I want to build a small house inexpensively - need advice, please!

Question

I want to build a small, bungalow-style 1-bedroom 1-bath house (maybe 400 sq. ft.) on land that I already own... maybe something like this:

http://www.houseplans.com/plan_details.asp?id=14649#floorplans

Because of zoning laws, I can't just build any old shack, and need to "do it right". I really can't afford to hire a professional contractor, and I don't have the skills to do it myself. Does anyone have experience with "hybrid" construction, where a contractor was used for some things, and the homeowner did other things? Trying to do this as inexpensively as possible, yet still obtain a quality structure. Water, sewer and electricity are already available on-site.

Answer 1

You might want to consider a modular home.  It isn't a trailer or double wide home. It is a frame house that is already assembled and is moved to your location.  You can have it completely finished out or you can have them leave things unfinished that you are confident that you can complete yourself. The less you have them do the less expensive the home. I don't know where you live but you can see what I'm talking about by looking up Lubbock Ready Built Homes in Lubbock, Texas.

Answer 2

I was the general contractor on my house.  I did a bunch of the work, but subbed out the framing, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and insulation.  I would have done more, but I didn't have time.  By dealing with the headaches, as well as doing the work I did, I saved over $45,000 on an 1800 sq. ft. house.  The best advice I can give you is to choose a prime contractor who can handle all of the specialized things, such as layout, excavation/foundation/backfill, etc.  They can also help with the permit application.  Many municipalities have minimum sizes for dwellings, so you will want to make sure that you can build a house that small.  Your building inspector can be a huge source of help, so make sure you stay on good terms with him/her.  Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Go to Lowes or HD and get a book.What you are asking would take weeks to explain properly.Basically 20X24 isn't that big(more like an outdoor shed