's homeless population is nuts. Everett and Lynnwood have tons too.

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:18

That’s why they make beer.

NKato > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:20

Hold on, you're part of an architecture company?

Chariotoflove > WilliamsSW
08/29/2018 at 19:20

Coming from the midwest, I actually prefer a two story with bedrooms upstairs. There are good thermodynamic and organizational reasons for it. But, obviously that’s not happening for me now.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > NKato
08/29/2018 at 19:21

Absolutely not. If I were, these builldings would be falling down.

NKato > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:33

Well who would I talk to about designing an affordable two story garage/residential duplex with an industrial appearance/construction?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > NKato
08/29/2018 at 19:36

Me, apparently!

NKato > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:39

You're being contradictory.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > NKato
08/29/2018 at 19:47

Oh sorry , I misread your post as “who would talk about,” versus what you actually posted, “who would *I* talk to about”

I would contact a local builder and get a referral for whichever architect they use. Ultimately, you could attempt to design the home yourself and submit it to a builder without an architect. I think in some places, if the square footage is low enough, the construction does not require the approval of an architect (I would recommend an architect though...)

NKato > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 19:50

The structure I want to build will use a generic industrial design for its bones and exterior. For interior, I want to have a garage that's large enough to accommodate a lift and two to three cars. The other half would be a regular home.

WilliamsSW > Chariotoflove
08/29/2018 at 20:01

I hear you. And I still prefer a second floor for now, but on the other hand, I can really appreciate a ranch with a bit of sprawl to it now.

Chariotoflove > WilliamsSW
08/29/2018 at 20:12

Problem is, sprawl takes land. I would have a much larger yard on this lot if I had a second story. Oh well.

Ranches can be really nice though, if y ou design separation from bedrooms and common areas properly. There are a lot more ranch choices here than up North.

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > NKato
08/29/2018 at 20:28

You can literally open google and search a rchitect, and then look at their portfolios. Even open google maps, and do the same. 80%+ of all architects (in Canada anyway) do primari ly housing.

My wife, who is an architect, has told me I am wrong, and the best way is to go to the regional (ie. Provincial/State) architect’s association website. For example, the Ontario Association of Architects lists all of the registered architects and firms.

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > NKato
08/29/2018 at 20:28

You can literally open google and search a rchitect, and then look at their portfolios. Even open google maps, and do the same. 80%+ of all architects (in Canada anyway) do primari ly housing.

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 21:09

But I am sure they earned it themselves, boot straps, hard work, winning, etc.

And if we tax them less, we will all eventually be living in villas or penthouses too.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
08/29/2018 at 21:11

thesystemworks.png

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
08/29/2018 at 21:28

Ooh, update. They were starting at 750, but he said t here were so many interested parties that they’ll all go for over 800... Well they were BRIEFLY affordable-ish

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 21:37

Welcome to Seattle. Housing for over-leveraged tech workers and sketchy residency purchasers, above all.

Let me guess, these are also “luxury” units, meaning plywood instead of particle board.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
08/29/2018 at 21:39

They’re not advertised as luxury (and they do use plywood!). Like i said, they just build in Ballard and Fremont and take in the Benjamins, as they say.

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 21:48

Fancy! Like an apartment, but you own it, and can reap the sweet sweet renter penalty/interest deduction.

I pity the fools in non-end units, I hope they have respectful neighbors. Funny to think Ballard was once not a particularly sought after area.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
08/29/2018 at 22:00

Not just Ballard, of course. Home values in Bothell have nearly tripled in some places. the future ain’t what it used to be.

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/29/2018 at 22:56

35 years ago you could still buy postwar tract houses in west Bellevue or even Clyde Hill for 75K. If the future continues at this rate, I can’t imagine.