Follow up life plans

I have built and sold many houses. My houses were simple two and three bedroom homes, as small as 900 sq ft and seldom over 2000 sqft. The homes over 2000 sqft were custom homes. 

(Our house on South Main St. Belmont)
I mostly built ‘speculative’.  I liked it that way, every decision was mine. My code has always been: “I will  build nothing I would not live in.” My homes were complete with all appliances and normally a dishwasher. I have installed garbage disposals on occasion, but mostly at the buyers request at no additional cost.

(Ben & I in the one extravagance we allowed ourselves, an indoor heated pool)
I sold to one sharp lady who even squeezed an installed washer and dryer out of me at no additional cost. LOL

(The grand kids loved to play in the houses as they were being built. When Reece was little I would hang a swing from the ceiling joists for her)

I had friends who were General Contractors also, many laughed at me for not charging for appliances and ‘any extras’.  My answer was always, hey guys, I am happy with my profits. (One of these guys who made millions, died broke)

(NO! I didn’t build this one, this one is the home used for the set in Dallas, Anyone remember J.R. Ewing?)

I would always come back with, you guys are selling a $78 + $49 labor, garbage disposal, for over $300 when you add that to the financed costs, that is not fair to the buyer.

(Sherry andI were just as happy in this 24’ motor home as anyplace we ever lived!)

Now if you doubt me, figure a 30 loan of $117 at 6%. That is what you are paying when you add these small things to your house price. If a disposal does not come in the package it is much better to do without or save your money and install one yourself.
I miss building, just like most folks miss their chosen profession. Many time we miss the camaraderie rather than the job. Retirement is great for us. I can do a little building and construction stuff, mostly for free, to keep my hands busy.
This present job of course is for us.   That makes it a little more fun. This job is nearly thru.
Thanks for stopping by and reading this drivel.
Nite Shipslog
PS:  (Church bulletin blooper)
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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The Henry J was around for a few years, I remember the Henry J for one reason. Roger S., who was older than I by three years, stole one in 1950. He was caught a couple hundred miles down the road trying to sell the spare tire for gas money. What was unique, Dad being his pastor and Roger’s dad, talked to the Judge and the car owner; then Roger was allowed to go home with a promise to stay out of trouble. He had not damaged the man’s car, and the owner was willing to let it slide. Roger never again got into trouble.