Thanks for the breakdown. That is encouraging. We do have some limitations because of mature oak trees that I would like to work around. I also have a shed that is to the left of the house in that image, but that is no big Ethan needs to go away or be moved.

May go back with a pier and beam instead of a slab after this...?

What is the thinking there? I am clueless. I've never heard of anyone in our area having pier and beam.

Might be cheaper than a new slab, and with a slab getting close to the trees will probably kill them or potentially severely damage them. A p & b set up would allow you to get closer to the tree without the trenching out and then compaction of material over the tree roots.

Thanks that makes sense. I'll ask our builder.

One thing to think about as well, how close will your insurance allow the tree to be to the house.

I don't know if it's better to ask or ask for forgiveness (but I don't think they forgive much and they'll just drop your coverage).

We had some insurance folks tell us that limbs and trunks can only be x/y distance from the house and roof. Don't know what your carrier's policy is on that.

Looks like you've got plenty of space up front to that 20' setback. I would maximize that if possible so you can have a bigger backyard.

Also make sure you build something that makes sense for the rest of the homes in the neighborhood. Don't build a McMansion of the rest of the homes are 3/2's lol

As far as slab vs pier & beam, its going to depend on soils. Regardless, your builder should get a testing lab out there to test soil composition for a new foundation. Should only cost you $1,500 or so. I believe CRI operates in that area if you want to get it done yourself.

We definitely want it to look like it belongs in the neighborhood. Our hardline HOA will see to that anyway.

FYI - Pier and beam was about 40-50% more expensive than a slab in my recent build. Primarily due to all the extra lumber needed.

The big advantage is access to plumbing, etc.not cost.

Corps_Ag12 said:

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Looks like you've got plenty of space up front to that 20' setback. I would maximize that if possible so you can have a bigger backyard.

Also make sure you build something that makes sense for the rest of the homes in the neighborhood. Don't build a McMansion of the rest of the homes are 3/2's lol

As far as slab vs pier & beam, its going to depend on soils. Regardless, your builder should get a testing lab out there to test soil composition for a new foundation. Should only cost you $1,500 or so. I believe CRI operates in that area if you want to get it done yourself.

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The soil testing is a fantastic recommendation.

This is good info! Didn't know that.

LOT of great info on this thread. I lost everything in the Cooper Mountain Fire back in 2011. I saw smoke start on Sunday, looked at forecast and knew ranch would burn on Thursday--it did. I had opportunity to photo and video all drawers, cabinets and closets. It is astounding how much CRAP we all accumulate over time. It was constantly on my mind for solid 3 years post fire and even last month someone asked me if I had X--yeah, I have that . . . wait, nope that was lost in fire. Our insurance sucked based on everything that was lost--19 miles of fence isn't cheap and wasn't covered. Hunter's cabin we had updated/upgraded from 1950's garage was determined to be valued at $30' by insurance. I can't imagine dealing with ordinances and codes in an urban area like BAM is/will be dealing with. We had to rebuild ourselves as insurance basically covered materials for barndo we built back. It was much better than what was there and was easily year+ process.

With your rebuild, keep in mind we're all getting older. 1 story is great idea and setting up 1 bathroom that is handicapped accessible along with couple wider doors is good idea. I say this from a realtor's perspective along with someone who's been through fire loss and have dealt with aging relatives & friends who've needed assistance after injury/surgery. Something else to think about--good luck, it will all work out and be fine/better . .. definitely overwhelming right now.

Damn, I'm sorry about your loss. That's crazy that they value the cabin at that number.

Good things to think about long-term on the rebuild. I appreciate that feedback.

I definitely haven't really processed all the things I lost in my mind. I got a few things of my dad's that were special, but I lost so many other things. Also, my uncle had made me a really cool fire poker in his blacksmith shop that I didn't think to look for. I'm sure I could've found it in the burned out rubble, but I just didn't think about it and now everything is demolished.

I don't keep lot of "stuff" . . . especially now that I don't have much any way. It is/was an incredibly unique mindset when you have 5 minutes to decide what you want to keep. Fire had cut us off Co Rd access so we stopped at house before retreating S across couple other ranches to get away. The only thing I left that I thought twice about was my wade belt and rod & reel--each item were gift from committee or someone I'd worked with. We grabbed my grandmother's quilt, deer head off wall, guns, week's worth of clothes and my laptop . . .

You'll recall few things over time but in the end they are just things--at least that's conclusion I've come to. Would I like to have various items, yes . . . but I'm doing fine without them. You and your family will be as well.

Again, good luck moving forward

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With your rebuild, keep in mind we're all getting older. 1 story is great idea and setting up 1 bathroom that is handicapped accessible along with couple wider doors is good idea. I say this from a realtor's perspective along with someone who's been through fire loss and have dealt with aging relatives & friends who've needed assistance after injury/surgery. Something else to think about--good luck, it will all work out and be fine/better . .. definitely overwhelming right now.

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Excellent suggestion, but I would do all 36" doors.

My dad ended up in a wheelchair and widening the doors in their old house was a lot of work.

Yeah, that is true… We will be racking up some credit card point! We moved into a fully furnished rental over the weekend and we will be here for the foreseeable future so I'm hoping to minimize accumulating a lot of stuff since we're gonna have to move again, but we are still going crazy restocking food and household items already.

That is amazing news!!

Bam I'm really sorry this happened, and I hate that I am just now seeing this thread.

I'm a long time Large Loss claims adjuster for a different carrier. If you still have insurance policy/claims questions please feel free to reach out.

I don't know much about Liberty Mutual claims, but hoping you were able to work things out with them vs. hiring a PA.